By: Marie Vasitas
Over snow-capped mounds and through lush forests, awaiting unsuspecting, daring, and curious tourists, Lois Lowry has carried St. Jude’s students, capturing their interest and entangling them with seemingly innumerable possibilities. She has wrapped her words around the minds of readers through her most recent series, consisting of The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger.
Most of our book club simply adored the unique plot of the first novel; twenty-five of the total thirty-three members voted it to be colorfully curious and unusual, yet still wonderful in every way.Half of the remaining readers decided that the book was farther from their favorite than were others, while the rest of the group wasn’t quite satisfied with the suspenseful story.
The club was excited to share their opposing perspectives with our special visitors, Mrs. McFarland, Ms. Rosenbaum, and former student, Kate Scherer, who assisted in the establishment of our read-ravishing group! They debated endlessly over ethically-bound issues mentioned in The Giver as Devin Gabriel implored them for answers to his thought-provoking questions. Meanwhile, Sarah Zeigelmeyer and Katie Janowycz generously distributed snacks for everyone.
A unanimous survey implied that Gathering Blue was a hit! Though at times, students gathered a blue mood of their own, while reading the story full of happiness and disappointment for its characters, everyone appreciated it overall, wholly defending their opinions during our debate. We’d like to thank Vincent Foisy for leading such an interesting discussion.
As Lois Lowry’s series is summarized in her third and ending novel, our book club is excitedly anticipating our upcoming meeting, prepared to offer many thoughts on the symbolic finish to her intriguing collaborations. We have appreciated our experience with Mrs. Lowry’s work, surprised by every loop she has weaved into her trilogy, stitching the lives of her characters together with threads the colors of those intertwined in Kira’s needles.
Next month, our club is preparing to coordinate our very first “family read”, on March 18th. Students are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting with parents, older siblings, or other relatives, to convey and persuade their views with the extra support of their families.Check out Carl Hiaasen’s novel, “Hoot”, from your local library or share it with your relatives, so you too, can join us!