Patricia Forde's The List receives praise for its inventive premise and engaging characters, capturing readers with its dystopian world where language is restricted. However, some critiques note a slower pace and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it is an intriguing and thought-provoking read, particularly appreciated by young adult audiences.

Readers who relish dystopian narratives like The Giver by Lois Lowry and The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins would appreciate Patricia Forde's The List. Ideal for young adults, it explores themes of language control and societal oppression in a richly imagined, thought-provoking world.

The List by Patricia Forde is a dystopian novel following Letta, an apprentice wordsmith in Ark, the only surviving land post-global warming floods. Citizens must speak a limited language called List. Letta helps a wounded young man, Marlo, from the rebel Desecrators, and uncovers a plot by Ark's dictator, John Noa, to eliminate language. Letta collaborates with rebels to thwart Noa's plans.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Dark / Challenging

**Letta**  
A young apprentice wordsmith in a society where language is controlled, who is curious, compassionate, and grapples with questions of authority and moral choices as she seeks the truth about her past.

**Marlo**  
A mysterious young man associated with the Creators, who challenges Letta's beliefs and introduces her to new perspectives and the power of dreams.

**John Noa**  
The charismatic leader of Ark, driven by the desire to prevent another environmental disaster, yet his severe authoritarian measures and complex motivations create conflict.

**Benjamin Lazlo**  
A kind and generous master wordsmith who serves as Letta's mentor and father figure, influential in her development and understanding of their world.

Patricia Forde

Middle grade

Novel

The List

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The List reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The List | SuperSummary

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The List and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The List Summary and Study Guide

Background

The List Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

The List Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

The List Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

The List Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

The List Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

The List Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The List Character Analysis

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Themes

The List Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The List Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The List Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The List Essay Topics

The List

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The List?

Reading Age

Book Details