Dashner, J. (2009). The maze runner. New York: Delacorte Press.
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73794-4
Plot Summary
Teen boys live in the Glade after having been dropped off by an elevator. Their memories have been erased, and they do not know why they are there. Every day, the boys run through the maze that surrounds them, searching for a way out. But every night, the door closes, which protects them from the Grievers, but the maze changes everyday. Then Thomas arrives. And the next day, a girl arrives. Teresa is the only girl there. Before she falls asleep into a coma, she tells them that everything is about to change. And it does. Their numbers are dwindling, and they need to find a way out. If they are caught by Grievers, they undergo Changing and can only survive if a serum is administered in time. A side effect, though, is some regained memory. Eventually, they realize that they have been put there as an experimental trial by the WICKED to find the smartest boys; these boys will aid in curing a disease called The Flare, which has wiped out Earth’s population. They risk their lives to save each other and in the process, some go crazy and some attempt murder. When they reach the Scorch, a dangerous area near the Equator, they are lulled to sleep without knowing what is planned for them next.
Critical Evaluation
Dashner creates the world of the Glade with vivid description to make the setting come alive for the readers’ senses: “…a mixture of smells bombarded him. Freshly turned dirt, manure, pine, something rotten and something sweet. Somehow he knew that these were the smells of a farm” (7). The characters are well developed and believable through their actions and their language. They have created their own linguistic style and vocabulary, calling each other “Klunkhead” and “shank,” and exclaiming, “Shuck it” when they are frustrated. This language intrigues the reader and further adds to the richly developed setting. Also, in doing so, they are talking to each other as boys do without being overtly offensive to readers’ parents. The fast-paced plot leads reader from chapter to chapter like a maze as the reader is left wondering what will happen next. However, the novel ends rather abruptly, leaving the reader with questions and wanting more, no doubt in preparation for its sequel, The Scorch Trials.
Reader’s Annotation
When Thomas finds himself in the middle of a huge maze, he can’t remember anything of the past and neither can the rest of the boys. Fighting for survival and finding their way out is all part of the plan.
Author Information
James Dashner was born in a rural town in Georgia, but moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where he received a Masters Degree in Accounting. After spending a few years as a missionary in Japan, he returned to Utah where he received his CPA. He currently works for a major accounting firm as a financial analyst. He resides in West Valley City, Utah with his wife and four children.
The Maze Runner is the first in a series. Second is The Scorch Trials (2010) and third is The Death Cure (2011). On November 20, 2011, Dashner announced the prequel to The Maze Runner, The Kill Order, due out August 2012.
James Dashner keeps a blog, The Dashner Dude:
Genre
Young Adult Fiction
Science Fiction
Dystopian novel
Suspense
Romance
Survival
Curriculum Ties
Curriculum Ties
Epidemics throughout history
Book Talking Ideas
What diseases throughout history have affected mass numbers of people? What would you be willing to do to survive?
Reading Level/ Interest Age
The protogonist is 16; appropriate for readers 14 and up.
Challenge Issues
Violence
Challenge Defense
In defense of a challenge, I would cite these reviews as well as ALA's Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials.
Booklist 09/01/09
School Library Journal 10/01/09
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 11/01/09
Voice of Youth Advocates (V.O.Y.A.) 12/01/09
Horn Book 04/01/10
Publishers Weekly 09/21/09
Why did I include this title?
I had heard about this book at a What’s New in YA Literature conference, and it was on my list of books to read. When I noticed it getting popular among my students, I realized it was time to read it and join in the discussion.
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