Book Pages: Messenger by Lois Lowry

Back cover blurb:

“For the past six years, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man known for his special sight. Once, Village was a place that welcomed newcomers and offered hope and homes to people fleeing poverty and cruelty. But something sinister has seeped into Village, and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. All along, Matty has been invaluable as a messenger between Village and other communities. He hopes someday to earn the name of Messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous Forest to spread the message of Village’s closing and convince Kira, Seer’s daughter, to return with him. Matty’s only weapon against his increasingly dangerous surroundings is a secret power he unexpectedly discovers within himself. He wants to heal the people who have nourished his body and spirit and is willing to offer the greatest gift and pay the ultimate price."

Messenger, the third book in the Giver future era series, is a delightful read. But I am not sure if it's entirety can be appreciated fully as a stand-alone novel in the same way the other two books (see: previous two reviews) seem to accomplish.  While the story is unique and tells a wonderful moral about staying true to oneself, this book seems to be the reason the three books are sold a trilogy and not just as three books by the same author.  Matty, the main character within this novel, meets characters from both the other Lowry titles.  And it's really exciting for me to figure this out, since I am a fan of both the other books.

As with all things Lowry, this is an amazing book and should be read by all audiences (after finishing The Giver and Gathering Blue, of course! I especially recommend this book (and the series) to 10-13 year olds - the writing style seems to be targeted towards that age group.  However, as with any good dystopian literature, the message of the text reaches across all time and space to any age, and culture. And that is something I would trade a piece of me to see the world get to unite over...

Also, some exciting news for Lois Lowry fans! While this was to be the final installment in this series, I recently found out Lowry is releasing a fourth title in the group called Son some time with in the 2012 year. How exciting! I, for one, will be first in line to read it. And I hope you'll be right in line with me!

Works Cited:

Lowry, Lowis. Messenger. Laurel-Leaf: New York, NY. 2004. Print.

Book Pages: Gathering Blue by Lowis Lowry

Back cover blurb:

“Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given a task that no other community member can carry out. Although her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes that she is surrounded by mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world – and to find out what exists beyond it.”

Gathering Blue is the second book in the series of books that follow the story first presented in the world of The Giver. While this book is perhaps not as profound feeling as its predecessor, this is still a very enjoyable YA novel. Kira's world unravels around her (it's a play on words, get it? "Unravels"? She's a weaver? Hehe, good one, brain!) in this mysterious and somewhat mystical story.

While this book is a much different style and mood than I found in the rest of the series, it does do a good job as both a stand alone novel and as a part of a series.  As always, bravo to Lowis Lowry!

(Book 3 of the series is to be analysed next post... stay tuned!)

Works Cited:

Lowry, Lowis. Gatherin blue. Bantam Books: New York, NY. 2000. Print.

Book Pages: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Blurb on the back cover:

“Jonas’s world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community.

“When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from the Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now it’s time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.”

I love dystopian literature. Like, really love it. With all my heart. We can have debates over whether dystopian fiction is a type of science fiction or not, but I don't care - I love this genre.  Most specifically, I love when this genre expands upon its horizons to no longer just be for adults - I present to you The Giver, arguably the first ever dystopian novel written for a children and young young-adult audience.
This book is powerful, this book is beautiful, and I believe it should be read by every single person who knows how to read at a proficient level. I first read this in 5th grade. Rereading it as an adult has been a wonderful experience, and I encourage everyone to do something similar. It's an easily obtainable book, but still very powerful.

*author's edit: since I have posted this, my Adolescent literature class voted on the top ten books everyone should read before they graduated high school - this made the list! I'm glad 40 other people agree with me that this is a must-read novel. That's 40 people agreeing you should read this... So really, you should read this! /author's edit* 

Works Cited:

Lowry, Lowis. Giver, The. Dell Laurel-Leaf: New York, NY. 1993. Print.