Recap of CITY OF EMBERS by Jeanne DuPrau

Decidedly a younger read than our typical books for our group. We would recommend this for Grades 5-7 in general. None of us had yet seen the movie that is now out based on the book, but our curiosity was touched about how the movie might handle some of the scenes. We are also wondering if they changed the ages to be a little older in order to do more with the main characters without offending modern senses about how old children should be when be trudged off to work and/or aware of romance, love, relationships, etc.

City of Ember reminded several of us of different books/movies for many different reasons. Among the books mentioned: Brave New World, The Giver, Lion Witch & the Wardrobe, Harry Potter and even a little of the latest movie WALL-E (for the reference to plant life and the search for it as a sign of life).

We discussed why age 12 would be reasonable to be leaving school and going off into work. Generally, you already knew as much as anyone by the age of 12 about the workings of the City and it's history. Like many agricultural based societies of our past, one did not need to go beyond the basic needs in order to fulfill their duties within the community. Even rural areas in the late 19th and early 20th Century often took their kids from school at the 5th or 6th grade level to work on the farms. They needed to read enough to do certain tasks, but that was all that was considered necessary.

We thought it interesting that they didn't spend any amount of time trying to match the kids up with jobs they might actually enjoy, it was simply a lottery. Although you weren't pigeon-holed to that job forever. After 3 years you were assessed and reassigned if needed. Eventually you probably would end up in a job better suited for you. It was also interesting that although they drew jobs, it was very easy for Lina and Doon to switch theirs. There was no penalty or issue with them just deciding to switch.

Also, the fact that they had no concept of fire being a potential source of light for going into the darkness was very interesting to our group. There were fires but it seemed that they were only through carelessness and perhaps seen as something more scary than helpful. We also discussed the ramifications if they had used fire rather than electricity in their world, clearly underground to the reader but not to the characters.

Why were they down there? Clearly a natural disaster since a chemical or nuclear disaster would have infiltrated their air in their world as well since we later discover there are openings and connections into their world.

The map of the city was excellent and useful to most of us.

We questioned the shallowness of Lina and the others at the death of her grandmother. Even we as readers didn't feel all that sad when the moment happened. Was this response supposed to be somewhat a cultural issue? Should the author have explained the coolness, the practicality, the shallowness of the emotions a little more?

Lina & Doon epitomize the creative spirit whereas so much of the rest of their world seems complacent and resigned to their situation. Lina's dreams seem not necessarily a premonition but more a sign that she has imagination and curiosity within her. Doon is clearly curious and a has a sharp mind. These two characters are clearly above the fray of the rest of the people and why they are thrust together to solve the dilemma facing the city. Singing Day is full of meaningful messages that have gotten lost over the years, but begin to make sense to Lina and Doon as they find their way.

How did no one from the outer world find them before now? Did no one before Lina and Doon actually discover the secret to getting out? There were people who simply disappeared from time to time in the river. Some certainly perished, but perhaps others, even inadvertently, may have found the way out. Perhaps those who may have gotten out didn't go back because things hadn't been so bad yet?

A question I had after our group met... how is the City of Embers plight like our world today? How would kids see connections between this book and environmental issues of today?

This was an enjoyable book even with the intended reader's age being much younger. Overall a positive book full with thought provoking characters, situations and issues.

UPCOMING BOOKS:
NOVEMBER: Re-read Twilight if you would like since the movie releases late November.
DECEMBER: Hush by Jacqueline Woodson
JANUARY: Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock