the giver, gathering blue, messenger

Ok- just a little intro. I'll be reading a trilogy by Lois Lowry. I read The Giver when I was in 7th grade, and I loved it. I recently found out that it was only the first novel in a trilogy. I found the other two books, Gathering Blue and Messenger at the library. Instead of making three separate posts, I'll type my reaction to each as I go along and post them all at the same time.

Reader Response to The Giver by Lois Lowry

The inside cover reads:
"'It was almost December, and jonjas was beginning to be frightened.' Thus opens this hanting novel in which a boy inhabits a seemingly ideal world: a world without conflict, poverty, unemployment, divorce, injustice, or inequality. It is a time in which family values are paramount, teenage rebellion is unheard of, and even good manners a way of life.

December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve year old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretakers of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas has been chosen for something special. when his selectino leads him to an unnamed man-- the man called only the Giver-- he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world."

My Rxn:
I've caught tons of foreshadowing that I missed in passed readings. I oroginially read this in 7th grade and I absolutely loved it. I still love it. The Giver is outstanding on so many levels. It's thought provoking imagery about a futuristic utopia makes the reader question their standards of perfection. I love how the book leaves the reader hanging... and i'm interested in how gathering blue will relate to the giver. This one would probably be most attractive to the younger kids- 6-8th grade, but it might be an interesting idea to read it alongside Orwell's 1984 for comparison/contrast in high school. anyone who is a fan of science fiction will like this novel. One of my favorites, I would certainly use it in my classroom. It doth winneth the Word Nerd Seal of approval.

Reader Response to Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

The inside cover reads:
"Left orphaned and physically flawed in a civilization that shuns and discards the weak, Kira faces a frighteningly uncertain future. her neighbors are hostile and no one but a small boy offers to help.

When she is summoned to judgement by the Council of Guardians, Kira prepares to fight for her lfie. But the Council, to her surprise, has plans for her. Blessed with an almost magical talent that keeps her alive, the young girl faces new responsibilities and a set of mysteries deep within the only world she has ever known. On her quest for truth, Kira discovers things that will changer her life and world forever."

My Rxn:
A good story, great imagery, and more disturbing distopian imagery. Underneath a gilded cover lies a world of lies and cruel captivity. It did kind of drag in places, but it was interesting to imagine... I was kind of distracted because I was trying to figure out how this one related to The Giver. a nice sequel to a trilogy, it leaves the reader with hope at the end.

Reader Response to Messenger by Lois Lowry

The inside cover reads:
"Six years erlier, Matty had come to Village as a scrappy and devious little boy. Back then, he liked to call himself "the Fiercest of the Fierce," but since that time, Matty had grown almost into a man under the care of Seer, a blind man whose special sight had earned him the name. Now Matty hoeps that he will soon be Messenger. But strange changes are taking place in Village. Once a utopian community that prided itself on its welcome to newcomers, VIllage will soon be closed to all outsiders. As one of the only people able to safely travel through the dangerous Forest, Matty must deliver the message of Village's closing and try to convince Seer's daughter, Kira, to return with him before it's too late. But Forest hast grown hostile to Matty too, and he must risk everything to fight his way through it, armed only with an emerging power he cannot yet explain or understand."

My Rxn:
TONS of Christian imagery. This trilogy can be likened to The Matrix... minus all the gun violence, but there are other types of violence too. This one focuses on a boy protagonist, and we're finally connected to Jonas from The Giver. It's an awesome deal. This one doesn't really drag. i finished it in 2 days. I thought the main theme would be nature vs. man... and nature prevailing, but it's all about self sacrifice to save friends. LOVE IT. i think the giver is still my favorite, but this was a great series.