Bibliography-

Chee, T. (2017). The reader. Speak Publishers.

ISBN 0147518059

 

Plot Summary-

Sefia knows what it means to survive. After her father is brutally murdered, she flees into the wilderness with her aunt Nin, who teaches her to hunt, track, and steal. But when Nin is kidnapped, leaving Sefia completely alone, none of her survival skills can help her discover where Nin’s been taken to, or if she’s even alive. The only clue to both her aunt’s disappearance and her father’s murder is the odd rectangular object her father left behind. An object she comes to realize is a book, a marvelous item unheard of in her otherwise illiterate society. With the help of this book, and the aid of a mysterious stranger with dark secrets of his own, Sefia sets out to rescue her aunt and find out what really happened the day her father was killed and punish the people responsible.

 

Critical Analysis-

I enjoyed this book for its graceful writing, thoughtful details, thrilling plot, and compassionate characters. It celebrates the wonder and eye-opening power of reading. Chee not only lures us into a magical world with exquisite words, but also with a visual feast. There are words hiding throughout the book, not to mention stunning touches throughout the story that make the words come alive. Chee’s writing is complicated and mesmerizing, as we are drawn into her web. There were many times throughout the book I thought I had things figured out, only to be surprised. In the end, there is a sense of satisfaction about the puzzle pieces that have come together. In this story there are tender moments of discovery, but also the reality that these very treasured books are vulnerable to the elements. The Reader is a book that embodies the true spirit of reading. I absolutely fell in love with the characters Sefia and Archer, the mysterious boy Sefia meets. Their friendship is one of my favorite parts of the book as it portrays trust, support, and acceptance. I loved each character for different reasons, even Tanin. They are all very lifelike, bursting with personality and flair, impressing themselves into your mind and memories.

 

Review Excerpts-

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year – 2016

“Commanding storytelling and vivid details, particularly of the magical process of reading, bring the story to life… the first of what promises to be an enchanting series.”-Kirkus Review

 “With evocative language, fascinating world building, multifaceted characters, and a compelling plot, this is a series fantasy lovers will want to sink their teeth into.”-Booklist Starred Review

 

Connections-

-If students enjoy this book, they can read the other books in the trilogy:

The Speaker- ISBN 0399176780

The Storyteller- ISBN 0698410645

-This can be done after reading the book: On Traci Chee’s website, choose “Books,” then “The Reader,” and “Extras.” She included Spotify playlists based on her books, and included 2 short video clips, one is a Book Talk. Librarian can use these resources to teach students how to create their own Book Talks or Spotify playlist.

http://www.tracichee.com/the-reader-trilogy-extras.html  

 

 

 

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