The Twitter Chat Review: Diversity in Legend by Marie Lu, cohosted by author David James

So, I read (actually I listened to) Legend by Marie Lu for last night’s Diversity chat hosted by author David James.  You always hear great things about this series, but I had not yet read it.  To be honest: It was amazing. 

The Goodreads synopsis of Legend states: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Legend is a superb example of storytelling where the details slowly unfold and you are stunned time and time again by the reveal.  In addition, the world that Lu creates seems not only possible, but a likely outcome if we continue on our current trajectory.  She takes class warfare to new, extreme levels and terrifies with this all too possible vision of what some people will do for power.  And in the midst of it all, she creates strong, rich characters full of complexity and emotion.  Definitely chech this one out.

Below are some of the Tweets from last night’s Twitter chat.

Regardless of ANY character’s race in LEGEND, Lu made a point to not be TOO specific, and in doing so focused on relationships #TLTdiversity
— David James (@DJamesAuthor) March 28, 2013

But it’s more than that, because it’s almost as if the ‘racial’ balances that we have current are reversed… which is awesome #tLTDIVERSITY
— mz_christie (@mz_christie) March 28, 2013

@tlt16 @djamesauthor and how Day is the one reacting in emotional while June was logical… tips the gender stereotypes #TLTDiversity
— mz_christie (@mz_christie) March 28, 2013

One thing I love was when Day and June first meet each other their reacts are not about color, but about feeling. #TLTdiversity
— David James (@DJamesAuthor) March 28, 2013

There was one area in which there was some disagreement, diversity about character sexuality.

@djamesauthor I actually didn’t find that to be the case when I was reading. It wasn’t something I expected and didn’t sit right with me
— K8 케이트 (@Froze8) March 28, 2013

@djamesauthor Just a note too diversity can be many things. Race is one, but walks of life can be too #TLTDiversity
— K8 케이트 (@Froze8) March 28, 2013

Final note: remember to stay accepting. djamesauthor.blogspot.com/2013/03/divers… #TLTdiversity
— David James (@DJamesAuthor) March 28, 2013

More on Diversity at TLT:
Racial Stereotyping in YA Literature
Race Reflections, Take II
Building Bridges to Literacy for African American Male Youth Summit recap, part 1
Friday Reflections: Talking with Hispanic/Latino Teens about YA Lit

Filed under: David James, Diversity, Legend, Marie Lu