The YA and Middle Grade Fiction Group discussion

I have decided to end the poll earlier than arranged because it was clear that there was one winner. For those who voted for Finding Audrey should be relieved to know that since it was such a close runner up, it will be in the poll of December. However, right now, our book of the month for November 2015 is........The Giver! I am not entirely sure of what it is about, for I have not read it but am excited to do so. Those who know, feel free to comment it below. I hope you enjoy it :)

Cool!

Tell us when you've read it! It's a good book, but not for everyone. I'll be curious what you think about the ending. I just don't want to give it away!

Jen wrote: "Tell us when you've read it! It's a good book, but not for everyone. I'll be curious what you think about the ending. I just don't want to give it away!"
I will, Jen! Thanks:)

How does Book of The Month work? Yup. First book club.

Chris wrote: "How does Book of The Month work? Yup. First book club."
Good question Chris! Basically, I put a poll up on the group page, and members can vote for a book that they would like to read and discuss for the coming month. This month we are discussing and reading the Giver.

Ok thanks, Madeline

In another thread I called The Giver dystopian. Do you agree? Why or why not?

I've heard The Giver called dystopian, but I don't agree. I think dystopia implies a state of extreme poverty, chaos, violance etc. I think this is more of a 1984 scenario where you have a hightly technical society who's actions and thoughts are closely monitored and controlled.

Interesting, I think 1984 is dystopian as well.

We may have to respectfully disagree on this one, but my definition of dystopian is a highly ordered society that is built on an ugly secret.

I think that's what makes Divergent dystopian as well.

Others, however, have defined it as a "Utopia gone wrong," which could be interpreted much like you've described. That would definitely exclude both The Giver and 1984, and probably Divergent also.

Ok. I see your point. I guess depends it's how it's labeled. I'm not up on the latest terms. I do hear dystopia used am awful lot.

Chris wrote: "Ok. I see your point. I guess depends it's how it's labeled. I'm not up on the latest terms. I do hear dystopia used am awful lot."

Yeah, me too. I sometimes wonder if people who use it have really defined it for themselves, or if they just clump it in with all THOSE books, lol.

I don't really understand what distopyan novels are. Is it like science fiction?

It doesn't have to be science fiction. The first dystopia novel published Lord of The Flies was present day bit in remote islands where an isolated society had formed. I think of it being the opposite of utopia or anti paradise. there are lots of problems like famine, disease, overcrowding and poverty.

Chris wrote: "It doesn't have to be science fiction. The first dystopia novel published Lord of The Flies was present day bit in remote islands where an isolated society had formed. I think of it being the oppos..."

Thanks for shedding some light on that for me :)

I don't see my comment, so I hope I'm not repeating.

I really like Chris's definition because I think that's how most think of dystopian.

My definition is a bit different (see my comment above), but I'm in the minority there.

Another discussion question:

According to ARbookfind.com, The Giver is at a 5th grade reading level, but when my 5th grader read it, he didn't catch onto what happens to Jonas in the end.

What were your impressions of the ending? In your opinion was it too subtle, or just the right allusion for the story?

Jen, I didn't finish it yet...will respond to your question as soon as I do.

Another discussion question:

What do find the mood of the story to be? For me it's so pale it almost takes away from the read.

I was very unhappy with the vague ending at first... and then, the more I thought about it, the more I liked that Lowry left it open for us to decide, to believe what we wanted. Don't want to say more in case some are still reading. :) Definitely thought provoking though!

This books is one of those that sticks with you, isn't it?

I think the mood was provocative at the time it was written, but now seems pale compared to more recent reads.

I imagine the same holds true for Jules Verne's books... it seems ridiculous to think of center of the Earth the way it was imagined in the 19th century. Still a good story, though! :)