Book Review: Son

In the summer of 2013, I reread The Giver.  I was moving from first grade to sixth, and I had discovered that The Giver was the first in a series of books.  So I ordered them through a Scholastic Book Order and read the first three books: The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger.  There was a fourth book that I hadn't been able to get my hands on yet, called Son.  (This was especially strange because it was just released in 2012.  This one was available in a book order this year, and I snagged it right away!

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Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

They called her Water Claire. When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn’t exist. That she had become a Vessel at age thirteen. That she had carried a Product at age fourteen. That it had been stolen from her body. Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew. What was his name? Was he even alive? She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice. 

Son thrusts readers once again into the chilling world of the Newbery Medal winning book, The Giver, as well as Gathering Blue and Messengerwhere a new hero emerges. In this thrilling series finale, the startling and long-awaited conclusion to Lois Lowry’s epic tale culminates in a final clash between good and evil.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series.  As I mentioned in my review of the first three books, the books seem to have nothing to do with each other.  Messenger ties together the first two a little, but there are still so many unanswered questions.  Son finally brings a conclusion to the entire series.  It actually begins from Claire's perspective during the time that The Giver took place.  That was probably my favorite part of the story.  Seeing another perspective of what took place while things were changing in Jonas' life was really interesting.  The middle part of the book was pretty strange, and it is mysterious how and why Claire ends up in this new seemingly unfuturistic community.  Lowry never really answers that, but the end does bring about a satisfying conclusion.  

I gave it 5/5 Stars!

If you have read The Giver and the other books, I highly recommend that you bring yourself closure by reading Son.

Book Review: The Giver, Gathering Blue, & Messenger

Today's book review is a three book review for the price of one! 

Aren't you lucky?? :)

The Giver, Gathering Blue, & The Messenger are all books written by Lois Lowry.  I had remember that I read The Giver in 7th grade, but I really didn't recall anything about the story.  Once I found out that The Giver is one of the novels available for me to use with my 6th grade students, I decided I needed to read it again.  As it turns out, The Giver has three companion books: Gathering Blue, The Messenger, and Son.  Apparently, Son was just released in October of 2012, but I was fortunate enough that the first three were available through Scholastic's book orders, and I promptly used some of my bonus points to purchase the set.  I just finished The Messenger Last Night.

Here is an overview of each book from Goodreads.com:

The Giver
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 is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Gathering Blue
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 do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world and see what places exist beyond.

Messenger
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. Village was a place that welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. Matty has been invaluable as a messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous forest with his only weapon, a power he unexpectedly discovers within himself.

These books are not really like your typical books in a series.  Gathering Blue really has nothing to do with The Giver at all.  On more than one occasion, I found myself questioning if these were really companion books.  However, each book is good in its own right, and Messenger really ties it all together.  Lois Lowry has a way of ending each book that is not really much of an ending at all.  She leaves you wanting more.  So I will say, it was a little frustrating starting on Gathering Blue while I was left wondering about what happens to Jonas.  By the end of that book, you're left wondering what will become of Kira, and by the end of The Messenger, you want to know more.  Thankfully, there is a fourth and final book that I hope has a conclusion that does not leave you thinking there must be more to the story!  I will definitely have to seek that book out soon!

Even if you're not a teacher of Middle School Reading or Literature, I think these are enjoyable books.  :)

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