Jeanne DuPrau

#FirstLine ~ All was going well in our country at the time this story begins, which is several hundred years in the future from the time you’re reading it.

This novel is not just an adventure; it's a thought-provoking exploration of ethics and the choices we make in a world forever changed by climate upheaval. 'Project F' promises to be a modern classic, inviting readers of all ages to ponder how much they are willing to risk to safeguard the future. DuPrau's latest work is a testament to her storytelling mastery and her ability to tackle pressing issues within the framework of a thrilling and imaginative narrative. A must read!!!… (mer)

What a unique, fun story! Admittedly, I haven’t read that many dystopian or sci-fi books, so I could be wrong about my assessment of the book, but it felt like one of the most unique settings I’ve ever found myself in inside a book. DuPrau did an amazing job creating this story world, and I had a lot of fun exploring it through the eyes of the characters. The characters themselves were also dynamic, a little foolish at times, and courageous—everything you could want in good characters, really.

I was engrossed in the story from nearly the first page, and I had a hard time putting the book down when I had to go do other things. I may or may not have invented jobs for myself just so I could keep listening—I love it when a book does that to me!

I didn’t agree with everything in the story. It had a feminist slant (the female characters were expected to work alongside and do the same things the men did), and that bothered me a little. There was also some dishonesty and sneaking around that went on that didn’t sit so well with me.

But overall, this was a fun, engaging story with a slight mystery element and a strong emphasis on friendship and working together for the greater good. I loved it, and all three brothers I’ve shared it with since I read the book also enjoyed it. Recommended.… (mer)

I don’t really see a lot of point to this book. It’s a prequel to the first two books in the city, but it’s barely connected. And even the elements within this book were fairly disconnected from each other. There’s the main character, Nickie, and her aunt, who are visitors to Yonwood, and their disagreement about selling the house they’re there to clean out and possibly sell. The actual Prophet storyline, which barely comes across as the main storyline. Grover and his plight to make it to camp in Arizona. The kooky man who is interested in the heavens and is the only who who successfully defies the Prophet’s lackeys. There is just too much going on, and even by the halfway point, I had no idea what the purpose of the book really was.

As the Prophet’s main interpreter begins to get more and more ridiculous with her rules, I quickly began to realize that this is just another attempt on the author’s part to teach readers something she feels is important. But unlike a more universally accepted truth in the 2nd book (“War is bad”), this one is a lot more controversial. The book turns into basically an indictment on religion, seeming to imply that religions are largely fabricated by their followers. It actually reminds me most of the Pharisees who, by Jesus’ time, had imposed so many of their own rules, they had lost the core message. On top of all of that, the author attempts a tug at the heartstrings that is likely far more successful for dog lovers. I’m more of a dog tolerater (I know that’s not a word). I can acknowledge that what happens is ridiculous (stupid, really), but definitely didn’t get as emotionally invested as others might. In the end, I really wish DuPrau had kept this series more in line with the first book. The second wasn’t bad, but the first and fourth were my favorite, and I really just wish for more like them. If you are considering reading this series, I recommend it, but feel free to skip this third book.… (mer)

This is the 2nd book I've read in this genre in a short period of time, and at first, it reminded me a lot of The Giver. It quickly becomes its own story with a very different theme, and I enjoyed it just as much as I did The Giver, though for different reasons. The slow falling apart of the city and the vastly varying ways the citizens respond to it are fascinating to follow along with. Lina and Doon are well-crafted characters, both with their own issues and driving desires. They even have considerably different reasons for wanting to save the city, and I really admire DuPrau's ability to make them such well-rounded characters in a short space. I also appreciate how she explains items that are common, everyday things to us but are completely foreign to these people.

I'm looking forward to my 12-year-old daughter reading this book so we can discuss it. I think she'll enjoy it as much as I did, and I recommend it for others around that age (or older) too.… (mer)