where can i find a summary about the book gathering blue by lois lowry?

Answer 1

http://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Blue-Readers-Circle-Lowry/dp/0440229499/sr=8-1/qid=1169167530/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-1656878-1742456?ie=UTF8&s=books

Answer 2

Gathering Blue is a 2000 novel by noted children's author Lois Lowry. While not a sequel in the strictest sense to her earlier novel The Giver (1993), it is set in the same future time period, and it treats some of the same themes. The central character, Kira, who has a weak leg, is orphaned and must learn to survive in a society which normally leaves the weak or disabled exposed to die.

This book is considered one of the possibilities which humankind might face in the future, although it does so in a much different way than The Giver. Where The Giver takes place in a human future where scientists have created a society that seems utopian on the surface, Gathering Blue clearly takes place in a dystopian society. People live in primitive, animalistic ways and must revert to aggressive behavior to survive. Children are beaten and penned up like animals so that they do not interfere with the work of the adults. People who are different (such as physical deformities) are often killed.

However, it appears that an outlet exists whereby the community might be re-created into a more fulfilling way of life. Some of the characters (Kira, Thomas, and Jo) are born with a mystical skill; a nearly magical unity with a certain craft or capacity. In Kira, thread and color seem to take on life of their own, creating wonderful and sometimes prophetic images. Thomas can do the same with woodcarving, and Jo with music. Thomas is a boy who is about Kira's age. They live close to each other in the rooms provided for them, and they often share their meals and days together.

Kira is often kept company by a mischievous boy called Matt or Matty (in the society, as a person ages, their name gains a syllable. When Matt felt that he was old enough, he added the syllable himself), who looks to Kira much as he would look to a generous, indulgent, but uncorrupted older sister. It is Matt who unwittingly reveals the flaws in society to Kira, who conveys them to Thomas. Ultimately the artists realize that they were purposely made orphans by the Council of Guardians, the group which rules their country. The said Council makes every deceptive effort to keep the artists under its control, but fails because of Kira and Matt. They realize that their world isn't perfect after all.

It is likewise shown by Matt that another village exists, where in all is kindness and healing. No one is scorned or snubbed therein; they are instead encouraged to fulfill their dreams and love one another. There, Kira's father Christopher dwells, having been driven from home before Kira was born by the Guardian Jamison, who tried to kill him because of jealousy and defended Kira. Kira is offered a place in this Village of healing, but refuses it on the grounds that she may help her own people with her knowledge and her creative powers.

There is a reference made by Matt to a boy of Kira's age, who has a name of two syllables, is eligible for marriage, and has eyes of "a very amazing blue". Throughout the story, the color blue is used as a metaphor for freedom and limitlessness; Matt's delivery of it to Kira marks the beginning of her creative community reforms. The boy in question is generally understood to be Jonas of The Giver, although his name is not mentioned.

Several of the characters reappear in Messenger (2004), which forms the third installment of this loose trilogy.