Kimberly's review
The People of Sparks (Ember, Book 2)
by Jeanne Duprau
I would think much of it would have to do the previous generations were busy trying to survive rather than sitting and reading. Very much like many of our ancestors who saw books as a waste of time because they were busy plowing fields, fighting off illness and just trying not to die.
Looking at it from our contemporary viewpoint doesn't work, because this is not the world they live in. They live in a much more harsh and cruel world. Their treatment of the written word and of the strangers that came to their town is not all that odd. Looking back in history the dark ages alone exemplify the rational of the people of Sparks.
They have limited resources to feed shelter and care for these people, so no, they are not going to welcome them with open arms. This is fairly common of many refugee situations where a pack of refugees will pass through and area, a few get worked into the local populace, and the rest are forced in one way or another for various reasons to move on.
Historically, their behavior and thought process is not unfounded.
I've read the book but I don't remember the word "sanazy"... I don't know the context (but this is probably a stupid question anyway)... what is it supposed to mean?
Thanks
I borrowed this book from the library, so I'm unable to find the exact quote/reference from the book, but I believe that the people were talking about another settlement...either that or they were referring to a city that used to be? Perhaps someone who has recently read the book or has a copy handy could check that. Sanazy=San Jose
Kimberly's review
The People of Sparks (Ember, Book 2) by Jeanne Duprau
Kimberly's review
rating:
bookshelves:
school
recommended for: fifth/sixth grade readers, fans of juvenile literature
Please tell me that if there really was a war that killed most of humanity, stupid people would not be left in charge...like they apparently were in The People of Sparks. Truly, the leaders in both Sparks and in the preceding City of Ember are exceedingly elementary in their thinking. Why wouldn't the people of Sparks just look on the Emberites as newly added, contributing members of their society? Instead of isolating the Emberites, why not allow them to work and better the city of Sparks? But, the people of Sparks, and conversely, the people of Ember, are close-minded and quite stereotypical of one another.
Another puzzling issue is the "library" in Sparks. In the Sparks warehouse is a room with hundreds of books, which no one apparently uses or reads. But, the people of Sparks are aware that before the Disaster, people had electricity, were capable of flight, had moving vehicles powered by "gasleen," etc. One would think that if there were hundreds of p...more
Another puzzling issue is the "library" in Sparks. In the Sparks warehouse is a room with hundreds of books, which no one apparently uses or reads. But, the people of Sparks are aware that before the Disaster, people had electricity, were capable of flight, had moving vehicles powered by "gasleen," etc. One would think that if there were hundreds of p...more
I would think much of it would have to do the previous generations were busy trying to survive rather than sitting and reading. Very much like many of our ancestors who saw books as a waste of time because they were busy plowing fields, fighting off illness and just trying not to die.Looking at it from our contemporary viewpoint doesn't work, because this is not the world they live in. They live in a much more harsh and cruel world. Their treatment of the written word and of the strangers that came to their town is not all that odd. Looking back in history the dark ages alone exemplify the rational of the people of Sparks.
They have limited resources to feed shelter and care for these people, so no, they are not going to welcome them with open arms. This is fairly common of many refugee situations where a pack of refugees will pass through and area, a few get worked into the local populace, and the rest are forced in one way or another for various reasons to move on.
Historically, their behavior and thought process is not unfounded.
I've read the book but I don't remember the word "sanazy"... I don't know the context (but this is probably a stupid question anyway)... what is it supposed to mean?Thanks
I borrowed this book from the library, so I'm unable to find the exact quote/reference from the book, but I believe that the people were talking about another settlement...either that or they were referring to a city that used to be? Perhaps someone who has recently read the book or has a copy handy could check that. Sanazy=San Jose
