The Messenger by Lois Lowry

This story continues in the world begun with The Giver, and Gathering Blue. Here we follow Matty living in Village who is unafraid of Forrest. Forrest has swallowed other travelers who have attempted to leave Village, but Matty is unafraid - it has never bothered him. Until now. But Matty has a secret - a gift. Will it be enough to escape Forrest before Village closes?

What I loved most about this book is how real the characters feel. You can follow Matty as he begins to see a girl with newly discovered romantic interest, or as he emerges into adulthood and begins to relate to adults in his world rather than just being bored by their world. The only thing I didn't like about this book was how I wanted to cry at the end - but it really was a wonderful ending, nonetheless.