Other than some references to violence and brief depictions, it’s a pretty clean story, and a great read for those transitioning from middle grade to young adult literature. The story builds to a pretty intense climax and resolves with plenty of setup for a sequel. I think I read the whole book in two sessions-I could barely stand to put it down until the last page. The plot moved quickly and kept me guessing at what would happen next. The story doesn’t try to retell the Biblical tale beyond those few references. The story doesn’t really delve into the politics or anything else, it’s just the background premise, and I thought the pairing of a flood due to sea levels rising and the references to Noah’s Ark were kind of interesting. Sea levels have risen as a result of polar ice melting due to global warming. Letta’s world has been ravaged by what she refers to as the Melting. I liked Marlo’s character, too, and the way he protected Letta and helped her without expecting anything in return.

I think because of the repressive environment and Letta’s growing need to escape. Something about the story reminded me very much of The Giver. I loved Letta’s care for words and her struggle to do what’s right as she begins to realize that may mean defying the leadership and rules of Ark. Strong, evocative writing makes The List a story difficult to put down. But when she uncovers a sinister plan to suppress language and rob Ark’s citizens of their power of speech, she realizes that it’s up to her to save not only words, but culture itself. On the death of her master, Letta is suddenly promoted to Wordsmith, charged with collecting and saving words. The exceptions are the Wordsmith and his apprentice Letta, the keepers and archivists of all language in their post-apocalyptic, neo-medieval world. Speak outside the approved lexicon and face banishment.

In the city of Ark, speech is constrained to five hundred sanctioned words. Published AugAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Patricia forde the last word