I didn't want to read this book because I'd recently read two other very good books that featured dead sisters (Tell Me a Secret and Losing Faith), but oh, how I loved this story. And despite starting from a similar place as the other characters, this book had something that the other two didn't: majorly HOT romantic scenes. Interspersed with poetry from the main character, prepare yourself to fall in love with this beautifully written story.
This historical novel chronicles the Fox sisters, three girls who unwittingly led the spiritual movement back in the 1800s. That alone makes for a fascinating read. But the story also follows the romance between one of the sisters and the best known explorer of the time, Elisha Kane. It's a story of survival and class distinction, of families and lies, and it totally pulled me in. Author Dianne Salerni has penned a script for this sweeping saga. I'm hoping the story makes it to the big screen soon.
Once I started this middle grade novel about acceptance, fitting in and staying true to yourself, I couldn't stop reading it. With a sweet romance (Are we noticing a pattern here? Maybe it's because I just had an anniversary!), wonderfully real characters and heart-wrenching choices, this story stuck with me long after I read the last page. Kekla is an agent-mate, but even if she wasn't, I'd be recommending this book.
Okay, so this isn't exactly a new book. I'm just a little late to the party. What can I say -- the guy on the cover always creeped me out so I never picked it up before. But with all the dystopian titles I've been reading, I thought it was time to go back to a classic. Was I ever blown away. The book lacks some of the action of the current crop in this genre, but it's obvious that 18 years later, authors are still using some of the world-building that Lowry created in this 1993 novel. If you haven't read The Giver, you really should. And I'm going to make it easier for one lucky reader by giving away a copy.
If you'd like to win a copy of The Giver, tell me your favorite dystopian novel in the comments by Sunday night. I'll announce the winner on Monday, January 31.
Even if you don't want to win a copy, I'd love to hear some of your favorite recent reads. I'm always on the hunt for a good book :)
Happy reading!!
20 comments:
Firstly, Dianne is my lady. Wonderful!! As far as dystopian, I haven't read many. I am reading Across The Universe, right now, and it's awesome. So, I'll go with that.
One book that keeps sticking out in my mind is Perfect Chemistry! I absolutely loved the moving love story! Yours look good too!
I loved The Sky is Everywhere, and it was definitely better than the other two dead sister books (both of which I really liked). :D
The Giver is one of my all time favorite books. The Sky Everywhere may be my next break read!
My favourite dystopian novel is Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins! It was a fantastic trilogy overall. Please count me in if this is international.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
Yes, I'm happy to ship internationally!!
They all sound great. I'm adding them all to my list.
(Don't enter me since I've got The Giver) It's a fabulous book, as is The Sky is Everywhere (I loved her fresh descriptive voice).
My all-time favorite dystopian is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Some others I've loved are MT Anderson's Feed, Pearl North's Libyrinth and Mary Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
Favorite dystopian novel: Hunger Games, of course. And I'd love to read "The Giver," I've heard so much good about it.
The sky is everywhere is already on my list. I may have to add Camo Girl. That sounds down my alley. The Giver is one of my all time favorites. You should read the others in that series.
So glad you got over creep factor and read The Giver. It's definitely one of those books that stays with you.
I just finished On Writing by Stephen King and am ready for my next read!
My fave dystopian is Hunger Games by far.
Just this week a writer friend couldn't believe I hadn't read The Giver yet!?
I know! I think I'm the only one!
I so need to get my hands on We Hear the Dead! I've been interested in it for a while.
Secondly, OMG, we are the same with the Giver! I haven't read it yet either, and part of it was I was also creeped out by the guy on the cover! But yes, I keep hearing how good it is and I'm all into dystopians right now. So yeah, maybe it's time to read it. :)
There are so many great dystopians to choose from! Right now, I'd have to say The Hunger Games, but I do love me some classics like Fahrenheit 451 and 1984, except 1984 is such a downer!
Fave dystopian is HUNGER GAMES, hands down. I read THE GIVER back in elementary school, and I have to admit, 9-year-old me found it "boring"... But I've been wanting to reread it, now that all these dystopian books are so popular, and both me and my taste are a little more mature. (Only a little though... :P)
So glad you read THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE. I love it so hard!
The first two are on my TBR list and I've never heard of Camo Girl (will be getting a copy). I love The Giver. My current favorite dystopian is Dark Parties. I read an eGalley and loved it. :-)
I have a copy of The Giver sitting on my desk. I haven't read it yet, but planning to soon.
I just got a copy of Dianne's book from B & N! I can't wait to read it. She's a doll! I (hangs head in shame) haven't read The Giver yet.
The dystopian book that sticks out the most in my mind is The Handmaid's Tale. It wasn't my favorite story, but the writing was fantastic.
My fav Dystopian novel would have to be The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. A must read!
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep... plus it has the best title :)
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