The People of Sparks

The Second Book of Ember

By: Jeanne DuPrau

Narrated by: Wendy Dillon

The People of Sparks picks up where The City of Ember leaves off. Lina and Doon have emerged from the underground city to the exciting new world above, and it isn't long before they are followed by the other inhabitants of Ember. The Emberites soon come across a town where they are welcomed, fed, and given places to sleep. But the town's resources are limited and it isn't long before resentment begins to grow between the two groups. When anonymous acts of vandalism push them toward violence, it's up to Lina and Doon to discover who's behind the vandalism and why, before it's too late.

Don't miss Lina and Doon's other adventures in The City of Ember.©2004 Jeanne DuPrau (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Bound to appeal to young readers." (The New York Times Book Review)

Dissapointed

This is not as good as the fist book. Nothing interesting that happened in the storyline. I wish the story ended on the fist book

I read the book before I llistened

This is a wonderfully imaginative series, the plot well thought through so that incidents carry the story along. How the author has made it possible for two groups of people, each with very disparate experience, skills and history can become a community is a story with applications for solving problems big and small in reality. My only criticism of the audio is that the reader makes the most important characters sound too young. Having graduated after twelve years of schooling, they must be sixteen or eighteen years old and the reader makes them sound like ten-year-olds.

a story of hope and humanity

liked: subtle sound effects augmented the listening experience
timely lesson for today with issues of immigration, struggle, and bravery

Are You Over 12?

A very well-written piece but, I found myself saying,"Duh," often. I dont't reccomend this piece if your over 12 because of it's childish air. But if your looking for something fun and easy to follow go ahead, buy.

Interesting sequel; stands alone well

This is book 2 of 4 in the "Ember" series which describes a post-apocalyptic earth in hopeful terms. I like that part of the series' approach, though the overall style can be a little pedantic (in my adult opinion) for moral lessons. However, the target audience is juvenile readers so I think the clarity and overt description of moral connections is likely appropriate. All middle and elementary schoolers I have spoken to about this book have really enjoyed it.

SPOILER ALERT: This book starts out roughly where The City of Ember (book 1) leaves off, giving a satisfying story of how the people of Ember struggle to learn about a new world. New words for new concepts are a nice touch, and describing the difficulties that two groups of people with different frames of reference have in relating to each other is educational.

Fun story...

Great story line.
Very fun read or listen.

We enjoyed the whole book.
Book 3 download..
Awesome narrator!!!

Excellent for children and adults!

Would you listen to The People of Sparks again? Why?

This is actually the second time I listened to this entire series. It would be great for the whole family to enjoy while on a long car trip or whenever audio books are enjoyed!

Movie worthy.

The narrator took a number of liberties changing minor words here and there. She also elaborated additional content that is not included in the actual book.

People of Sparks

Where does The People of Sparks rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The person who read this book is probably our least liked of any audiobook we have listened to. The story was great, but the reader made it lack a bit.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The People of Sparks?

Doon not going along with Tick and the others who wanted war.

Would you be willing to try another one of Wendy Dillon’s performances?

We would prefer not, but are going to be listening to The Diamonds of Darkhold and we haven't looked to see who is reading. Hoping it's not her!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not as much as others we have listened to.

Honestly I can't describe how I feel about it

When I first started this book it was so hard to get into. But all of a sudden I started feeling like I couldn't wait for what happens next and then.... It ended.