Got My Book

A Post-Apocalyptic MG book that refused to disappear into the back of my brain.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, read by Wendy Dillon, published by Listening Library (2004) / Length: 7 hrs 6 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 in the completed "Book of Ember" trilogy, all of which are available on audio.

SUMMARY:

The first time I listened to this book, I enjoyed it but wasn't really that impressed. I did not add it to the list of books I was considering buying. However, after the second time I re-borrowed it from the library and listened again, I realized that there was just something about the characters and their story that appealed to me. The next time a deal was available, I snapped it up.

CHARACTERS:

Lina: She is bright and active. She tries to get adult help when she believes she has found a way out of their predicament. And she doesn't give up the first time it doesn't work. I also like how she takes care of her grandmother & little sister.

Doon: He is moody and active. He doesn't understand why more people aren't trying to fix their problems. However, he has a deep need to be special & to receive recognition. This causes him to avoid opportunities to share what they've found.

I like that they used to be friends but, after a childhood incident, had drifted apart. So there is a sense of something new here, despite the very narrow nature of their world.

WORLDBUILDING:

Ms DuPrau did a good job of painting a picture of a dreary run down city and it's hand-me down wearing citizens. And I was very struck by the fact that outside the city, there is only darkness.

And we got a clear picture as we went along of how their society worked as well. It is sad that such young children are sent out into the work place, but I guess there isn't any need for additional education in their situation.

PLOT:

The Prologue seemed a bit awkward at first, with two people sort of telling each other things they probably already should have known. I really liked the stuff about the mayors and what happened to the box though.

Note: You really have to suspend disbelief that all the canned good and other supplies would last more than 200 years. (Maybe the "storage rooms" were vacumn sealed.)

The ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger, since the fate of the citizens of Ember is not resolved.

HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:

• Doon finds Poppy
• Lina sits with her ailing grandmother in the dark
• There are some adults who are helpful

CAUTIONS: There is a character with a disability who is also described as very unattractive and who is up to no good.

NARRATION:

Character voices differentiated = Yes, I wasn't fond of several of them though / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes, I actually liked some of them better than some of the females / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = / Emoting = / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual

Ms Dillon did a superb job of reading "The Instructions," despite what happened to them.

I'm not really a fan of music in audiobooks, and this wasn't an exception. And the sounds effects were occasionally too loud. (The noises were supposed to be loud, but I want to hear the narrator.)

BOOK DETAILS:

The City of Ember (Book of Ember #1) by Jeanne DuPrau, read by Wendy Dillon, published by Listening Library (2004) / Length: 7 hrs 6 min Buy Now | +Goodreads

Talk to Me (pretty please)

• Can you recommend any other Middle Grade dytopias?
• Are there any books that you thought were just alright the first time through, but later wanted to reread?

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