The City of Ember

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Summary: A Truly Moving Story
Review: I recently read this book and couldn't stop reading. I started...and couldn't stop! The book seemed to grab me and didn't let me go until I finished it. It was definatly one of my favorites. I was also amazed when I heard this was Jeanne DePrau FIRST novel. Most writers write a cou ple of okay books and THEN write an amazing book. Not DePrau. I can't wait to read other books by her.

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Summary: bravo!
Review: Twelve year olds Lina and Doon live in the underground city of Ember. The people of Ember were supposed to leave after 200 years. Now during year 241, the city is running out of light bulbs, and the giant generator is on the fritz. The instructions on how to exit the city are lost. When Lina finds them, her baby sister has torn them into pieces. It's up to Lina and Doon to figure out the way.

I really enjoyed it. I'd definately reccomend it!

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Summary: Refreshing Story Line and Creative Style!
Review: In an era when stories are recycled more than created, it was lovely to find a new one. While the writing style felt similar to Tamora Pierce and a couple other authors who write to a diverse audience (could be read by child or adult and enjoyed - not written in a "dumbed-down" fashion), Jeanne definitely has her own style and her word choices were lovely. The descriptions painted an amber-colored picture -- alive with new ideas and compelling characters. It's easy to feel connected to this book. I look forward to reading a sequel.

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Summary: Definitely worth the hype
Review: I first heard about this book from the publishers themselves -- the folks at Random House could not say enough about how terrific this book was, so I managed to beg a galley copy from them before I went home.

It is indeed a good, solid book, perfect for anyone who loves Lois Lowry's "The Giver" or "Gathering Blue," as well as anyone who likes a good adventure or dystopian science fiction.

The ending is left wide-open for a sequel! Let's hope Jeanne DuPrau complies.

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Summary: This book Rules!!!!!!!!
Review: This may be the best book I have ever read. The story line is great, and the ncorporation of technology is great. Overall, this book is great and it is a must read for sci-fi fans.

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Summary: You just can't put it down!
Review: This is a truly wonderful book for young readers. Its language is clear and fluid. Although a lot of "mystery" permeates every page, a young reader will never feel lost. Once starting, they will not be able to put the book down -- the pacing is superb!

For parents or teachers who are looking for books with deeper meanings (about preserving the environment, or being a decent human being, or any number of topics) that their kids (5th to 8th grade) will enjoy, ponder, and discuss, this is definitely THE CHOICE.

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Summary: Seeing the Light!
Review: Without a doubt, THE CITY OF EMBER is one of the best reads in the this genre you will find for a very long time! Duprau has painted a world unique in every way from all of the HARRY POTTER ... that haved infiltrated the bookstores. Her main characters Lina & Doon bring a fresh pair of eyes to this world that is dark (both literally and metaphorically). You will not want to set this book down and I refuse to spoil the magical and masterfully plotted surprises that are around every corner in THE CITY OF EMBER.

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Summary: Great Post Apocolyptic Tale
Review: This was a quick read and a great story. It begs comparison to The Giver, Gathering Blue, Downsiders, and The Hermit Thrush Sings (so if you liked those titles try this one and vice versa!)

Lina and Doon live in the City of Ember, a city of perpetual darkness except for electric lights. The city is in danger though because supplies have almost run out and they keep having blackouts. When Lina discovers a paper in an old box she thinks she has found the key to discovering what lies beyond Ember. The descriptions of the city and its darkness are great and you will root for Lina and Doon to discover that there is more to the world than just Ember, that there is a world of light!

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Summary: Kudos for Jeanne
Review: This February I visited my Grandmother in Menlo Park, CA. She was raving about how her neighbor (Jeanne) wrote this fabulous book. The next day I read the manuscript and loved it. I received the official version yesterday and read it from start ton finish in just a few hours. Jeanne writes with the Fluency of J.K. Rowling and Philip Pullman and the Eloquence of Tolkien. The story of Lina and Doon in a desperate attempt to save their beloved people reads well and is compelling all the way to the cliffhanger of a last page. Something this great could only have come from someone as wonderful as Ms. DuPrau. Do not turn up the opportunity to read this book, it is a must have for all ages.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!!!
Review: I thought this book was really good. COmpared to other books i've read its not superb but i am comparing it to some really good books. I think if you like books like The Thief Lord and The bartimeus Triligy: The Amulet of Samarkand then you will enjoy this book. It's a good book to take on Vacation and have a quick read. I'd truly recommend this book to people who enjoy that short and sweet read!