The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers on October 6, 2009

384 Pages

Ages: Young Adult

My reading age recommendation: Beginning at age 12 and up (due to violent acts).

Publishers Summary: When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

When I initially sat down to read The Maze Runner, I thought it was going to be just like the many other dystopian novels that are popular now, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it falls into the general category and meets all the criteria, but because the main setting of the book is apart from the actual “dystopia” you are able to experience so much more.

The environment in which the boys live in is idyllic, maintained, and very near perfect with one exception. Many of the boys remember nothing of their pasts or where they came from before entering The Glade. In what you would expect to be near chaos you find order and harmony. Never in my life would I have believed that a large group of boys with no outside guidance would chose the lifestyle in which they reside. But why not? Everything they need they are provided with, including the means to create the additional wants they may have. With one exception, the way out.

Only one thing stands in their way, the Grievers. It’s amazing the power one obstacle has over an individual or group of people, and The Gladers are no different than the rest of us. In the midst of their struggles to find the way beyond this obstacle and a way back to the past they are all seeking, a kink is thrown in, a girl is “delivered” to them. And thus begins the chaos.

Throughout all that occurs, from that point on, the central character, Thomas, shows that he’s just a little different from the rest of The Gladers. He won’t take the generic answers he’s given and is determined to change the circumstances they are trapped in. Using this determination and leadership he provides a way for them to unite and defeat the Maze they are all trapped in. He shows us all the ability to overcome our obstacles is not only possible, but a reality.

In the end I’m happy to say this is an amazing book with an original plot. The characters are genuine and will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book. It’s also exciting to read a book that I will one day be able to share with The Turkeybird. We need more books that boys can enjoy just as much as girls and this one doesn’t disappoint.  I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the future installments due out in the next few years.

This book was purchased for our home library.
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