To answer questions about
Gathering Blue,
please sign up.
bethany!!
Yes you should, and you need to read Son last. You don't have to, but everything will make more sense.
Clara Baker Baldwin
I haven't finished them all, but this is one series that I think should be read in order.
Cass B
No, you really don't.
Margret Rena
I have never read The Giver and I want to give it a chance but standing alone, Gathering Blue resonated in me. I know it is part of the series and the series is worth the reading experience but Gathering Blue is my all time favorite book. I love the plot that a person with disabilities tries to navigate a world full of uncertainties. It bodes well in life to the point that not having read the Giver I honestly think it is worth it.
Liam Murray
No; you can read the Giver Quartet in these orders:
1. The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son (all three parts)
2. Gathering Blue, The Giver, Messenger, Son (all three parts)
3. Son (part 1 "Before"), The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son (part 2 "Between"), Son (part 3 "Beyond")
4. Son (part 1 "Before"), Gathering Blue, The Giver, Messenger, Son (part 2 "Between"), Son (part 3 "Beyond")
5. The Giver, Son (part 1 "Before"), Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son (part 2 "Between"), Son (part 3 "Beyond")
1. The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son (all three parts)
2. Gathering Blue, The Giver, Messenger, Son (all three parts)
3. Son (part 1 "Before"), The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son (part 2 "Between"), Son (part 3 "Beyond")
4. Son (part 1 "Before"), Gathering Blue, The Giver, Messenger, Son (part 2 "Between"), Son (part 3 "Beyond")
5. The Giver, Son (part 1 "Before"), Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son (part 2 "Between"), Son (part 3 "Beyond")
Eloise
I read gathering blue before reading the giver because I saw the movie. Even if I hadn't watched the movie it still would have made sense. But you shouldn't read son before the giver.
Judy Nappa
I think that it makes most sense to read them in the order written - sometimes there are references to the other books (don't know if this is true in the series as I'm just starting the second book).
Steven
I don't think so. While it takes place in the same era there is no other connection between the stories, yet. You will need to read The Giver before reading the next in the series for it all to make sense.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more