"I loved how a part of me, like Jonas, believed that his community was perfect but then as the pieces began to fall apart and Jonas' eyes were (quite literally) opened — my eyes were opened as well." — Miss Remmers
Release Date: 1993
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, YA List Challenge, Audiobook Challenge, and 100+ Reading Challenge
"Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives."
Before I say anything let me first start with this: the cover of this book is it's downfall. I understand why it was chosen, but really — this is the reason I never picked this book up before and this is the reason I will (hardly) never be able to book talk this book to a classroom of students. This story needs a face lift — literally.
Okay, now that that is off my chest let's continue.
I found myself swept away into this futuristic society and I enjoyed analyzing the pitfalls versus the advantages. I like the characters and (while at first the plot moved slowly) I could relate to the plot in an analytical sense. I loved how a part of me, like Jonas, believed that his society or community was perfect but then as the pieces began to fall apart and Jonas' eyes were (quite literally) opened — my eyes were opened as well.
This book is a fantastic read and I can see why so many love and recommend it... however, I have a bone to pick with the ending. I listened to this novel in its entirety so when it came to the ending I actually had to pull out my (new) iPhone to make sure I didn't miss a track because it ended that abruptly. I've had a week to think about it and while I'm not as upset as I was I'm still a bit... perturbed.
I mean, really? The more I analyze it I've decided that the ending could be construed as a Santa Clause/Christ ending (no further spoilers). While I am able to kind of see why Lowry would end it that way I'm still annoyed by the lack of (for the lack of a better word) depth and closure. While yes, it ends very poetically I wouldn't say that the ending had depth.
I also understand that there are two other books in the series, but after reading their synopses I don't see any direct correlation (or answers) to Jonas' storyline. So I think I'll pass — unless anyone recommends them? Anybody?
As for the audiobook and narrator in general, I thought it was fantastically done. I've been reading while walking the dog so I get in about an hour and a half of audio on a daily basis and I found myself going on extra walks with the dog to find out what happened. The narrator did a great job with the different styles of voices — especially with Jonas.
-Visit Lois around the web here: Website | Blog | Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook
To the FTC, with love: Audiobook from the Library