I never read this book in school or as a child and it has long been on my list of books I felt I had to read. I'm very glad I did. It's one of those ones you finish and ask, "why didn't I read this sooner?" especially because it was short and very accessible.

It's amazing to me that in such a short amount of time, Lowry manages to create a world that runs circles around some of the more recent YA distopian novels. There could be arguments for, "that would never happen," but at the same time, I appreciate the logic of Sameness, of repressing sexuality and discouraging familial attachments, etc. There were little details too, that just struck me in the feels, including the way they could never ask questions (because it would be rude) and the way they apologized for everything (to avoid conflict).

There was a scene where Jonas' best friend is being given his assignment on stage and they are telling a story about how he used to be punished for saying "smack" instead of "snack." There is a lot of laughter and almost affection for Asher as the story is being told and heard, but it's also a bit horrifying thinking of a three-year-old receiving corporal punishment for imprecision in language.

Of course, that is one of the more subtle horrors. There are more and it's amazing how they are delivered in stripped down language with an almost dreamlike quality. It really gives it a feeling that things are this way because they've been this way for so long.

Again, many kudos to Lowry for both creating a world of "sameness" but allowing her supporting characters to still take on their own personalities.

Definitely an important read. I'm shelving this for my future, hypothetical children.