Deception Point by Dan Brown

I am a little uncertain about admitting I have read a book by Dan Brown (Da Vinci Code) because of the controversy surrounding the book and movie. I am of the belief that his is an author telling a story. The story doesn't influence my beliefs, and if anything, it serves to make them stronger.

I started this post with comments by Dan Brown, because a friend asked what I was reading, and I responded by describing this book by Brown. She said she wouldn't be caught reading a book by him with a ten foot pole! So if your feelings are this strong, I understand. I also hope you respect my right to choose - and Deception Point is a great choice! The setting, characters, and motives are nothing like The Da Vinci Code, although the writing style and use of suspense and action are similar. This book is set mostly in the snow and ice and describes an American government deception. There is lots of science - which I had some trouble following, but Brown does a good job is providing the reader with lots of context clues to help figure things out. The small paperback is 734 pages, but the reading goes fast. Brown uses short chapters to keep the reader hanging on. I often found myself finishing a chapter, then starting another one, because they are only 2-8 pages. Each time I tried to stop, another short chapter would present itself, and I would keep going!

Messenger

In teaching my university courses, I have found the book The Giver to be one of the most popular books around. This is a book that seems to make a big impression on those who read it, and I have been in more than one lively conversation speculating about the ending of the book.

Last summer I read Gathering Blue, which is the "sequel" to The Giver. Sequel may not be the correct term, but the two books are similar. Well, recently I read Messenger, which is the third book in the collection. This one clearly ties together all three books as you do find out what happens when a person leaves for another world. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but this one had a much more satisfying ending - one with some religious undertones if you read between the lines.

I think these three books are most appropriate for adolescents, although there are lots of upper elementary teachers who use them quite successfully with their students.