Son by Lois Lowry
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication date: October 2012
Pages: 400
Source: Purchased
For: Fun
Series: The Giver, Book 4
Claire didn't always live in her small community - she washed up on their shore years ago. She hasn't shared much of her past with anyone, but she still holds a burning desire to find her son - a boy that she gave birth to and wasn't supposed to even remember. She'll do the impossible to find him again, even facing a danger that few have attempted before.
Things I Liked:
I'm amazed at how beautifully Lowry wrapped up the stories in this series. I love the societies she's imagined and the uniquely detailed and yet still not entirely clear way she's described them. Despite the fact that thinking hard about how a world without color doesn't seem possible, it feels real. Claire's journey was fascinating, watching the choices she makes and the things she discovers about herself and her society felt natural. It's a testament to how well Lowry writes that a story without very much actual action can capture your attention so completely. I never got bored, despite its rather slow-moving pace. It's full of questions and thoughtful looks at our future and our choices. Great ending to this quieter dystopian series.
Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, I'm not sure how much teens and kids will relate to a story about a mother who will do anything to find her lost child. The feelings and motivations seem very much adult, despite Claire's very young age.
Read-alikes:
Read The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger by Lois Lowry first
Reminded me of the Matched trilogy by Ally Condie
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
not precisely described, but some action
Overall rating: ****
Which do you prefer - quieter, more thoughtful or action-packed dystopian literature?
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The Giver by Lois Lowry
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication date: 1993
ISBN: 9780385732550
Source: Library audiobook
When Jonas is chosen for a job that he never expected, Receiver of memory, he is about to learn all kinds of things about his community and his family. Every day he receives memories from the Giver and he learns a little bit more about how his settlement works and just what they might have given up. Will he have the courage to make hard decisions that might affect everyone he knows?
Things I Liked:
This is a perfect classic dystopian story and it never gets old. I love how slowly and carefully Lowry reveals things about the society and what is really going on. I love how we discover, along with Jonas, all the things that the Giver knows and remembers. It is such a unique and interesting world that you can't help but feel and hurt right along with the characters. I listened to this one on audio and I really enjoyed it just as much as reading it. What I noticed this time around was just how strange the idea of a memory-keeper would be and how impossible, yet plausible, the future society Lowry has created seems. One of the best dystopian books ever.
Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit I was slightly bothered by the voice our narrator used for Jonas. Yes, he's only 11 or 12 during the story, but he sounded like a very whiny seven-year-old. It made it harder to believe the things he dealt with and learned. I would have liked a slightly more mature voice. Still, it was not too distracting, since I still enjoyed the story. There is still stuff I don't think I'll ever figure out about Lowry's future vision.
Read-alikes:
Matched by Ally Condie
Maybe a little like Delirium by Lauren Oliver - for the world-building
Gathering Blue and Messenger by Lois Lowry (which are kind of sequels)
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
well, maybe a very few, but honestly I can't remember
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
more like mature stuff, not really violence
Overall rating: *****
Anybody not read this? Anybody read and not liked this? I'd love to hear opposing opinions :)
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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