Benice

If weaving a powerful message through a story is an art, then Metin Karayaka is the master of it.

Two best friends, Levend and Orion, arrive at Yalova, a fisherman's haven for a private party. The sight of little kids returning from their brief fishing expedition kindles a sense of reminiscence in Levend, who once used to do the same. They initiate a conversation with the kids by touching upon the subject of fishing, which later, drifted off to the topic of the private party which they came to attend. The kids express their discontent towards the party as it would hinder them from venturing into the seas for fishing, the main source of their livelihood.

With the audience around them in a somber mood, Levend decides to brighten up the atmosphere and quizzes them about "Mr.Ben", an enigmatic character who once lived in Yalova. The very mention of his name triggers a wave of responses from the kids. Seizing their elevated excitement levels, Levend starts to spin a tale about the adventures he had with Mr.Ben, later finished by Orion who chips in sharing his own share of experiences with that man.

"Benice" is a heartwarming tale about Love, Friendship, Fight, Treachery, Pain, and Heartbreak that revolves around the man who goes by the name - Mr.Ben and a host of other characters. Just when you think the pace of the story is flat, the unexpected plot twist hits you hard bringing you to the edge of your seat. The characterization of Mr.Ben couldn't have been better and the various shades he exhibited throughout the story will keep you wondering about his true nature. The dialogues were well written, the twists were well placed and the whole narrative seemed so natural. The biggest highlight of the book is definitely the climax, which had a profound effect on me in addition to the impact it had on the fictional characters. I adored each and every character in the story and overall, it's a book which would leave you teary-eyed but with a smile on your face.

I know its just the beginning of the year, but this one has rightfully earned a place in my Top Ten books of 2019.

BENICE IS A ROLLICKING TALE THAT BEGINS AND ENDS IN A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE.
Brace yourself when you open the pages of Benice! You are about to find out how a fishing village, pirates, sharks, a miraculous diving bubble, a sorcerer, ratlines, clarinets, and a parrot who gives the game away weave together into the best adventure tale I have read since the Wizard of Oz!

Fourteen year old Levand befriends a kindly fisherman who teaches him the craft. Settling into this new life of fishing, Levand never would have thought that a side job working at a local factory would lead to the adventure of a lifetime!

THIS IS THE KIND OF STORY YOU CAN LIVE IN, LONG AFTER YOU HAVE FINISHED READING IT.
The author weaves multiple narrators and main characters through the story as he slowly lets you into the world of Levand and his friends. By the end of the story, you truly know every character in the book completely. The curtains have been drawn back on the entire world and you feel you truly belong.

Once you finish the adventure you will discover the secret- but promise you won’t peek!

There is so very much love and warmth to this adventure, you really must share it with your children. In fact, this is the book to give as gifts to every child you know!

EXTRA ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ADD
WRITING
After reading the story, pick your favorite characters and describe them. Write it down for yourself. What do they look like? Who do they know? Who are their enemies? Where are they from? Tell the whole story of your favorite character. You will likely find it all here in the book, spread out in many spots and the story winds its way through the adventure.

GEOGRAPHY
Draw a map of where the story takes place. All the scenes in this story interconnect in space and time as well as just the story-line. The author gives you enough clues that you really can draw a map of the whole world that Levand and his friends show you as you read.