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The List #2
The Last Lie
Perfect for readers of The Giver and The City of Ember, The Last Lie is an excellent tool start discussions on censorship, freedom of speech, and the power of language.
Words hold power—and Letta wields them fiercely in this conclusion to the ALA Notable book The List.
The city of Ark is no longer safe. Before the rebellion, everyone could only speak List, a language of just 500 words. But when Letta became the Wordsmith, the keeper of all the words that have ever existed—she learned that being able to express yourself is what makes you human.
And now, the new ruler has wicked plans to eliminate language once and for all: If a baby never hears a single word, they will never speak.
Letta and the other rebels must find a way to defeat the evil for good before they lose the very thing that will set them free.
Selected Praise for The List:
“The fantasy book of the year. ”—Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of Artemis Fowl
A 2018 Notable Children's Books for Older Readers (ALA)
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“An intriguing speculation about authoritarian futures with a terrific cover.” — Kirkus Reviews
“An electric sci-fi novel with a strong ecological and moral stance.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"[A] well-crafted page-turner, as well as a compelling commentary on censorship and the role of language."— School Library Journal
“This novel could be compared Jeanne DuPrau’s The City of Ember (Random House, 2003) where the corrupt government controls the necessities of life.” — School Library Connection
“A love letter to the ways love and art can lift our spirits and replenish our souls in a world that often seems dark.” — BookPage
Words hold power—and Letta wields them fiercely in this conclusion to the ALA Notable book The List.
The city of Ark is no longer safe. Before the rebellion, everyone could only speak List, a language of just 500 words. But when Letta became the Wordsmith, the keeper of all the words that have ever existed—she learned that being able to express yourself is what makes you human.
And now, the new ruler has wicked plans to eliminate language once and for all: If a baby never hears a single word, they will never speak.
Letta and the other rebels must find a way to defeat the evil for good before they lose the very thing that will set them free.
Selected Praise for The List:
“The fantasy book of the year. ”—Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of Artemis Fowl
A 2018 Notable Children's Books for Older Readers (ALA)
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“An intriguing speculation about authoritarian futures with a terrific cover.” — Kirkus Reviews
“An electric sci-fi novel with a strong ecological and moral stance.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"[A] well-crafted page-turner, as well as a compelling commentary on censorship and the role of language."— School Library Journal
“This novel could be compared Jeanne DuPrau’s The City of Ember (Random House, 2003) where the corrupt government controls the necessities of life.” — School Library Connection
“A love letter to the ways love and art can lift our spirits and replenish our souls in a world that often seems dark.” — BookPage
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
60 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Forde
58 books177 followersPatricia Forde lives in Galway, in the west of Ireland, with her husband Padraic and two teenage children. She has previously published Picture
Books and Early Readers for children in Irish and in English. She has written two plays and several television drama series for children and
teenagers. In an earlier life, she was a primary school teacher and the artistic director of the Galway International Arts Festival.
The List ( The Wordsmith in the UK and Ireland) is her first novel.
Books and Early Readers for children in Irish and in English. She has written two plays and several television drama series for children and
teenagers. In an earlier life, she was a primary school teacher and the artistic director of the Galway International Arts Festival.
The List ( The Wordsmith in the UK and Ireland) is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 7, 2020
Clarifying Editions and Order of the Series
This is Book 2 of the series that started with The List. This book has also been published under the titles The Last Word and Mother Tongue. The List was also published under title The Wordsmith.
Review Introduction
A solid follow-up to The List. We meet back up with our characters shortly after the high action ending of The List. You could read this without reading book 1 but the context and characters will have much more meaning if you begin with The List. As before the intriguing premise of having language rendered down to 500 English words remains. Although there is a lot less 'list speak' in this book, so if that bothered you in the first novel then you will likely enjoy the reprieve here. This is because our lead gal and her cohorts are now outside of Ark and looking for some sort of safety.
Romance
Those hoping for some sort of love triangle (or dreading it like I did) will be happy to know that the issue is resolved in this book. Succulently, although the actual drama of it all is down-played to the primary plot to take down the rules of Ark. Although the romance in the pages is short and sweet it's still quite sweet. Perfect for a younger young adult (easily good for a 12-13 year old); but the average older teen might be a bit disappointed.
Change
The Last Lie is really predicated around one idea or concept. That change is required. Interestingly Patricia Forde makes it clear that change can be really awful (civil war, climate change, etc.) but also that sometimes change is required in order to 'move forward'.
"Change is always possible. It happens with with or without us. I’d rather be the one making the change."
The quote above really resonated with me as it's relevant for almost any situation in any timeline or world. Change is inevitable and it will happen, whether we want it or not. I have often been someone to resist change myself. Generally I resist change out of fear. Given the year 2020 has been (written Nov 2020) the whole world has had to undergo a similar change to one another unlike any we've needed to adapt to in decades (at least in North America). Forde reminded me that it's always better to embrace the change, and (if possible) be a promoter or leader of said change. The reason? So you can be (or feel) in control of the change; instead of just reacting to it you can be pushing it.
Language
The intriguing premise of restricting language so that people cannot communicate continues in book 2. To the point that in one scene our lead gal makes a poor choice so she can save the words from pages of a dictionary. It's weird to think of a dictionary page being valuable given that currently I can know the definition of a word with a quick internet search.
Forde also does an excellent job of showing how important a single word can be. Imagine loosing words like: freedom, violence, human, spirit or soul, war, peace. Some of these words we might want to loose but others would create a void in being able to explain concepts to children. And this is where Forde will really impress upon you a question that is terrifying at it's core:
What happens if a child hears no language for years?
Can they ever regain said language? Will they be dumber for it? Does it matter?
Overall
I really like this series because of it's clever use of language to create a dystopian world. The violence and romance is lesser here (making it suitable for younger children) than in other dystopian stories like Divergent or Hunger Games. And yet The List duology still has a lot to say about freedom and choice. As an avid reader and lover of any/all languages (I now get to code all day long for a job!) this story really draws me in. In Forde's world restricting words means that all grammar is removed and communication comes down to single words or short statements. Imagine explaining computers, physics, sex, love, or politics with a limited vocabulary; it would become impossible to teach complex concepts. Humans would loose much of their intelligence. The question that Forde tackles here is whether we, the human race, and the Earth would be better off if humans could say (and presumably do) less would it also result in less destruction?
This is Book 2 of the series that started with The List. This book has also been published under the titles The Last Word and Mother Tongue. The List was also published under title The Wordsmith.
Review Introduction
A solid follow-up to The List. We meet back up with our characters shortly after the high action ending of The List. You could read this without reading book 1 but the context and characters will have much more meaning if you begin with The List. As before the intriguing premise of having language rendered down to 500 English words remains. Although there is a lot less 'list speak' in this book, so if that bothered you in the first novel then you will likely enjoy the reprieve here. This is because our lead gal and her cohorts are now outside of Ark and looking for some sort of safety.
Romance
Those hoping for some sort of love triangle (or dreading it like I did) will be happy to know that the issue is resolved in this book. Succulently, although the actual drama of it all is down-played to the primary plot to take down the rules of Ark. Although the romance in the pages is short and sweet it's still quite sweet. Perfect for a younger young adult (easily good for a 12-13 year old); but the average older teen might be a bit disappointed.
Change
The Last Lie is really predicated around one idea or concept. That change is required. Interestingly Patricia Forde makes it clear that change can be really awful (civil war, climate change, etc.) but also that sometimes change is required in order to 'move forward'.
"Change is always possible. It happens with with or without us. I’d rather be the one making the change."
The quote above really resonated with me as it's relevant for almost any situation in any timeline or world. Change is inevitable and it will happen, whether we want it or not. I have often been someone to resist change myself. Generally I resist change out of fear. Given the year 2020 has been (written Nov 2020) the whole world has had to undergo a similar change to one another unlike any we've needed to adapt to in decades (at least in North America). Forde reminded me that it's always better to embrace the change, and (if possible) be a promoter or leader of said change. The reason? So you can be (or feel) in control of the change; instead of just reacting to it you can be pushing it.
Language
The intriguing premise of restricting language so that people cannot communicate continues in book 2. To the point that in one scene our lead gal makes a poor choice so she can save the words from pages of a dictionary. It's weird to think of a dictionary page being valuable given that currently I can know the definition of a word with a quick internet search.
Forde also does an excellent job of showing how important a single word can be. Imagine loosing words like: freedom, violence, human, spirit or soul, war, peace. Some of these words we might want to loose but others would create a void in being able to explain concepts to children. And this is where Forde will really impress upon you a question that is terrifying at it's core:
What happens if a child hears no language for years?
Can they ever regain said language? Will they be dumber for it? Does it matter?
Overall
I really like this series because of it's clever use of language to create a dystopian world. The violence and romance is lesser here (making it suitable for younger children) than in other dystopian stories like Divergent or Hunger Games. And yet The List duology still has a lot to say about freedom and choice. As an avid reader and lover of any/all languages (I now get to code all day long for a job!) this story really draws me in. In Forde's world restricting words means that all grammar is removed and communication comes down to single words or short statements. Imagine explaining computers, physics, sex, love, or politics with a limited vocabulary; it would become impossible to teach complex concepts. Humans would loose much of their intelligence. The question that Forde tackles here is whether we, the human race, and the Earth would be better off if humans could say (and presumably do) less would it also result in less destruction?
April 19, 2023
This book was amazing!!! I thought the first one was good till I read this. I loved it so much I finished it in one night. The storyline becomes so much more interesting in this book and is so suspenseful.
May 30, 2021
For me, this story lost all its spark. I loved the list and the imposed speech restrictions that were put on people. The Last Word still had this as a law, but focused on the main character in a different setting, so these restrictions and their punishments were pushed to the background.
With this being the case, the tale became bland, slow, rushed, and uneventful until the last couple of chapters. I had to push my way through it, though luckily it's not a long book.
Disappointing :(
With this being the case, the tale became bland, slow, rushed, and uneventful until the last couple of chapters. I had to push my way through it, though luckily it's not a long book.
Disappointing :(
July 4, 2021
Even though I did not read the first book The List (after I requested I found out this was the second book—oops), I think this was an enticing dystopian read. Since I do not have any knowledge of the first book, I can just assume that the first book focused more on the escape from Ark as this book focuses more on resolving the issues within Ark. Letta is the main character who teaches others, children and adults, words. Words that they have never known as they only knew 500 words known as List. She is called the Wordsmith. She believes that humans should be free to express how they feel without repercussions. But, now the new ruler of Ark, Amelia, plans to wipe out all language. She has stolen people's babies and is holding them captive while captive nurses care for them, but have duct tape across their mouths so no language will ever be used in front of these babies. They will never learn. Letta decides it is time to act, and no longer sit and wait. She makes some irrational decisions which lead her to some major problems. However, other freed rebels are there along the way to help. Readers will see how much strength and compassion Letta has to make the world a better place. Fighting evil is not an easy task, and wise decision making is a must. Lovers of dystopian fiction like The Giver, The Middler, Hunger Games, and Divergent will love this duology. Make sure you read the first book, The List, before reading this one though!
June 9, 2021
The Last Word is the second book to The List. I really enjoyed this book but along like the first one it was choppy and messy. Letta went through way too much during this book and I feel like although its about her taking charge and being the leader Finn and Marlo guided her and forced her to do so much.
It was good having Marlos and Lettas love story while this was going on and that it wasn't the main thing it was just in the background keeping the focus on saving Ark and being able to speak all words again.
I'm still wondering what will happen next now that Letta runs Ark and I would love a third book even if its 150-200 pages just on how Letta grows up ALONE without anyway pulling her in the way they want to go and how she takes charge rebuilding the vocabulary and the rules of Ark.
It was good having Marlos and Lettas love story while this was going on and that it wasn't the main thing it was just in the background keeping the focus on saving Ark and being able to speak all words again.
I'm still wondering what will happen next now that Letta runs Ark and I would love a third book even if its 150-200 pages just on how Letta grows up ALONE without anyway pulling her in the way they want to go and how she takes charge rebuilding the vocabulary and the rules of Ark.
January 8, 2025
This isn't even the first time I've read a sequel years after the first book, and it is not a good habbit. I loved 'The List' and remember reading it many times, but that was many years ago and I only recal bits and pieces at this point. So I wasn't always following what was going on, and that's my fault so no hate. Overall, still pretty good, if not a tad anticlimactic. My only complaint is that Letta made some incredibly impulsive and recklessly stupid choices throughout this book, and she was lucky to have someone save her time and time again. I'm not saying I know what she should have done instead, I just feel like she could have been a lot more careful because come on girl. Anyways, that's all.
September 24, 2023
Much like the first book in the series, this sequel is good for the younger end of the YA scale. The stakes are higher, but again you never get any real sense of how limiting a censored language can be because almost no-one in the book speaks “List” and when it does make an appearance it’s almost inconsequential.
January 22, 2026
we can write kids books with our message or agenda not being that obvious right?
May 4, 2020
I think this book is written for a young, Young Adult audience, but I was so intrigued by the idea I just had to read it and accept it was not an adult book. I enjoyed the concept. Some of the plot was a little higgledy-piggledy but overall it was an interesting theme to explore and I enjoyed the character’s journey.
September 8, 2019
The battle for Ark was only the first step. Letta and her friends discover that the new leader has a new, even more horrifying plan to keep children from gaining any language skills. They'll have to be careful, brave, and use all their wit to overcome it and save the mother tongue.
It's such an interesting concept, a dictator trying to control people by controlling their language and what they know. It's definitely a long term plan, but in Ark it's working, and that makes it terrifying. Letta is a very strong character, fighting back even when she has the opportunity to turn away and decide she's done enough.
The large scale fighting is mostly offscreen in this one, although Letta takes part in a couple of skirmishes. Her struggles aren't small, though, and there's a lot of sneaking around and trying not to get caught. Definitely one for adventure lovers! It's probably best to start with the first novel, The Wordsmith, though. The backstory is mostly explained in this one, but it'll still make much more sense if you read them in the correct order.
These are a brilliant series that will make people think about the language they use every day.
It's such an interesting concept, a dictator trying to control people by controlling their language and what they know. It's definitely a long term plan, but in Ark it's working, and that makes it terrifying. Letta is a very strong character, fighting back even when she has the opportunity to turn away and decide she's done enough.
The large scale fighting is mostly offscreen in this one, although Letta takes part in a couple of skirmishes. Her struggles aren't small, though, and there's a lot of sneaking around and trying not to get caught. Definitely one for adventure lovers! It's probably best to start with the first novel, The Wordsmith, though. The backstory is mostly explained in this one, but it'll still make much more sense if you read them in the correct order.
These are a brilliant series that will make people think about the language they use every day.
April 7, 2020
The Last Lie (The List #2) by Patricia Forde, 288 pages. Sourcebooks Kids, August 2020. $17
Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content:G ; Violence: PG (danger, fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Lotta and the Creators may have defeated John Noa, but that hasn’t meant freedom for Ark.Amelia has taken over Noa’s work and is more brutal than he was. When a spy infiltrates the safe house, most of the Creators are captured, but Letta and Marco escape to the forest. There they find out the true depravity of Amelia’s plan -taking babies and raising them without language. She will need to gather and convince allies in order to free both Ark and the babies.
Younger students who want to read the Hunger Games but aren’t quite ready for the brutality will very much enjoy Forde’s duology. Any teacher will find ripe fruit for discussion along many different paths. It is especially a great place to discuss why slave owners refused to allow their slaves to learn to read. Knowledge, words, hold so much power.
Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content:G ; Violence: PG (danger, fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Lotta and the Creators may have defeated John Noa, but that hasn’t meant freedom for Ark.Amelia has taken over Noa’s work and is more brutal than he was. When a spy infiltrates the safe house, most of the Creators are captured, but Letta and Marco escape to the forest. There they find out the true depravity of Amelia’s plan -taking babies and raising them without language. She will need to gather and convince allies in order to free both Ark and the babies.
Younger students who want to read the Hunger Games but aren’t quite ready for the brutality will very much enjoy Forde’s duology. Any teacher will find ripe fruit for discussion along many different paths. It is especially a great place to discuss why slave owners refused to allow their slaves to learn to read. Knowledge, words, hold so much power.
Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
December 21, 2020
Needs more editing. It felt like it needed 1 or 2 more edits to flow and to be believable.
To really enhance the obsession with Weber, maybe every other chapter being Letta POV them Weber POV to get his madness and obsession.
I was REAL disappointed in this 2nd in the series.
It is WAY rushed feeling. I don't have connection with the characters at all in this one.
It was also maddening at HOW MANY TITLES this book is printed under.
To really enhance the obsession with Weber, maybe every other chapter being Letta POV them Weber POV to get his madness and obsession.
I was REAL disappointed in this 2nd in the series.
It is WAY rushed feeling. I don't have connection with the characters at all in this one.
It was also maddening at HOW MANY TITLES this book is printed under.
August 12, 2021
Pirmas sakinys: Ji išvydo pailgą siaurą patalpą.
Pratęsimas. Su visai trūkumais: silpnesnis, labiau šabloniškas, plokštesniais charakteriais, filosofijos nebeliko, tik nuotykiai. Ir happy end‘as. Tik tiek, kad veiksmas vystomas greitai, tad labai nesikankinau: greit prarijau, didelių emocijų (nei teigiamų, nei neigiamų) nesukėlė, virškinimo nesutrikdė.
Tačiau turėtų patikti young adults. Ir tai jau gerai.
Pratęsimas. Su visai trūkumais: silpnesnis, labiau šabloniškas, plokštesniais charakteriais, filosofijos nebeliko, tik nuotykiai. Ir happy end‘as. Tik tiek, kad veiksmas vystomas greitai, tad labai nesikankinau: greit prarijau, didelių emocijų (nei teigiamų, nei neigiamų) nesukėlė, virškinimo nesutrikdė.
Tačiau turėtų patikti young adults. Ir tai jau gerai.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
Šita knyga yra nuostabi. Net neturiu ką pasakyti. Vos pradėjus skaityti supratau, kad man patiks, taip pat galvojau pradėjusi skaityti pirmąją dalį. Aš šią knygą tiesiog „suryjau.“ Daugiau neturiu ko pasakyti nes esu tiesiog apakusi.😳
P.S. Labai noriu kad atsirastų filmas🎬🍿
P.S. Labai noriu kad atsirastų filmas🎬🍿
April 26, 2021
Çok güzel ve sürükleyiciydi. İlk kitabın sonları daha maceralı ve heyecanlıyken bu kitap daha sakindi. Fakat tatmin ediciydi. Kitap, hareketliliğini dindirmeden devam ederken ara sıra durup bir şeyleri düşünmenize neden oluyor. Her şeyiyle çok beğendim!
January 6, 2020
Loved it
March 6, 2021
Loved the little two book series must say the first book was better, I think a lot of this was predictable and cliche at the end
August 18, 2021
Leta nužudė Arkos diktatorių Joną Noją, tačiau jo vietą užėmė dar didesnę tironė - Amelija. Ši moteris, nors ir yra tikra Letos teta, tikrai nerodo didelės meilės ar rūpesčio savo dukterėčiai, priešingai - Arkoje mergaitė ieškoma už tai, kad nužudė valdovą Joną Noją. Pati Leta šiuo metu gyvena miške su naujais draugais, šventvagiais. Ten ji vadovauja slaptai mokyklai, kurioje moko vaikus uždraustos kalbos. O naujoji Arkos valdovė kasdien kurpia vis šiurpesnius planus. Dabar ji sugalvojo iš tėvų atimti jų ką tik gimusius kūdikius ir juos paslėpti taip, kad niekas nerastų. Amelija tai daro todėl, kad, jos nuomone, jei kūdikiai nuo mažų dienų negirdės kalbos ir žodžių, jie visą gyvenimą nebekalbės. Juk toks visada buvo jos ir Jono Nojo tikslas. Tačiau Leta su bendražygiais yra pasiruošusi tam sukliudyti...
Antroji trilogijos dalis mano rankose „ištirpo“ taip pat greitai kaip ir pirmoji. Manau, taip nutiko todėl, kad veiksmas šiose knygose prasideda jau nuo pačių pirmųjų puslapių ir rutuliojasi taip gretai, kad vos tik spėji viską sekti! Kiekvienas puslapis į skaitytojo širdį įneša vis naujos sumaišties, naujų dvejonių ir klausimų, kurie vis kirbina protą.
Autorė, Patricia Forde, parašydama šią knygų seriją, mano nuomone, sukūrė tikrą originalumo bombos užtaisą! Bent jau man, dar kol kas nėra tekę skaityti tokių knygų, kuriose tokiu, jaunimui suprantamu, pateikimu būtų išaukštinta kalbos svarba.
Asmeniškai man pasirodė, kad būtent šioje dalyje labiau gilinamasi į žmogaus vidų ir jo charakterio bruožus. Žinoma, temomis, kurios dominavo pirmoje dalyje (kalbos svarba, klimato atšilimo klausimas, meilė), toliau kalbama ir antroje dalyje. Tiesa, šioje dalyje parodomas Amelijos šaltakraujiškumas ir žiaurumas kūdikių atžvilgiu, kuris dar labiau išaukština ir sustiprina tai, kad kalba žmogui labai svarbi jau nuo pirmųjų jo gyvenimo akimirkų.
Dabar trumpai aptarsiu, kokios žmogaus savybės labiausiai jaučiasi, skaitant šią knygą. Visų pirma, drąsa bei ryžtas. Mano nuomone, šie du bruožai atsispindi Letos asmenybėje. Nemanau, jog daugelis jos amžiaus žmonių galėtų taip rizikingai elgtis tokioje sudėtingoje bei gyvybei pavojingoje situacijoje.
Antra, ką norėčiau išskirti, - tai žmogiškumas ir geraširdiškumas. Leta, nužudžiusi du blogiečius, kurie padarė daug baisių dalykų ir galėjo padaryti dar daugiau, vis tiek be galo kaltino save už jų mirtis. Mergaitę kasdien graužė sąžinė. Manau, tokiu bruožu pasižymi tikrai ne visi. Kiti padaro nusikaltimą ir mažiausiai dėl to suka galvą, žiūri į visą susiklosčiusią situaciją abejingu žvilgsniu ir dar bando įrodyti, jog jie nekalti, o apie jų sąžinę išvis nebekalbu.
Pačios šilčiausios ir nuoširdžiausios rekomendacijos iš mano lūpų skrieja šiai distopinei paauglių knygai, kadangi tai tikrai puiki istorija. Ypatingai ją perskaityti noriu paraginti jaunimą. Nuostabus knygos pateikimas, suprantamai išdėstytos svarbios, aktualumu pasižyminčios temos bei mintys. Ši knygų serija - puikus pasirinkimas tiems, kas ieško ne vien tik knyginių nuotykių, bet ir gilaus požiūrio į mus supantį pasaulį.
„Kalba - tai ginklas.“
„Mes visi klystame, bet didžiausia klaida būtų pasiduoti.“
„Muzika - tai lyg upė. Upė, kuri tave neša ir sukelia įvairiausius jausmus. Meilę, sielvartą, džiaugsmą. Ji neapsakomai galinga. Kaip stiprūs burtai.“
5/5⭐
Antroji trilogijos dalis mano rankose „ištirpo“ taip pat greitai kaip ir pirmoji. Manau, taip nutiko todėl, kad veiksmas šiose knygose prasideda jau nuo pačių pirmųjų puslapių ir rutuliojasi taip gretai, kad vos tik spėji viską sekti! Kiekvienas puslapis į skaitytojo širdį įneša vis naujos sumaišties, naujų dvejonių ir klausimų, kurie vis kirbina protą.
Autorė, Patricia Forde, parašydama šią knygų seriją, mano nuomone, sukūrė tikrą originalumo bombos užtaisą! Bent jau man, dar kol kas nėra tekę skaityti tokių knygų, kuriose tokiu, jaunimui suprantamu, pateikimu būtų išaukštinta kalbos svarba.
Asmeniškai man pasirodė, kad būtent šioje dalyje labiau gilinamasi į žmogaus vidų ir jo charakterio bruožus. Žinoma, temomis, kurios dominavo pirmoje dalyje (kalbos svarba, klimato atšilimo klausimas, meilė), toliau kalbama ir antroje dalyje. Tiesa, šioje dalyje parodomas Amelijos šaltakraujiškumas ir žiaurumas kūdikių atžvilgiu, kuris dar labiau išaukština ir sustiprina tai, kad kalba žmogui labai svarbi jau nuo pirmųjų jo gyvenimo akimirkų.
Dabar trumpai aptarsiu, kokios žmogaus savybės labiausiai jaučiasi, skaitant šią knygą. Visų pirma, drąsa bei ryžtas. Mano nuomone, šie du bruožai atsispindi Letos asmenybėje. Nemanau, jog daugelis jos amžiaus žmonių galėtų taip rizikingai elgtis tokioje sudėtingoje bei gyvybei pavojingoje situacijoje.
Antra, ką norėčiau išskirti, - tai žmogiškumas ir geraširdiškumas. Leta, nužudžiusi du blogiečius, kurie padarė daug baisių dalykų ir galėjo padaryti dar daugiau, vis tiek be galo kaltino save už jų mirtis. Mergaitę kasdien graužė sąžinė. Manau, tokiu bruožu pasižymi tikrai ne visi. Kiti padaro nusikaltimą ir mažiausiai dėl to suka galvą, žiūri į visą susiklosčiusią situaciją abejingu žvilgsniu ir dar bando įrodyti, jog jie nekalti, o apie jų sąžinę išvis nebekalbu.
Pačios šilčiausios ir nuoširdžiausios rekomendacijos iš mano lūpų skrieja šiai distopinei paauglių knygai, kadangi tai tikrai puiki istorija. Ypatingai ją perskaityti noriu paraginti jaunimą. Nuostabus knygos pateikimas, suprantamai išdėstytos svarbios, aktualumu pasižyminčios temos bei mintys. Ši knygų serija - puikus pasirinkimas tiems, kas ieško ne vien tik knyginių nuotykių, bet ir gilaus požiūrio į mus supantį pasaulį.
„Kalba - tai ginklas.“
„Mes visi klystame, bet didžiausia klaida būtų pasiduoti.“
„Muzika - tai lyg upė. Upė, kuri tave neša ir sukelia įvairiausius jausmus. Meilę, sielvartą, džiaugsmą. Ji neapsakomai galinga. Kaip stiprūs burtai.“
5/5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2023
Kitap yorumum:İlk kitaba göre Letta çok değişmişti küçük çocuk gibi davranıyor ,yapma denileni yapıyor sonra üzülüyor saçmaydı biraz,Marlo’da ilk kısımlarda Letta’ya biraz soğuk gibiydi,Letta bencil biri olmuş.Onun dışında kendim ara ara bölümlere bakınca biraz spoiler yedim ama olsun güzeldi.
Letta üretkenlerle yaşamaya başlayınca oraya alışıyor, bazı çocuklara ders veriyor .Ark’a gizli bir şey için gittiklerinde Carl adında biriyle tanışıyorlar ve Letta’nın ısrarı üzerine onuda alıyorlar sığınaklarına.Carl hainlik yapıp onları ifşa ediyor Finn ve grubu yakalanıyor o sırada Letta’nın isteği üzerine onun dükkanına gittikleri için Letta ve Marlo yakalanmıyor ama Carldan haber alan bir polis evde saklanıyor onlar gelince ortaya çıkıyor Letta ,polisi vuruyor kaçıyorlar.Marlo olanlar için üzülüyor ama güvenli bir yer bulmak zorunda oldukları için beraber hareket ediyorlar.Edgeware’in evine gidiyorlar sonra oradada polis baskın yapıyor yakalanmıyorlar fakat oranında güvenli olmadığını gördükleri için Edgeware’ide alıp kuzeye gidiyorlar.Orada bir eve bakıyorlar Letta gazete olduğunu görüyor ve kelimeleri defterine kaydetmeye başlıyor 5-10 dk’da.Edgeware gitmeleri gerektiğini söylüyor Letta’nın aklı orada kalsada yinede gidiyorlar.Letta akşam tekrar bu eve geliyor evdeki yaşayan adam onu bulup bağlıyor ,Marlo onu kurtarmaya geliyor.Adamın kaçırılan bebekler hakkında konuştuğunu duruyorlar onu takip ediyorlar .Bakıyorlar ki 50 bebek ve ağzı bağlı kadınlar (çocuklar kelime öğrenmesinler diye)Letta bir kadını Leyla’ya benzetiyor ölmedi vs. diyor sonra oradan uzaklaşıyorlar.Edgeware’in arkadaşı olan Rosce ‘nin kampına gidiyorlar.Rosce ‘nin ekini Finngili kurtarıyor.Letta ,Leyla sandığı kadını Finn’e söylüyor o da bir umut Letta’yla oraya bakmay gidiyorlar kadın gerçekten benziyor.Yakınlaşınca benzerliği azaldığını görüyor sonra Freya ‘yani annesi olduğunu görüyor onu da alıp kampa geliyorlar.Letta yıllar sonra annesini ilk defa gördüğü için çok mutlu oluyor,konuşuyorlar vs.Amelia’dan barış teklifi geliyor Letta ,Finn,Marlo ve Rosce’nin ekibi oraya gidiyorlar.Amelia ve Werber onları manipüle ederek inandırıyor ,birlikte yönetiriz falan diyor.Letta,Marlo ve Finn’i idam etmeye karar veriyorlar.Letta ,werber ‘in ölülerden korktuğunu öğreniyor ve annesini Leylaymış gibi yapıp korkutuyor onu Amelia zaten solunum sıkıntısı çekiyor,gözleri kör olmuş ölmesi yakın yani o da orada ölüyor.Werber hapishaneye atılıyor, Üretkenler muhafızlara karşı saldırıyor ve kazanıyor.Letta bebekleri bulup ailesine veriyor ve orayı yönetiyor halkınada en önemli kelimenin Özgürlük olduğunu söylüyor.
[Letta’yla Marlo birbirlerini sevdiklerini söylüyor (kitabın ortalarında)]
Letta üretkenlerle yaşamaya başlayınca oraya alışıyor, bazı çocuklara ders veriyor .Ark’a gizli bir şey için gittiklerinde Carl adında biriyle tanışıyorlar ve Letta’nın ısrarı üzerine onuda alıyorlar sığınaklarına.Carl hainlik yapıp onları ifşa ediyor Finn ve grubu yakalanıyor o sırada Letta’nın isteği üzerine onun dükkanına gittikleri için Letta ve Marlo yakalanmıyor ama Carldan haber alan bir polis evde saklanıyor onlar gelince ortaya çıkıyor Letta ,polisi vuruyor kaçıyorlar.Marlo olanlar için üzülüyor ama güvenli bir yer bulmak zorunda oldukları için beraber hareket ediyorlar.Edgeware’in evine gidiyorlar sonra oradada polis baskın yapıyor yakalanmıyorlar fakat oranında güvenli olmadığını gördükleri için Edgeware’ide alıp kuzeye gidiyorlar.Orada bir eve bakıyorlar Letta gazete olduğunu görüyor ve kelimeleri defterine kaydetmeye başlıyor 5-10 dk’da.Edgeware gitmeleri gerektiğini söylüyor Letta’nın aklı orada kalsada yinede gidiyorlar.Letta akşam tekrar bu eve geliyor evdeki yaşayan adam onu bulup bağlıyor ,Marlo onu kurtarmaya geliyor.Adamın kaçırılan bebekler hakkında konuştuğunu duruyorlar onu takip ediyorlar .Bakıyorlar ki 50 bebek ve ağzı bağlı kadınlar (çocuklar kelime öğrenmesinler diye)Letta bir kadını Leyla’ya benzetiyor ölmedi vs. diyor sonra oradan uzaklaşıyorlar.Edgeware’in arkadaşı olan Rosce ‘nin kampına gidiyorlar.Rosce ‘nin ekini Finngili kurtarıyor.Letta ,Leyla sandığı kadını Finn’e söylüyor o da bir umut Letta’yla oraya bakmay gidiyorlar kadın gerçekten benziyor.Yakınlaşınca benzerliği azaldığını görüyor sonra Freya ‘yani annesi olduğunu görüyor onu da alıp kampa geliyorlar.Letta yıllar sonra annesini ilk defa gördüğü için çok mutlu oluyor,konuşuyorlar vs.Amelia’dan barış teklifi geliyor Letta ,Finn,Marlo ve Rosce’nin ekibi oraya gidiyorlar.Amelia ve Werber onları manipüle ederek inandırıyor ,birlikte yönetiriz falan diyor.Letta,Marlo ve Finn’i idam etmeye karar veriyorlar.Letta ,werber ‘in ölülerden korktuğunu öğreniyor ve annesini Leylaymış gibi yapıp korkutuyor onu Amelia zaten solunum sıkıntısı çekiyor,gözleri kör olmuş ölmesi yakın yani o da orada ölüyor.Werber hapishaneye atılıyor, Üretkenler muhafızlara karşı saldırıyor ve kazanıyor.Letta bebekleri bulup ailesine veriyor ve orayı yönetiyor halkınada en önemli kelimenin Özgürlük olduğunu söylüyor.
[Letta’yla Marlo birbirlerini sevdiklerini söylüyor (kitabın ortalarında)]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
As a fugitive, Letta has to face more danger than she did before, with more limits on words and tales of destruction under the new ruler of Ark. Letta aspires to retain Ark’s language and culture by teaching in illegal schools and striving to uncover more words. However, Letta uncovers more plans from Ark’s ruler about the abolishment of the written word.
The Last Word is a sequel to dystopian novel The List, which I read a while back in February. Once again, I wasn’t too keen on reading a sci-fi book simply because of my preferences, but I decided to finish this book as well because it was gifted to me. I appreciate the author for writing this sequel, because I thought it was a great way expand on The List’s plot. However, I still found the pacing to be quite slow at times—and just like the first book, I was intrigued by the setting, world building, and underlying themes. I think reading these two books helped me get a better grasp of sci-fi novels, and I will definitely explore more age-appropriate ones in the future. Otherwise, the two books are likely to be enjoyed more by younger teens.
The Last Word is a sequel to dystopian novel The List, which I read a while back in February. Once again, I wasn’t too keen on reading a sci-fi book simply because of my preferences, but I decided to finish this book as well because it was gifted to me. I appreciate the author for writing this sequel, because I thought it was a great way expand on The List’s plot. However, I still found the pacing to be quite slow at times—and just like the first book, I was intrigued by the setting, world building, and underlying themes. I think reading these two books helped me get a better grasp of sci-fi novels, and I will definitely explore more age-appropriate ones in the future. Otherwise, the two books are likely to be enjoyed more by younger teens.
October 27, 2025
Letta, the main character lives in a world after Global warming, flooding, and all the other nightmares that come with that. The Ark was supposed to be a place of refuge, but people always manage to ruin Paradise. Greed and wanting to set unattainable or horrible rules causes death, heartache and displacement for the people who are left. There is a band of rebels, small bands of people trying to stay out of harm's way but they are being hunted by the Gavvers-henchmen for the head woman, Amelia, because they want to get rid of the bad guys who rule the area. It is fast paced, with dangerous moments, violence -which always seems to be the case in Dystopian stories. The other incentive for the rebels is that Amelia doesn't want the people to read or speak more than a list of words, okayed by her. She says that was what was wrong with the world before all things changed. Very strange ttale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2022
This one didn't grip me the way the first book did, but it's a fitting end to the story, and those who like The List should definitely read this sequel.
With Ark divided, the story includes more fighting, battles, and struggles for survival. Letta continues to uncover surprises, and she assumes a leadership role in fighting Amelia in order to save Ark. The story tells more than it shows, and the writing is not as strong as the story itself. This is a book that will be stronger/better with discussions.
This dystopian novel and its predecessor can certainly be the impetus to discuss freedom of speech and censorship. The books have more of a middle school feel to them (but older teens and adults can still relate); the battles and subsequent deaths are not dwelt upon nor are they too descriptive.
With Ark divided, the story includes more fighting, battles, and struggles for survival. Letta continues to uncover surprises, and she assumes a leadership role in fighting Amelia in order to save Ark. The story tells more than it shows, and the writing is not as strong as the story itself. This is a book that will be stronger/better with discussions.
This dystopian novel and its predecessor can certainly be the impetus to discuss freedom of speech and censorship. The books have more of a middle school feel to them (but older teens and adults can still relate); the battles and subsequent deaths are not dwelt upon nor are they too descriptive.
August 23, 2025
This is the second and final book in Forde's The List series, and is also published under the titles 'The Last Lie' and 'Mother Tongue'. I randomly picked the first book up at a book exchange and enjoyed the read despite the target audience being 12-14yrs. I then looked for the second book as an audibook, but there isn't one. Amazingly, several months later I came across book 2 at the book exchange. Although the writing is fairly basic, the storyline is interesting and it was nice to see the second part of Letta's journey. I enjoy dystopian reads, and this had enough to keep me interested. Also, it's another read checked off my 'physical' books to read pile, which seems to grow steadily on my nightstand. I only wish I had held the first book back and could deliver as a pair back to the book exchange!
December 28, 2020
Audio review. Sequel to "The List". Enjoyed that one and enjoyed the completion of that story with this one. For readers 10 and up this is pretty good with complex characters and enough action to keep you reading; and for those readers this is a good intro into the dystopia genre. As an adult reading this, there are some holes. Primarily, why is everyone following the advice of a kid who is terrible at reading others' motives and whose impulsive actions constantly put her friends in danger??? The ending is inauthentic being much too easy for the situation they find themselves in. But, kids will be fine with it. Recommend for 10 and up or those who want a softer, gentler "Hunger Games". The audio was well done. Narrator does a great job of differentiating lots of voices.
June 19, 2024
Conclusion to The List
We get different povs. One was a guy who fought for Amelia, convincing himself that Letta would be with him. Amelia has taken over and she is INSANE! Literally crazy. She rather steal babies to.....experience taking away language than admit she was wrong.
Letta reunites with someone she thought was gone forever and Marlo was a bit of a jerk. I liked Letta with Marlo but didn't like how he lashed out at her. Made me like him less 😅
Still love Letta though and how, even knowing the risk to herself, she would rather stay and help the helpless than flee and find freedom for herself.
This one had a real ending but I felt the villains didn't really pay for their cruelty. Not bad tho.
We get different povs. One was a guy who fought for Amelia, convincing himself that Letta would be with him. Amelia has taken over and she is INSANE! Literally crazy. She rather steal babies to.....experience taking away language than admit she was wrong.
Letta reunites with someone she thought was gone forever and Marlo was a bit of a jerk. I liked Letta with Marlo but didn't like how he lashed out at her. Made me like him less 😅
Still love Letta though and how, even knowing the risk to herself, she would rather stay and help the helpless than flee and find freedom for herself.
This one had a real ending but I felt the villains didn't really pay for their cruelty. Not bad tho.
December 2, 2020
Sequel to The List - but stands alone fine.
In Letta's world, vocabulary has been limited to a list comprised of just 700 words. However, Letta and her compatriots, the Creators (or Desecrators in the terms of their opponents) are trying to save freedom of speech - among other things. The current leaders of The Ark have also been taking babies away from their families. Letta and the other rebels must find a way to rescue the babies and to take control of Ark if they hope to restore freedom to their world.
Some violence/fighting. A bit predictable. A good read-alike for The Giver. Grades 5-9
In Letta's world, vocabulary has been limited to a list comprised of just 700 words. However, Letta and her compatriots, the Creators (or Desecrators in the terms of their opponents) are trying to save freedom of speech - among other things. The current leaders of The Ark have also been taking babies away from their families. Letta and the other rebels must find a way to rescue the babies and to take control of Ark if they hope to restore freedom to their world.
Some violence/fighting. A bit predictable. A good read-alike for The Giver. Grades 5-9
June 2, 2025
I accidentally began reading this series out of order, finding Mother Tongue in my local library and being intrigued by the cover. I’m glad I picked it. Beautiful story telling with delightful prose, when delivered from the viewpoint of the main character Letta. The language of List as it’s called, is starkly opposite, which adds to the beauty of the words on the pages. Another post-apocalyptic story that suggests that we humans are greedy for power and control, even after losing it all.
Four stars because I feel like there’s more to be explained here. For example, who are the Green Warriors and what is their role?
Four stars because I feel like there’s more to be explained here. For example, who are the Green Warriors and what is their role?
November 11, 2020
This sequel to The List can also stand alone. Not having read, The List, I was nevertheless pulled into the world where our protagonist is trying to save and teach words so that language is not lost, something the leader and those defending the dystopian city called Arc are against. An interesting premise, a strong female protagonist, some harrowing situations, and believable setting all make this a stand out read. Kids who like sci-fi, dystopian novels and characters with courage will not be disappointed.
Read
January 16, 2021Readers who enjoy stories that provoke discussion on social topics (censorship, power, leadership, et al) will have plenty to explore and unpack here. Suspense and lack of certainty about how events will unfold are sure to keep fans of good v. evil stories glued to the book, too. Read the review to see why we think this skews older (young adult) than The Lie (middle grade).
February 8, 2021
3.5 stars
Not as good, in my opinion as its predecessor, The List. There just doesn't seem to be as much tension as in the previous book, not as much surprise. Werber's ascension to Amelia's right hand man seemed implausible to me, or at least too easily explained. I thought that the identity of the woman rescued from the baby farm was obvious from the moment Letta first saw her. Not a bad story, just too predictable for me.
Not as good, in my opinion as its predecessor, The List. There just doesn't seem to be as much tension as in the previous book, not as much surprise. Werber's ascension to Amelia's right hand man seemed implausible to me, or at least too easily explained. I thought that the identity of the woman rescued from the baby farm was obvious from the moment Letta first saw her. Not a bad story, just too predictable for me.
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