Age: 16
Title: Son
Author: Lois Lowry
Publisher: Houghton-Mifflin
Pub Date: 10/12/2012
Galley: Yes
Top 25: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Well as anyone who has read The Giver knows, Lois Lowry has an absolutely stunning way with words. I think that it's as close to a perfect blend of description and character thought as I've ever read. The voice of each character is so clear and deliberate, in a way. These are people who you're not meant to relate to, and yet you are at the same time. The development of the characters is so well executed, perfect timing throughout the story. And the dialogue is extremely well thought through. I think that this book is wonderful as the conclusion to a series, but would be great as a stand-alone book as well.
Memorable or Forgettable: I had a very close connection to The Giver as a younger child, and have followed the series over the years. This being the long-awaited conclusion, it stands in my mind as the end to a long chapter in my literary life. I think the same is probably true of others who have loved this series. In addition to that, the storyline of this particular book is so compelling, even on its own. It stands out from much of other YA literature in its distinctive universe and story. It's a dystopian future without falling into literally any of the clichés associated with the genre.
Cover: I love the cover from a graphic standpoint. It's interesting and eye-catching without resorting to cheap tricks like a half naked girls on an all black background. In terms of the actual book however, I really hate the cover. It gives no clues whatsoever as to the content. From just looking at it, it could almost be a book about anything. That's how non-descriptive it is. I think that it fit with the tone in certain places, but in others I feel it was very off.
Age Range: 12 to 18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Annotation: In the long-anticipated conclusion to The Giver, we are thrust head first back into the sinister world and its strange ways. We meet Claire, a fourteen year old girl with a strange tale, and we meet again with Jonas, Gabriel, and Kira as their stories come together and they struggle with the concepts of freedom and the boundaries of love.
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