"Key To The Golden Firebird" - By Maureen Johnson

       Not one of the best of Maureen Johnson's work, in my opinion. (Ha, that's a stupid comment since everything I write is in my opinion.)
       When their Dad dies, the Sparks sisters, Brooks, May, and Palmer are left with a big hole in their life. Brooks tries to fill this whole with drinking and guys, May buries herself in responsibilities, and Palmer sinks into softball and competitions. But they soon find out that none of these will help fill in the dark spaces.
         It's a story about love, family, and the strength of sisters, which, don't get me wrong, are all great things, but the way the book was put together isn't my cup of tea.
          There was just a constant, empty "they're still being stupid and rebellious" feel taking up 3/4th of the whole book. I was beginning to get sick of them messing up. When are they going to snap back into reality?!
           Maybe it's just my way of thinking. That's just how I felt. Maureen Johnson is still a great author, but this book had more potential in what it could've been.

"The Giver" - By Lois Lowrly

My thoughts:

       Compelling book. At first, I was very confused! Now, I'll admit, I could just be slow, but sheesh! I think the 5th chapter is when I finally caught the drift. But because of my curiousity towards where Lois Lowrly was going with her story, I was intrigued.
       The book is about a boy, Jonas, who is chosen to be the Reciever of Memory in The Community, though he, like us readers, has no idea what that means. All Jonas knows is that it will be a "painful and great honor", he is given knew instructions beyond his comprehension, sent to The Giver, and begins his training. During his training, Jonas discovers new things and feelings, but at the same time, learns of pain and grief. While reading the story, a reader has several questions buzzing in their head: can Jonas endure his intensive training? Is he going to quit and ask for a Release? What is he going to do about the way The Community works?
       The ending was a little . . . how can I describe it? Random? Yes, random, I suppose. But I have to admit, I can't even think of a way to end it. The way Lois, the author, did, was rather creative.