Review: Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vaderpool

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, YR, 2011, Ebook, 384p, My Rating=5
Source: borrowed from library through Overdrive
Newbery Award Winner 2011

Winner of the 2011 Newbery Award.
The movement of the train rocked me like a lullaby. I closed my eyes to the dusty countryside and imagined the sign I’d seen only in Gideon’s stories: Manifest—A Town with a rich past and a bright future.
Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was.
Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.”
Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.
Powerful in its simplicity and rich in historical detail, Clare Vanderpool’s debut is a gripping story of loss and redemption.

It took me over a week to read this because my kids had so much going on (practices, concerts, boy scouts, activity days, etc.) that I had very little time to read.  Usually late at night when everyone's asleep but by that time, I was so tired that I couldn't keep my eyes open.  Anyway, few pages here and there made for a very long read but I enjoyed the story so much that in reflection, it was like I was savoring it, so yay!  Indeed, this rich historical fiction kept my interest.  I like the small town history and its simple and fascinating culture.  The mysterious weaving of the plot certainly was what set this to high standards for me.  It had sassy characters and heart touching story of family ancestry, love, fellowship, and fitting in.  Speaking of characters.  I love the names of the characters in this novel, particularly, Jinx.  Can you guess why?  Hehehe, my close friends call me that.  Anyhow, well done, Ms Vanderpool! I'm one satisfied and happy bookworm.

Review: I, Juan de Pareja

I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borten de Treviño, YR, 1965, 180p, Rating=5
Newbery Winner 1966
Source: library

When the great Velazquez was painting his masterpieces at the Spanish court in the seventeenth century, his colors were expertly mixed and his canvases carefully prepared by his Negro slave, Juan de Pareja. In a vibrant novel which depicts both the beauty and the cruelty of the time and place, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño tells the story of Juan, who was born a slave and died an accomplished and respected artist. (Goodreads)

I totally see why this won the Newbery.  From page one I was enchanted.  It had a calming feel to the read.  An autobiographical fiction that read so vividly that I felt as if I was there and liked this 17th century setting.  I felt honored getting to know the wonderful Spaniard painter, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, and his slave, Juan de Pareja.  The truth and fiction meshed so well that everything was believable and in my head what was told was how it happened.  What a thrill it was to be privy to such a look into a story of respect and friendship and not about slavery as one may imagine this might be about.  Definitely my kind of book and I am quick to highly recommend this as a must read. 

It warms my heart that this is targeted to young readers.  What a great example of integrity this would surely grant them. 

Simply, this story made me happy. :)

My quote-ables:
“The months went by, and at first I thought every day of Miri. But Time is a great traitor who teaches us to accept loss. I was young, and young hearts cannot always be sad.” pg76

“Lately I added a prayer for Miri, too. As I knelt, it seemed as if an angel folded me within his wings, shutting out all that was ugly or hurtful in the world.” pg 78

“But I am a slave!”
Is it a sin, then, to be a slave?”
No. It is an injustice. But I am a religious man. I do not expect justice here on earth, but only in heaven and I am not a rebellious slave. I love Master and Mistress.” pg 126




Qualifies for this challenge

"Bridge to Terabithia"

by Katherine Paterson, YR, 1972, 128p, rating=2.5
1978 Newbery Award Winner
**SPOILER ALERT**

The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay.
Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat. (Goodreads)

I had not seen the movie version nor really knew anything about this book (I know, I need to get out more).  So I'm reading along and BAM! when Jesse gets back from his date (I'll get to that in a minute), he was told that Leslie died.  I'm thinking, what the...!  I must have read that wrong.  Like Jesse I could not accept her death.  I too was thinking she'd pop up and say, psyche! (ok, maybe a different term in her time).  But no, she really was dead.  I'm totally in shock!  I couldn't get over it.  Anyway, the story moved along and ended with a sweet bond between Jess and his younger sister May Belle at the secret imaginary kingdom, Terabithia, that Jesse and Leslie created. 

Okay, so back to that date.  Miss Edmunds, a music teacher, got bored one day so she invites Jesse to go to the Smithsonian Museum with her and they go.  Whoa!  Someone explain that to me.  Even to have a reason for Leslie to go to Terabithia alone, I don't see why that was thrown in.  A different event could have been used to lure Jesse out of that meeting with Leslie.  Anyway, I just thought that date was out on left field ...inappropriate!

There was a lot of issues going on in this little book ... parents with their children, social status, sibling antics, classmate rivalry, teacher bashing, dealing with death, imagination, etc.  This had the makings of a heart wrenching tale but I was too much in shock to enjoy the death lessons, playful Narnia-like adventures, and sweet ending.  That date and the sudden death turned my brain and things just went on standstill for me.  I know people die and even kids, but seriously this particular case put me at a stupor.  I really really wanted Leslie to jump out of the bushes and yell, psyche!

"From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"

by E.L. Konigsburg, YR, 1967, 162p, rating=3.5
Newbery Medal winner 1968

When Claudia decided to run away, she planned very carefully. She would be gone just long enough to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. And she would go in comfort-she would live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She saved her money, and she invited her brother Jamie to go, mostly because be was a miser and would have money.
Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie had some ideas, too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same, and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she had discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too.
The former owner of the statue was Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Without her-well, without her, Claudia might never have found a way to go home. (book cover)

Excellent blurb.  And so the sister-brother team took on the adventurous journey of living in hiding in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The 7 day escapade was full of humorous dialogue, compromise, and discovery.  All told from Mrs. Frankweiler's point of view .. the old lady that had the mixed-up files that held the answer to the mysterious Angel statue in the museum ... was it by the one and only Michelangelo?

In the end, Claudia with the help of Mrs. Frankweiler was able to feel different ... not differently, hence, she was able to return home with glee.  She found the heroine in herself.

It would be fun to have the museum all to yourself to learn and play in ... just for a few days.  Any longer, I'd miss my bed too much.   Aahhh, the minds of young kids.

"Sounder"

by William H. Armstrong, 1969, YR, 116p, rating=4
*SPOILER ALERT*

"Sounder is no beauty. But as a coon dog, this loyal mongrel with his cavernous bark is unmatched. When the African American sharecropper who has raised Sounder from a pup is hauled off to jail for stealing a hog, his family must suffer their humiliation and crushing loss with no recourse. To make matters worse, in the fracas, Sounder is shot and disappears. The eventual return of a tattered and emaciated Sounder doesn't change the fact that the sharecropper's oldest son is forced to take on man's work to help support the family. His transition to adulthood is paved by the rocks and taunts hurled at him by convicts and guards as he searches for his father. But along this rough road he ultimately finds salvation as well."  (Goodreads)

Only the dog has a name in this book, Sounder.  The anonymity of the characters perhaps suggests that you can fill in the names from someone you know.  You might say, "Yes, my Uncle  Jafaris went through a similar hardship.  'That's how it was during those days.', he would exclaim." ... a universal theme of struggle.  And so it was for father, mother, son, brother, and Sounder in this book ... happily poor.  But coming back empty handed after food hunting with his dog one too many times, father felt compelled to steal food in order to feed his family.  But he broke the law and so he was sent to jail.  His loyal co-hunting dog, Sounder, ended up getting shot at in the process and off to the waters Sounder disappears to heal.  In the meantime, son takes on the role of man of the house.  Endures cruelty in his quest to see his father in jail and later his whereabouts.  Son longs to be literate and through the years in wait for his father to return, he was fortunate enough to stumble into a teacher willing to empower him with that gift.  Such an enablement gave fruit to hope amidst the sad, cruel, and hard life.

A touching story of endurance and patience.  Saddening and hopeful.

"Number the Stars"

by Lois Lowry, YR, 1989, 137p, rating=5
Newbery Medal 1990

"Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of life before the war. It's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town. When the Jews of Denmark are "relocated". Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be one of the family. Soon Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission to save Ellen's life." (Goodreads)

I've been trying to write this review for 4 days now.  I keep starting over.  I think I will try not to get too picky about getting the perfect words out because they are just not coming to me.  So, let us see what I come up with today and hope this one sticks!

My heart bleeds for stories about people who risk their lives to save others.  People who ban together.  People who form a Resistance for humanity's sake.  It is moving to know that there are people who care for one another enough to make meticulous plans and carry them out at perilous risks.  This was one of those books that can leave a reader asking himself, if given a similar situation, would he be as brave?  Maybe I cried so hard after reading this book because my answer may have been I don't know or flat out no.  Hence, I was left with immense admiration for those courageous people in the book that answered yes and a renewed pledge to be a brave person.

This was not a direct story about the Holocaust but enough of its aura resounded in Annemarie's reflective simple story.  The tension, the fears, the injustice, etc.  In reflection to that time in her life, Annemarie came to understand that lies, secrets, and not knowing every detail was part of life and survival during that time in history.

I am glad that this book was targeted towards young readers because this book showed a great example of true heroes.  That is a mark of an amazing book!

I am still struggling to describe how wonderful I think this book was and the indelible trace it left me.   Therefore, read this book for yourself and you might understand what I can't seem to eloquently phrase into words.

I will leave you now with a verse that stuck out to me:

 "That's all that brave means -- not thinking about the dangers.  Just thinking about what you must do." page 123.

Brief Reviews: The Cat Who Went to Heaven; Mr. Monk is Cleaned Out

by Elizabeth Coatsworth, YR, 1958,c1930, 62p, rating=4
Newbery Medal Award Winner 1931

A little cat and a compassionate Japanese artist bring about a miracle. "One of the thirty 20th-century children's books every adult should know."--The Horn Book

This is right up my alley.  A lovely story of compassion with Asian flair.  It also included beautiful illustrations and short songs. 

I think those who like Buddha teachings would find this interesting.

Mr. Monk is Cleaned Out by Lee Goldberg, book #10, AF, 2010, 289p, rating=4

In the midst of a financial crisis, the SFPD fires Adrian Monk as a consultant. Monk figures he can live off his savings for a while. Then Natalie learns that Monk invested his money some time ago with Bob Sebes, the charismatic leader of Reinier Investments, who's just been arrested on charges of orchestrating a massive $100 million fraud. All of Sebes' clients-including Monk-are completely wiped out.

When the key witness in the government's case against Sebes is killed, Monk is convinced that Sebes did it, but the man has been under house arrest with a horde of paparazzi in front of his building 24/7. Monk may be broke, but he's got plenty of time on his hands to solve this latest mystery... (Goodreads)

Man, did I have a great big smile when I stumbled into this book at the library.  I love the Monk TV series and hadn't realized there were books too!  This one didn't disappoint me.  It was classic Monk funny!!  I was totally picturing all the characters and enjoyed the read!  This is the kind of mystery/detective stories I like ... clean language, funny, and clever.  I get a big thrill at Mr. Monk's summations ... if you've watched the series, you know what I mean.  :)

A definite treat for Monk fans because as I understand it, the books are stories between the TV episodes so they're new cases.  How cool is that?! 

Brief Reviews: On My Honor; Catch-22

On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer, YR, 1986, 90p, rating=3
Newbery Honor

"Joel's best friend Tony drowns while they are swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt." (Goodreads)

I'm unsure of this book.  I see the power of conflict and moral issues being played out but I was left with the struggle of its brevity/ending/???.  Yes, I got depth by reading between the lines ... but something was off that I can't seem to pinpoint. 

In general, this is a good wake-up call and reminder for parents that teenagers are still children.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, AF, c1955, Playaway audio 2008, 20hrs, rating=3

"At the heart of Joseph Heller's bestselling novel, first published in 1961, is a satirical indicement of military madness and stupidity, and the desire of the ordinary man to survive it. It is a tale of the dangerously sane Captain Yossarian, who spends his time in Italy plotting to survive. " (Goodreads)

This was a hard read.  Satirical, bureaucratic subjects are not my strong suit.  However, Mr. Jay O. Sanders did a remarkable job at narrating as to give the characters distinct emotion and passion.  In that sense I was able to grasp the clever and intense points that Mr. Joseph Heller was conveying.  I laughed, I cheered, I got confused, and I was saddened ... after all, this was about war and using my widely used word lately, (war) sucks! ... people fight to survive ... people die.

"When You Reach Me"

by Rebecca Stead, YA, 2009, 199p, rating=4
Newberry Award Winner 2010

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.  But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late. (Goodreads)

A breezy mystery sci fi teen book. The short chapters and clever $20,000 Pyramid game show-like titles gave you a quick foreshadow of the chapter's content. Miranda's point of view gave you adequate feel of the people and things around her. I found myself feeling the emotions that Miranda was feeling. I felt the love, confusion, anxiety, fear, and joy as she was experiencing them.

The mysterious element as I understand mirrors Madeleine L'Engle's book, A Wrinkle in Time. I haven't read it yet so I had no prior predisposition. That said, it was still fairly easy to figure it out. Even though I had the I know who dunnit moment, the journey getting there was actually quite fun because when it finally got confirmed in the end, it felt good saying to myself, "I knew it!". Plus, it was an ending to smile about (not the t-----y of course, but ...).

I liked the all around tone of the book. The family bond, the friendship exploration, and the aspect of service like that of the Good Samaritan. Also, the probing into finding individuality. Furthermore, the overall feel of everything coming to full circle type of thing was nice to read.

Truly a fun little book with a big mysterious secret and heart to tell.

Brief reviews: The Whipping Boy, The 6th Target, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, YR, 1986, 90p, rating=3.5
Newbery Award Winner

Interesting tidbit that there was such a thing as a "whipping boy", someone taking the whipping for someone else.  In this book, Jemmy is the whipping boy for the royal heir, Prince Horace (aka Prince Brat).  So if the Prince acts up, which he often does, Jemmy gets the punishment ...boy, that'll teach the prince! (being sarcastic here).  Anyway, during the runaway adventure the boys learn about friendship and other things.  Like, although Prince Brat can be a dunce, he ends up having a tough skin afterall and Jemmy probably didn't have it that badly since he did end up learning to read and write ...not too shabby for a once orphaned rat catcher.  An overall good young reader book.

The 6th Target by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, AF, 2007, Playaway audio, 8.25hrs, rating=2.5
(The Women's Murder Club, Book #6)

I should actually start this series in order then maybe I'll like it better!  Oh well, I'm looking at it as a stand alone and it's alright.  The separate cases again tie up and that's pretty cool.  The love story part just didn't satisfy me.  Either Mr. Patterson needs to get with a die hard romance writer and really spice it up or eliminate the love angle all together.  ~Sorry Mr. Patterson, this one didn't wow me, but I did enjoy the 9th book.  :)

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, YR, 1820, 105p, rating=3

I'm not sure what I was expecting but I was a bit disappointed.  Although I don't remember much of the TV versions of this book (probably because the thought of a headless man scares the heck out of me!), I thought it'd be more exciting.  Still, excellent writing of its time and the book wasn't scary ... which is a plus for me!  ~Hmmm, so what did happen to Ichabod Crane?  I think he was like Zorro in training... hiding out until he gets the knack for becoming the next headless horseman.  ~BTW, I haven't seen the Johnny Depp movie version ...hmmm, that man's quite an eye candy ...I'll have to check it out sometime. :)))

"A Single Shard"

by Linda Sue Park, 2001, YR, 152p, rating=5
Newbery Award Winner

Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean potters’ village. For a long time he is content living with Crane-man under a bridge barely surviving on scraps of food. All that changes when he sees master potter Min making his beautiful pottery. Tree-ear sneaks back to Min’s workplace and dreams of creating his own pots someday. When he accidentally breaks a pot, he must work for the master to pay for the damage. Though the work is long and hard, Tree-ear is eager to learn. Then he is sent to the King’s Court to show the master’s pottery. Little does Tree-ear know that this difficult and dangerous journey will change his life forever. (from author's website)

This is my favorite Newbery Award Winner book that I've read thus far.  A simply sweet book.  I enjoyed reading this three years ago and again rereading it today.  I find books that exhibit a journey of learning and growth with Asian culture flair to be right up my alley.  I like the traditional humble feel of such breeding.  Thus, the story of Tree-ear was warming to me.

This book drills attributes that I find endearing such as:  hard work, honesty, respect, gentleness, and love.  Qualities that are certainly appropriate for young readers to aspire.  Not too shabby of a read for adults as well since we could use a tender reminder of the value of humility from time to time.  Consequently, this book holds a dear place in my heart.  So thus, I highly recommend this book ...just prepare to brace your heart though. 

My quote-ables:
"Work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away." pg 6.
"My friend, the same wind that blows one door shut often blows another open." pg 97.
"Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?" pg 102

Brief reviews

Another set of brief reviews.  It's too bad I can't seem to make time to make proper reviews.  I have so many thoughts I'd like to say about these books (and those previously reviewed briefly). 

Holes by Louis Sachar, YR, 1998, 233p, rating=4
read: 10/14/10

I'm going to cheat and provide you with a link to my friend's (Jzhun) review of this that I believe is incredibly well written as with all of his reviews... go HERE. ~Find his book blog website HERE and tell him I sent you. :)

How to Be an America Housewife by Margaret Dilloway, AF, 2010, 276p, rating=3.5

read: 10/15/10

A charming 4 generation mother-daughter story assimilating to culture shock and realizing the strength of roots. A nice cozy read.

Annexed by Sharon Dogar, YA, 2010, 337p, rating=3.5
read: 10/16/10

Bold undertaking for a YA book and for that I'd rate it 4-5 stars. But I'm not sure it really added more depth to Anne Frank's testimony ...that the book indirectly points out to do, so it gets a 3.5 rating from me.
Kaleidoscope by Sweta Srivastava Vikram, 2011, 19p, rating=2
read: 10/3/10

Kaleidoscope: An Asian Journey of Colors by Sweta Srivastasva Vikram, Poetry, 2010, 20p, rating=2

I won this book and I missed the part that said that it was a book of poems.  As you may know, poems and I don't get along.  It's mostly like reading Chinese characters to me.  What a terrible handicap!  ..When I tried really hard to understand, I saw something funny here and overall got an okay feeling.  I'm sure those of you into poems will find some depth in this. ~I still appreciate the win Suko and from time to time I will dissect a poem one at a time and see what I can find ...so as to train my brain into poetry.  Wish me luck!

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2010, 334p, rating=2

read: 10/19/10

I've come to like this author's style of writing stories that tug at the heart strings. This one though didn't do that for me. The Back to the Future, borderline incest aspect of the book was eeww-creepy ...just not my kind of romance! ~On a side note, Mr. Evans sure can write 'femininely'. He must be surrounded by lots of women or somehow knows how to channel womanly views because the character developments of the women in this book were for the most part, right on!

"kira-kira"

by Cythnia Kadohata, 2004, 2444p, rating=3.5
2005 Newberry Award winner

"kira-kira (kee'ra kee'ra):  glittering; shining.
Glittering.  That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem.  The sky is kira-kira because it color is deep but see-through at the same time.  The sea is kira-kira for the same reason.  And so are people's eyes.  When Katie and her family moved from Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop them on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering--kira-kira--in the future." (Book's synopsis)

I saw the Newberry seal and figured that it would be a good read if not great.  I suppose I was leaning more on great so I was a bit disappointed.  The story went a little too slow for me.  Right off the bat you knew Lynn's fate so it was a matter of finding out the 5 "W's"...what, when, where, why, and how.  I felt anxious to know the answers and of course it didn't come until the very end and by that time I was a tired.  I think I would have preferred a different beginning, which to say omit knowing Lynn's outcome, or a completely different middle. 

Of course, I did appreciate the relationship between the sisters, Lynn and Katie.  Their bond was admirable and I certainly can relate since I am very close to my sister.  Perhaps because this is geared more to middle-grade school readers ... I felt it lacked depth in developing that bond.  It's hard to describe and my ear is ringing at those of you who have read this and are disagreeing with me.  Any case, simple as it may be to me, it still packed a sweet taste of sisterhood.  A sweet taste as well of hardworking and honest parents.  It wasn't easy for them in this setting in the early 1950s, being Japanese in America but they persevered.

The ending was it's saving grace.  The coming together of Lynn's "theme" was revealed and quite heartwarming.  So if you want a sampling of a sweet family story then this is a good example.

"The Giver"

by Lois Lowry, 1993, 179p, rating= a resounding 5!!
Newbery Award winner

"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." (book's synopsis)

Holy cow!  This is an incredibly amazing book!  Not having read it thus far is another proof that I've been living under a rock.  I am totally at awe.   My horizon has certainly been broaden.  I am happier for reading this book!! Aahhhhhh!!!  So if you haven't read it already, what are you waiting for?  Stop reading this post and go to a bookstore or library or Kindle or wherever you can find this book and read it today!  Then come back here and finish reading this review.  :D

Okay, let me take a deep breath and compose myself.  Oh, I am lost for words but here I go.  Anyway, Jonas's community of  "sameness" will leave you asking, utopian or dystopian?  It depends on how you look at it.  How did you feel about the movie The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey?  Would a society of peace and order be better than a society of chaos but with choices?  Truly makes one wonder the worlds of the Amish, the Native American tribes, or such groups that subsist outside the mainstream culture.  We might think that they are missing out but are they?  Suffice it to say that specifically in this book, I am grateful for color, music, and love.  I like having choices and I delighted in Jonas's courage to go after them.  To me, the ending was a happy ending.

My quote-ables:

"The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain.  It's the loneliness of it.  Memories need to be shared." pg 154