2015 Reading Challenge #37: A Book with a Color in the Title.

This reading challenge entry really caught my attention. What does this mean? What was that ending? Crazy, it can't end like that!! I liked this book much more than the first one. I identified better with the protagonist, and her story was much more engaging. The tenderness and craziness of Mat undoubtedly contributed to this. It's a very emotional book that leaves a lot to think about. The way the author developed the characters and the plot was truly remarkable. Each page seemed to draw me in deeper, making it difficult to put the book down. I found myself completely immersed in the world of the story, experiencing the emotions of the characters along with them. Overall, this was a great read that I would highly recommend to others.

I very clearly remember not enjoying this when I was much younger. It was a complete surprise to my slightly more grown-up self to find that it is in fact fantastic. I suppose I was unaware of how much my tastes have really changed since I was 13. Especially as many of my favourites then are still favourites now, such as Inkheart, Harry Potter, Momo, and Terry Pratchett's works. However, I thought Twilight was the epitome of good writing at that time, so I guess things have really changed a lot.

Anyway, I digress. The point I want to make is that Gathering Blue is a truly fantastic book. Especially if it is read, like The Giver, a little as though it were a parable or fable. It has a simple yet powerful story, and the writing style doesn't overshadow the essence of the story. It manages to convey deep meanings and emotions in a straightforward and engaging way. The characters are well-developed, and the world-building is both imaginative and believable. Overall, Gathering Blue is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and beautifully written literature.

4 stars. WOWOWOW! This book truly surprised me. I began reading it right after finishing THE GIVER, and I have to admit, I was a little bored at first. The slow beginning really turned me off, and the sudden shift into what seemed like an entirely different world than that of the first book in the series was rather jarring. However, as the story progressed, the pace started to pick up, and WOOOO, I couldn't put it down! I have so many thoughts right now, so let's list them.


\\n  LOVELIES:\\n

Spot-on world-building. The level of detail was amazing. I felt like I was actually there in the story. And this was really good because, as I mentioned, THIS IS NOT LIKE THE GIVER. It has a completely different feel. While the world of THE GIVER was utopian and modern, the world of GATHERING BLUE is primitive and woodsy. I actually really liked this change of pace, especially since I know it will all make sense eventually. The setting just felt so solid and well-built.

THEMES!! There were all kinds of themes in this book. Yummy themes, deep themes, simple themes, complex themes, dark themes, beautiful themes...THEEEEEMES! I particularly liked the underlying message about artists, allowing a free-spirited person to create without being "forced" to do what others tell them. How the magic leaves your art when you lose your love for it. LIKE, WHOA. It really blew my mind. It was intense.

Kira. I still don't know how to say her name, but I really liked her. I liked that she was flawed and imperfect, but not in a cliché way. She wasn't your typical "something is going on here, I AM DESTINED TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS!!" protagonist. And I really appreciated that. I also wasn't expecting her to do some of the things she did, but it didn't feel out of character at all. IT WAS GOOD. SO GOOD. mmmmm.

THOMAAAAS. Okay, whatever. There wasn't actually that much about Thomas, but HE WAS ADORABLE NONETHELESS. A little stale cinnamon roll, too set in his ways, but!!! I HAVE HOPE FOR HIM. I also lowkey ship him and Kira, even though there is literally nothing going on. LOLOL, I'm a hopeless romantic, don't mind me. *cries silently in a corner*

Plot twists! THERE WERE SOME DARN GOOD PLOT TWISTS IN THIS BOOK. Although I did predict some of them, it was still awesome. Because I love to predict the unfolding of a mystery and then watch it turn out just like I thought it would. Still, there were some twists and turns that I definitely did not see coming.


\\n  SQUABBLES:\\n

Slow. So slow. Yes, the world building was good, but I felt like there was sometimes a bit too much of it. I also was NOT HOOKED AT ALL in the beginning. It was a bit confusing and just kind of "meh" to me. Also, the "inciting incident" that brought Kira into the world of the Guardians felt a bit irrelevant. IDK, it just seemed a bit awkward to me. I feel bad saying this because I'm not exactly sure what bothered me about it, but I was just kind of impatiently thinking to myself, "come on, what's going to happen here?" I started reading this book and then put it down for LIKE A WHOLE MONTH. But then I picked it back up again, fought through the slow parts, and was surprised by how intriguing it turned out to be!

I could have lived without knowing what Matt's dog was doing every 0.2 seconds. I'm serious. There was so much description about that dog, and all of it was 110% irrelevant. There was also a lot of useless description in general. It felt a bit too literary for a kids' book. But maybe I just have the attention span of a goldfish???

I'm confused. It was a little frustrating to finish reading THE GIVER and then pick this book up hoping for some closure, only to find out that it's a whole different story (seemingly??). I know this is a series, which means the story will continue and hopefully I'll get some closure at the end of it. But as of right now, I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS, SIR. I guess that means I should go read MESSENGER as soon as possible. ;)


In conclusion, THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. I was a little bored at first, but all the story's twists and turns took care of that without too much of a wait. I'm intrigued, surprised, and can't wait to read the next book in this series!!

Boring and predictable and trite - these are the words that come to my mind when I think about this book. It was not at all what I was expecting.

I had thought it was a continuation of The Giver, but alas, it isn't. I had hoped it would be set in the same world as The Giver, but I can't seem to find any similarities. I had even expected it to be science fiction like The Giver, but in that department, there is nothing along those lines.

This might potentially be a great read for a young adult who hasn't read The Giver or isn't aware that it's part of that so-called "series." However, for me, I didn't enjoy it one bit and couldn't even finish it.

To those who might condemn me for not liking a young adult book just because it's trite and predictable, please bear in mind that this review is solely about my personal enjoyment of the book. I fully acknowledge that others might have a different opinion and actually like it. So, please keep that in mind while you are bashing. :)

2.5 stars.

I initially thought this was a charming dystopian tale. I was actually anticipating a follow-up to The Giver. However, it turns out that the books are connected in the third book of the series.

The issue here is that due to this, both the first and second books conclude extremely abruptly. As a result, you're left with the feeling that you've merely read the build-up of a story and there's no proper conclusion at the end.

It's a bit disappointing because you get invested in the characters and the world-building, only to be left hanging. I was really hoping for a more satisfying resolution in each individual book.

Perhaps if I had known about the connection to the third book from the start, my expectations would have been different. But as it stands, I can't help but feel a bit let down by the abrupt endings of the first two books.

Although it is labeled as The Giver 2, this book actually has very little connection to The Giver.

Neither Jonas nor any of the other characters from The Giver make an appearance in this book. The only correlation seems to be the main characters' naïveté about the world they are living in and their role within it.

In the first book, Jonas's eyes are opened by the old man known as the Giver. In this companion novel, our main character, Kira, begins to see the world for what it truly is when her father, known as the Seer, secretly returns to her village and she learns about his treatment many years ago.

I found this book to be extremely slow-paced and not nearly as interesting as its predecessor. I was also quite disappointed in the rather abrupt ending of the book. Fortunately, it appears that The Messenger, The Giver 3, continues the story of Matty from Gathering Blue. So perhaps I will find some closure to the story in this follow-up book.

Overall, while this book has some interesting elements, it fails to live up to the expectations set by The Giver. I hope that The Messenger will be a more satisfying conclusion to this series.

Gathering Blue often receives an unjust reputation, in my opinion. After all, how could any book truly follow up the masterpiece that is The Giver? Seriously, it's a tall order. And Messenger is incredibly powerful in its own distinct way. Gathering Blue, being the middle book between two phenomenal reads, is often overlooked and people simply don't believe it can hold its own. However, I absolutely love Gathering Blue! I really do! I understand the reasons why it may not be as widely loved as the other two, but I just can't bring myself to have any negative feelings towards it. It's a softer story, ironically. But it is sweet and showcases great courage and a willingness to do what is right. I have always had a deep admiration for Kira. Her strength and kindness make her a truly remarkable character. And her journey of discovery is utterly fascinating.

This story presents us with yet another unique community, one that is vastly different from the Community in The Giver. This community is harsh and not sanitized, yet it is no less controlling. I am in awe of the rich depth of history and culture here, as well as the dynamic interactions and societal structure. The opening is captivating and Lowry is truly a master craftsman. This story gently tugs you deeper and deeper, much like The Giver does, but almost like a gentle lullaby.

I think Lowry does an excellent job of juxtaposition. The rough, survival nature of this community beautifully contrasts with the gentle, firm generosity of Kira, Thomas, and Matty. These characters possess beautiful gifts that their community either despises and rejects or attempts to harness and abuse. The artistic element and the attention to colors stand in sharp contrast to the black and white reality of The Giver, and yet we still encounter the rot of corruption and the decay of society.

This story feels like a mystery gradually unfolding, but it's as if Lowry is luring us into an inescapable trap. She has baited the hook and once we follow her, we are doomed to see behind the veil. I love her genius ability to first present and then dismantle facades. This community, despite handling the mysterious cataclysmic event of "back and back and back" so differently, is no less in desperate need of change. And just as Jonas bravely fought for truth, Kira's journey leads us to her own unique discovery and purpose for change.

I propose that Gathering Blue is every bit as beautiful and masterful as the other two books in the trilogy, even if it isn't as abrasive. It is misleading to say that this is my least favorite of the three because the difference between them is so slight. Also, as a sidenote, the title is absolutely perfect for this book. I love everything about it! I have no complaints. It's fabulous. They're all fabulous. Go read them! Read them for the first time or reread them. I can assure you that you are overdue, no matter how long it has been!

Content-wise, there is no swearing and no romantic elements, but there is some brief violence. The culture is a harsh and cruel one, but Lowry writes in a way that is still suitable for middle grade readers. She explores themes of control, imprisonment, deception, murder, and human worth. I would have no hesitation in giving this book to a preteen.

Considering how much I loved the first book, I don't really know how to feel about this one. The whole concept and idea was very interesting. It was about an archaic society that was also futuristic, where those considered weak couldn't be part of it. The thing that didn't convince me was the plot itself. Kira, a girl with a "defect" for this society, is brought to work for the finest people after her mother mysteriously dies of sickness, thanks to her talent in needlework. There she meets Thomas and little Jo, who also have incredible talents. Throughout the book, there are little peculiar things that got my attention. For example, they can earn a longer name with time, which is a cool addition. However, plot-wise, it lost me a little from the middle till the end. Even though it's very easy to follow, there are some parts that are still a mystery to me. The characters didn't help to build the entire story. I found them interesting but with little personality. The finale was also very predictable and nothing too exciting happened throughout the story. The setting and idea immediately caught my attention, but unfortunately, it faded as I continued reading.

Rewriting this piece, we can expand on the ideas presented. It seems that this work is more of a curious blend, attempting to straddle the line between fantasy and traditional fiction. The fantasy elements are rather underdeveloped, and while we recognize it as a dystopia, it leans more towards what could be termed an artist novel. There's this underlying "It's so hard being creative" subtext, cleverly disguised as a post-historical exploration of a small village and a girl's journey to discover her role within it. In essence, it falls into the YA category. Overall, I found it to be an okay novel. I don't have any blatantly negative remarks to make about it, except that, sigh, I'll admit it, I was rather bored. Maybe I should deduct a star from my rating, but today I'm feeling a bit more lenient.

I truly relished reading Gathering Blue. Although I wasn't as deeply enamored with it as I was with The Giver, the disparity between the locations where Jonas and Kira reside was extremely captivating to observe. Lois Lowry demonstrates remarkable proficiency in writing. Her characters are vividly portrayed, the world she builds is immersive, and the plot is outstanding. I have a great affection for her writing style, which is both uncomplicated and yet intricately crafted. It leaves me eager to witness how the series will unfold and intertwine in the future. I am on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how the story progresses and how the different elements come together. The anticipation is palpable, and I know that whatever comes next will surely be another engaging and thought-provoking adventure.

I really loved Lois Lowry. I truly did. She writes short and enjoyable novels that are not just for young adults and not just dystopias. "Gathering Blue" is the third book I read by Lois Lowry in a short time and the second novel from "The Giver" series.

Frankly, I thought maybe the story continued from "The Giver", but the plot and characters of "Gathering Blue" were also quite satisfying. It presents a world where you can't tell if it's a dystopia or a utopia. This line was even more blurred in "The Giver", but there was also a bit of it in this book. Lois Lowry loads the characters with such hidden meanings that I can't help but think if these characters and events symbolize something. The author writes very neatly and doesn't leave any loose ends. In the end, I don't know if I could make a decision like Kira, but I also understand the reason for thinking.

Normally, I don't like it when there is writing on the books I get from the library, but this time I didn't get angry at all. Elizabeth, number 230 from 7th grade, I read your book and I congratulate you on your book choice :).

And finally, the cover design. I admit that the covers of books are important to me and play a big role in my picking up and examining the book. For this reason, I skipped all the books of Can Publishing for a long time, and thank goodness they turned away from these mistakes. I can say "from their mistakes" with peace of mind because Can Öz, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Can Publishing and the General Manager of Socrates Magazine, expresses it this way and talks about how much the circulation has increased after they got out of the "single-type cover" mentality (see Nilay Örnek's "How It Is" podcast where Can Öz is a guest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAIij...).

Anyway, I don't want to criticize the person who made this cover design on the poster and graffiti, but I wonder who approved this absurd cover when the original covers of "Gathering Blue" are so clean and beautiful. The "blue" color they obtained is not a rose, and the connection of the tunic with the one in the image is also not there. They found two images from Google Images, added them on top of each other, and then did "add text" and wrote "Gathering Blue". Well done. Anyway, at least I read the book, and that's something.

Happy reading to everyone!

Well, that was fucking boring.

It felt like time was dragging on and on, and I just couldn't seem to find any interest or excitement in what was happening. The whole experience was a complete waste of my time, and I was left feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. I don't know why I bothered in the first place. Maybe I was hoping for something more, but instead, I got nothing but boredom. I guess sometimes things just don't turn out the way we expect them to, and this was definitely one of those times. Oh well, at least it's over now, and I can move on to something more interesting and engaging.