The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau Summary
Overview of The City of Ember
In a dying underground city where light is failing, two teens discover a cryptic message that could save everyone. This 4-million-copy bestseller won the Mark Twain Award and inspired a film starring Bill Murray. What secrets lie beyond Ember's darkness?
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Key takeaways
A World of Light Surrounded by Darkness
Imagine a city where darkness is the greatest fear-where massive floodlamps illuminate stone buildings and cobblestone streets, where children are taught that beyond their city borders lies nothing but eternal blackness. This is Ember, humanity's last refuge, a place that has sustained life for 241 years. But now the lights flicker with increasing frequency, plunging citizens into terrifying moments of absolute darkness. Food supplies dwindle, infrastructure crumbles, and nobody remembers why they're here or how to leave. On Assignment Day, twelve-year-olds Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow receive their lifelong career placements. Lina dreams of becoming a messenger, racing through Ember's streets in the coveted red jacket. Doon, serious and determined, wants to work in the Pipeworks to access and repair the failing generator. When they receive each other's assignments, they make a trade that sets both on unexpected paths. What they don't yet know is that Ember was never meant to last forever-its creators designed an escape plan, instructions locked in a box programmed to open after 220 years. But when the seventh mayor fell ill, he took the box home, and after his death, it was forgotten for decades.
Messengers, Mysteries, and Signs of Decline
The Lost Instructions and Personal Tragedy
Corruption Unveiled and Escape Plans
The River's Secret and Hidden Path
Into the Unknown World Above
A Message of Hope for Ember's Future
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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