I first read this book back when I was 12 or 13 years old (a long, LONG time ago). I don’t remember exactly when. But I do remember this book completely enthralling me. At the time, I’d never heard the word ‘dystopian’. The whole concept of this book seemed completely new and unique to me. Of course, I know now that there have been many books before and since that fall into this sub-genre, and it continues to be intriguing to this day.

Reading this as an adult has been an interesting experience. I still love so much about this book. The conversations surrounding choice and knowledge and community are all really intriguing, even as an adult. There are definitely some things I wish were expanded on as far as the world building goes. But then I think about the fact that this is a book for children, and I shouldn’t view it through the same lens as an adult or even YA books of the same genre.

I still really love this book, especially the nostalgia I feel when I think back on it.