Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Title: Gathering Blue

Author: Lois Lowry

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: Kira's life is in jeopardy after her mother's death. Kira's birth defect prevents her from being a contributing member of society until the Council discovers her talents.

The Take-Away: I was thrilled to receive a newsletter that said The Giver triology was being released. I was equally disappointed to discover that Gathering Blue was a companion novel, not a sequel. But wait! The third, Messenger pulls the two together. YES!

Without having read the book I was determined to like it. The worst part was the ending. I turned the page and honestly thought that there would be another chapter. Then I re-read the last paragraphs, thought about it, and realized that the ending fit the book beautifully. But I still wanted to know what happened to the characters from The Giver.

The community that Kira lives in requires that all people contribute. Instead of being dominated by a spirit of giving, the community is run with fear and strength. Kira is able to find her place in the world and an alternative. It is her decision that resolves the novel.

Recommendation: Get all three and plan for a weekend read.