Messenger Paperback – January 24, 2006

This third story by Lois Lowry is a study in altruism and what happens then evil creeps in. The first book, "The Giver" took place in a city where there is technology, and people do not know what love, color, family, etc. are all about. Everything is dictated. All are the same, and those that are different are not appreciated and are breaking the Law in some way.Lowry's second book takes place in a village where infirmity is bad. It is a hard life, but there are families, most poor, and if you are found to have a Gift, you are whisked away to use it for the village. The story revolves around 3 gifts, and in particular, a girl, Kira, who has a twisted leg and is a weaver, and a young boy, Matty, who does not yet know he has a gift. He goes to a special village and brings back the color blue, in the form of a flower not grown in Kira's town and Kira's father. This story does not particularly overlap with the first story other than to show a different village in the same world.That brings us to book 3, " The Messenger". Here we are more thoroughly introduced to the village where Matty had found Kira's father. The village started as a truly altruistic community. Everyone was welcomed. Everyone helped everyone, and people, escaping other villages would find their way there. Here there is Leader, who later we find is Jonas from "The Giver". Matty and Kira's father, often called Seer as he was blind but "saw" so much, are also in this village. This is the story of Matty and the village. The people are changing and not for the good. As the people change, so does the forest going from hospitable and welcoming to actually being able to kill people. The village decides to close the gates to outsiders so Matty needs to go back to Kira's village as it is time for her to come home to her family. The journey is fraught with danger. It is truly a fascinating read. The imagery used to show the results of progressive evil using the people and the forest is amazing. It also begins to tie some of the book themes together.For a young adult, it is a fun read. Lois Lowry does a terrific job of weaving a story, painting a complete picture. For adults it has such depth. This book along with the other 2 gave me much food for thought. I went right on to the fourth story to see how it was wrapped up. Not to give it away, but you will finally get a feel for how the world was through the three settings and the characters. You also get to meet Gabriel's mother and see her journey as well as young Gabe, who is now a young boy. Happy reading!

I Couldn't stop reading! Would Recommend to anyone who likes stories about dystopian society. Love the way this author weaves the story

SPARROW'S THOUGHTS:¡ANSWERS!Yes, Lois Lowry has finally provided us with answers concerning Jonas and Baby Gabriel after the freakish, yet brilliant ending of The Giver. Thus, I will make it known, that Messenger has been my favorite read so far in the quartet; although, the page count is pretty ridiculous. I mean, 187 pages? Really? Okay, I’ll stop being snarky. ;)While I acknowledge that I gave Gathering Blue a pretty low review, I will say this: The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger eventually connect beautifully. So, yes, please read the quartet in that particular order if you wish to experience the fullness of a dystopian relationship between the stories.But what makes Messenger stand out between the other books!? The mere fact, that you are reminded that living amongst a community/family/city/nation is both beautiful and ugly, and how self-love, egotism and especially pride can easily corrupt and poison a society in its entirety. And who doesn’t need this friendly reminder? ;)Sadly, history has taught me that when a society is overthrown by pride and corruption, a martyr is the most effective solution. While martyrdom may not always mean a physical death, (though that is the legitimate definition), martyrdom may be displayed by ones self-sacrifice in taking the blame for something they may, or may not have done.IN A NUTSHELL:The Giver» demonstrates what a controlled community looks like when its leaders make every effort to prevent division, controversy, misunderstandings and painful experiences from ever taking place.Gathering Blue» illustrates how a society can be gravely affected by its way of reasoning, and how living in such a society, one forgets how to care and appreciate one another.Messenger» Exposes how a society, whose initial principles were founded on love, friendship, sympathy, compassion, friendliness can easily become corrupted by way of pride, self-love, envy and unforgiveness.» A wonderful thought-provoking message that challenges the reader to live in a selfless way» The characters were fairly engaging; I liked how the characters from Gathering Blue and The Giver all connected beautifully, and with their own stories too. My favorite character was the Seer; he reminded me of a Gandalf.» I was impressed with the book! It was worth the read :)3 THINGS I LIKED:+ The personal convictions the story delivered; I needed the rude awakening :)+ Messenger is full-on fantasy with a pinch of dystopia; not to mention, Lowry’s writing is wonderfully descriptive and thought-provoking+ I received my answers regarding Jonas and I was quite pleased :)3 THINGS I DID NOT LIKE:- Though I received a somewhat detailed summary of what took place after Jonas arrived at The Village, I didn’t get enough about baby Gabriel; nothing- The whole Trade Mart scene was confusing and flawed; I was left with unanswered questions- The origin stories of both Jonas and Kira lose their sense of realism towards the end of the book; I felt betrayed :(

Avaliação do objeto: chegou em perfeito estado e o exato produto descrito por informações é imagens

Good character buildup and description. Story of a carefree boy who ends up becoming a hero and saving his village.Every book in the giver quartet has an ending that is intriguing and it all comes together in the last book 'Son'

Buena presentación.

Amazing book series! My 12 year old daughter is obsessed with it, she requested I purchase the last two books from the series to add to her library.

Part of the giver series - kids had to read for school and I bought the whole set of 4 they are separate but the stories come together in the last book - great read