"Take pride in your pain," her mother had always told her. "You are stronger than those who have none." 
 I'm going to start off by saying that I read Gathering Blue a long time ago for school. I first read this book in 2013 for my Year 1 Literature class. I think I liked the book and had a pleasant experience reading it, but after that my memories are obscured by all the discussions of themes, characters, plot and setting that we had in class, and so I don't think I really appreciated the storyline of this novel, or the experience of just reading it without having to analyse it from a literary perspective. 
 Kira is a girl with a twisted leg who lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. Her mother, Katrina, has always protected her and taught her to keep her head high, but after Katrina dies, Kira fears for her future as the village women want to cast her out. But Kira has a gift - one so rare that no other community member has it. Because of this, she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians and given a new role in the village. Kira grows into her new life, but soon she realises that she is surrounded by a dark web of mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world - or what lies beyond it. 
 When I read Gathering Blue for a second time I found it less interesting and even slow at times. Even though I'd forgotten the story, I saw the plot points coming from 8258 miles away. Foreshadowing in the book was really obvious and at times I was rolling my eyes at how Kira didn't get it sooner. Perhaps it is because this book is clearly in the middle-grade genre. However, the plot was interesting enough to keep me reading and by the end I was truly attached to all the characters. The ending clearly indicated that it wasn't the end of the story, but from what I've seen Kira is no longer the main character in the next two books, so probably some characters will be making cameos in the future books. 
 Now for some of the good points! Lois Lowry's writing is spectacular. She draws you into her world with a few sweeping sentences, never minces her words, and is pretty good at descriptions. All contribute to a riveting story. The dystopian world was truly fascinating to read about, because I saw so many similarities and connections between today's humanity and the people in the story. And last but not least, the plot twist at the end, which I didn't see coming until a few pages before, shocked me to the core. 
 "He gestured toward her twisted leg. "Like you. Some don't walk good. Some be broken in other ways. Not all. But lots. Do you think it maken them quiet and nice, to be broken?" 
 Pain makes you strong. But pain can also make one cruel, or it can make one kind and understanding. There are two extremes featured in this novel - the people who cruelly cast out those who are weak, and the mysterious village of healing that accepts anyone who is broken in any way. 
 "They help each other," her father explained simply. "We help each other. 
 "Those who can see? They guide me. I am never without helping eyes. 
 "Those who can't walk? They are carried." 
 Kira unconsciously rubbed her own damaged leg. 
 "There is always someone to lean on," he told her. "Or a pair of strong hands for those who have none." 
 Like Lois Lowry said in the Conversation with Lois Lowry at the end of the book: 
 Self-interest, is, sadly, part of our lives today. Political leaders put their own goals ahead of the good of the people. Wealth amassed by a few, while the masses live in poverty... you can see that in many places. Subjugation of women, and brutality toward the weak: think of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. 
 Yet always there are those... like Kira... who emerge as potential leaders, with a gift for peace and a spirit of benevolence. Those are the people we must watch for and nurture and support. The blue that she holds in her hands at the end of the book is simply a symbol. The blue to be gathered can take many different forms in today's world. 
 I thought this book sent two very vital messages. First, that it is up to us, the younger generation, to shape the future, and we must always stand behind those with the right values and who will do right by our country, instead of just thinking of our own benefits. Also, that we as a society should learn to be more inclusive and accepting of people who are different. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about, and everyone has their own unique story to tell, to add to the collective history known as humanity. Be kind. 
 I'm glad I got something out of my second read of Gathering Blue! I'll probably be reading the third book, Messenger whenever I find the time.