By Lois Lowry
Today we will be discussing a book from one of the most well known authors: Lois Lowry. A person cannot die without reading one of Lois Lowry’s book; she is best known for writing The Giver. Since The Giver is Lowry’s best known book I've decided to write about one of her other books that followed in The Giver series. How many of you knew there was a sequel? Well, to clear things up, Gathering Blue doesn't continue The Giver’s story; rather it expands on the concept of living in a futuristic world.
It all starts with teen aged Kira, who recently hasn't had the best of luck. While she defective leg is hurting again, her mother dies, leaving her an orphan; it is said her father was killed by the Beast during hunting season. Kylie wants to continue with her life but with a broken leg, no parents and her horrible neighbor trying to steal her property there is no hope, especially living in a society in which people that are considered “useless” die. Only, to the Council of Guardians Kira isn't useless; her astonishing talent for threading makes her valuable. Even her mother was shock by how quickly she learned to do things. Jamison, a worker for the Council of Guardians, soon becomes her mentor (almost like her lawyer), and convinces the council that Kira can be useful in completing and repairing the Singer’s robe (the person who sings the history of their civilization once a year). Kira isn't the only one the Council has taken under its wing. Thomas, another orphan, has an extraordinary talent in wood carving and has been practically raised by the Council to carve the Singer’s staff.
Now adapting to her new life Kira has to learn how to keep up with what she is being asked for. Kira doesn't know how to dye threads to make the robe so she is sent to Annabella, an old woman who teaches Kira the plants needed to create colors. Since Annabella lives deep in the wood, Matt, a young village boy who is Kira’s closest friend, goes with her for protection from the Beast. As time goes by both Kylie and Thomas advance in their work preparing for the big day, with some help from Matt. Kylie adapts to and likes her new lifestyle filled with food, clothing, shelter, and even friends. One day Thomas tells Kira that at night he hears crying coming from downstairs of the house they've been living in. Both curious Kira and Thomas go down to investigate, only to find a toddler named Jo who has been weeping every night. Jo explains that since her father has committed suicide, she has become an orphan, and the council has taken care of her ever since due to her breathtaking voice. The council has been training Jo to fulfill their hope that she might become the next Singer.
As Kira walks to Annabella’s house she hears a sound and starts to run, fearing it is the Beast. Annabella notices Kira is out of breathe once she reaches her house, and Kira then explains why she ran. Annabella only chuckles and says “there’s no beast.” Befuddled, Kira asks Jamison what Annabella meant but he only says Annabella is mad old lady. The next day as Kira is looking forward to another dyeing lesson she learns Annabella has died. Kira finds it impossible that a strong lady like Annabella could have just died one day, so she starts to analyze the few strange things that have happened in the past. She recognizes a pattern: gifted children suddenly become orphans and are taken under the wing of Council. Then an old lady tells her the Beast doesn't exist, and she unexpectedly dies. Adding to the confusion: Where did Matt go? He just disappeared.
Well, that's all I can say. If you want to know the ending, pick up the book and read it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the shocking ending. What I love most about Lowry’s book is that she makes us reflect on what our society may become one day. If you honestly analyze our lifestyles we aren't so far from living under these types of conditions, living in fear and with restrictions. Other than that, she also makes me thank the lord everyday for the freedom I have.
What do you guys think, are we far from living like this? Do we have enough freedom or do you think we live under the government’s complete control? Leave comments below; I really want to hear your thoughts. Due to some complications I won’t be able to post the next installment of the Shadow Falls series next Friday, rather the following one. Sorry for any inconvenience but this is a great opportunity for those who need to catch up.
My Rating:
