The Giver

I read this along with my ten-year-old when it was assigned in school. Jonas lives in a dystopia disguised as a utopia where everyone is cared for and all has a place. Everything is controlled, from the weather, to the number of births in each community. Every family unit is assigned two children and all jobs are assigned by the committee of elders based on an individual’s strengths and interests. There is no want, no lack or homeless. Crime is all but extinct (as are many animals) and the elder residents are pampered and taken care of until the day of their Release to Elsewhere. The children undergo a strict form of training where emphasis is on manners, precise language and obedience. When Jonas turns twelve he is selected as the new Receiver of Memory. As the Receiver in Training , Jonas’ training consists of taking on all the community’s memories from the outgoing Receiver. Once his training begins, Jonas becomes privy to situations, places, sensations and feelings that has him quickly understanding that nothing is as it seems in his idyllic community. The world he lives in vastly differs from the memories of the Giver, and in some instances, is a flat out lie. As he gains knowledge of concepts such as family holidays, seasons, conflict and even color; Jonas realizes that the Sameness of his community is not ideal; it’s cruel brainwashing When faced with this truth, Jonas realizes that he also now has something that the rest of the community doesn't .... a choice. As far as novels that you must read because you are in school and it’s assigned goes, this is probably one of the better ones. I remember when I was in school all the books we had to read were completely boring it truly is a wonder I love reading after the dreck I was exposed to! Jonas world is bleak and boring. Nobody sees color, everyone is taught to be painfully polite as they go about their lives volunteering at various places, discussing their dreams and feelings all the while being totally naïve to the things that they are missing. At least in the Hunger Games, the folks in District Twelve knew they had it bad… the people in Jonas’ community are like the proverbial frogs in the boiling pot. The Giver has provided quite a few topics of discussion for my son and I as I am sure it has provided for his class and I am sure it will continue to provide in the future. While the Giver is identified as Teen & Young Adult, do not, for one minute believe it is written on an elementary level. The topics that are addressed, either in passing or in greater depth are compelling and thought provoking. Even after I finished this book, I find myself thinking about a person, situation or comment and still being affected. The cliffhanger ending will leave the reader with a mixed feeling of relief and curiosity. As part of a quartet of books by Lois Lowry, I am looking forward to reading more books in this series for more glimpses into dystopia through Lois Lowry’s eyes.

I first read this book when I was about 10. I disliked it at the time. It was too abstract for me. Finding out that Jonas and the other characters could not see color or feel emotions halfway through the book threw me for a loop. The family's discussion of feelings and references to Gabriel's eye color seemed like cheap, misleading tactics. The lack of real resolution also irritated me. Now, 10 years later, I re-read this story for a college assignment and found it to be a refreshing, original tale in the often-maligned genre of Young Adult fiction. This time, the allegorical elements of the story stood out and the beauty of Lowry's writing captured me. There was no love triangle or even love interest. There was no overtly evil government that a fierce young heroine had to overthrow. There was simply a deeply flawed, sheltered society and the desire to be an individual in a homogeneous world. The writing was concise, the concept was solid, and the premise was unique. Age and perspective helped me re-evaluate this work. When I was 10, I had never heard of symbolism, satire, allegory, or dystopias. I'm not even sure that Young Adult fiction was designated as a genre back then. After reading endless trashy, stupid, plot-less YA dystopian novels in the years since I first read this book, I can safely say that The Giver is one of the finest offerings in the genre. I would not suggest that elementary school children read this book, despite its frequent inclusion on reading lists. In order to appreciate the beauty of this book, you need to have a deeper understanding of literature. Although I dreaded having to read this book again, I actually read it in a few hours. Upon reflection, I found it to be much more profound the second time around.

After reading Lois Lowry's memoirs, I decided to go back and read several of her books -- The Giver and Number the Stars. The Giver is deeply profound and it addresses some weighty topics, but it is presented in an accessible format and language that would make it appropriate for middle schoolers. The prose is simple, not at all flower or preachy, and it allows the reader to have her own response to the actions, rather than dictating a response. The story is told in third person, but from the perspective of Jonas, who begins the novel as an 11-year-old-boy, eager and apprehensive to learn what life has in store for him. Jonas lives in a highly controlled, highly planned, rule-laden community, where no one experiences pain or war, bullying is nonexistent, and perfectly matched parents with one-boy one-girl family units share their dreams and feelings around the dinner table. Children, born to designated Birthmothers, progress in the community in lock step manner. In annual ceremonies, all Ones are given names and presented to their families, Sevens are given jackets that button up the from, and Eights get pockets on their jackets and start their community service work. Nines get bicycles. At Ten, all the girls have their long braids cut, and the boys got more adult haircuts. In the Ceremony of Twelve, the Twelves are given their life-time occupational assignments, as chosen by the elders of the community. Jonas's father, for example, is a Nurturer, caring for newborns who have not yet been assigned to a family. Jonas's mother works in the justice department. At the Ceremony of Twelve, children are given their assignments one by one -- Engineer, Doctor, Birthmother, Caregiver -- but Jonas is not called. At the end of the ceremony, he learns that he has been chosen to be The Receiver. His responsibility will be to act as a repository of all of the knowledge of the past as retained by a single person in the community. As the current Receiver is growing old, the comment needs to designate a new Receiver to preserve knowledge. In this role, Jonas is exposed to a variety of books for the first time. He learns about pain, empathy, war, and more. He begins to experience some discomfort with the rituals of his community -- particularly with how the elderly and certain nonconforming members are "released" from the community. One particularly disturbing incident occurs when Jonas watches his father deal with newborn twins. In the end, of course, Jonas comes to realize that this Utopian society is not all it is cracked up to be and finds a way to change his own path. The book does leave you wanting more, but it also leaves you thinking about what might happen next, and how each of us have some power to control our own destiny.

Yesterday, I took a road trip with my two daughters to get pick up my 88 year-old grandmother, who will be staying with us through the holiday season. At 5 and 9 years-old, my usual audiobook choices were clearly not an option. So, I found myself listening to some books that definitely are not my usual type, yet again. With over 4 1/2 hours in the car each way, we were able to finish 2 audiobooks from start to finish. By pure coincidence, they both ended up being authored by Lois Lowry. I have never been more engaged in a children's book than I was during this road trip. I was completely lost in these stories, as were my children. The first book that we listened to was 'The Giver'. What a captivating, albeit bleak, fictional world Ms. Lowry has created! I was absolutely spellbound by her storytelling. Set in the future, Jonas lives in a community that has traded their humanity for the illusion of safety. They block anything that would trigger the emotional highs and lows that define a person's life as we now know it. They don't experience the heartache of loss, but they never give in to the joys of life either. They are shells, robotic in their day to day existence and devoid of emotion. Although this is a children's book, it had a feeling eerily similar to George Orwell's '1984'. Independent thinking was non-existent. People "confessed" their thoughts, dreams and rule violations. The presence of the omnipresent leaders in their homes, ruling their lives, was pervasive and all-powerful. Jonas is getting ready to experience the ceremony of 12. This particular ceremony is an important one in the community, a rite of passage into adulthood. It is at this ceremony that each child is assigned their job within the community. They will remain in their assigned role until they are no longer productive and they are "released". Unlike the other children, Jonas is unsure of his calling within the community. He doesn't feel a clear draw to one occupation or another. He is worried of what the future holds for him and he is beginning to notice some unusual things that others do not. Jonas is ultimately assigned a very prestigious role within the community. It is perhaps the most important role in the community, but comes with a tremendous burden. He cannot share his experiences with anyone other than the man that he will be replacing, the current "receiver". As his training progresses, Jonas comes to question everything that he has ever been taught. From beginning to end, this book held my rapt attention. It was beautifully written and thought provoking. 'The Giver' serves as a cautionary tale to the human race, warning of what can become when we censor our very emotions and blot out all of the differences that make us unique individuals. There was plenty of action and suspense along the way. It was also a much more emotional read than I had anticipated. I'll never forget the look on my 9 year-old's face when some of the true meanings of different phrases, like "released", truly sunk in. Don't even get me going on baby Gabe! Luckily, I think most of that went over the head of my 5 year-old. Overall, I thought that this was a spectacular book! It is one that I would not have normally read, but I'm so glad that I did. I can only hope that the lessons learned will resonate with my daughter and the other children that read it. An all-around great story! I'll probably download the next books in the series for our next road-trip to take "Nana" home after the holidays.

The teller at my bank told me about this book. I can't believe I never heard of it. I can see why people love this book. The characters are developed well enough that I began to care about them. Lowry is easily descriptive, I can imagine everything she wrote. There is enough mystery to keep me in suspense about how things will unfold. The book really starts to get very good in the last 3rd. Not only is there a sentilating pay off, but quite possibly the best two sentences from any book I've ever read "Of course they needed to care. It was the meaning of everything." Wow, I think about those words a lot. So simple, so true. one of my favorite books is Animal Farm, if you're familiar with it you know the part where Napoleon is was walking on two legs and sleeps in the human bed and the other animals see him doing that for the first time. There is a moment near the end of the Giver where Jonas witnesses something equally impactful as Napoleon walking on two legs. It's the point where it becomes clear for Jonas something has to change. This book is just as good as Animal Farm but different.

What is the ideal society that you can imagine? Would you like to be happy? Does a society with no war, no disease, no pain or suffering appeal to you? Would you like to have someone else choose a very compatible mate for you and not have to worry about dating? How would you like a job that is guaranteed and is enjoyable and fits your interests and personality? The Giver is about such a society. What is the trade-off? What is missing in the people’s lives? The Giver is a very thought-provoking book. Jonas lives in this community. His thought his childhood was delightful. However, at age 12, he knows he will be assigned a job. He is apprehensive about the prospect. What does he really want to do? He is not sure. Everyone in the community is assigned an occupation that suits his or her abilities. In a special ceremony, children who turn 12 years old in a given year are grouped together. He sits in the auditorium and watches and listens as all the other children in his age group are assigned jobs. Jonas is the only one left without an assignment. Is something wrong? At the end of the ceremony, he is finally called up and told he is to be a “Receiver”. This is the highest honor. He is to be trained by the Giver. The Giver is the only one in the society that has any sense of history; he is the depository of memories. The others live only in the present. The Giver is to transfer his memories of the human race to Jonas, for the Giver is old and tired and needs to be replaced. This society is one of conformity. “Sameness” is fostered and rewarded. All the houses are identical. Haircuts, dress and activities are strictly regimented. Everyone sees grayness; no one even sees colors. Only the separate job assignments differentiate the members. They are told how to act; they are told how to live. Everyone takes a pill to keep all passion at bay. Only superficial discussions of one’s feelings are allowed; only certain feelings are appropriate. The people know vaguely about “Elsewhere”, the outside world, but they stay in the Community and do as they are told. When Jonas starts receiving memories from the Giver, he experiences pain and suffering but also love and freedom of choice. He also begins to see the world in color. He is told he can lie about his training and not tell anyone what he is experiencing. Jonas is careful of what he says at home now. When he is asked if he dreams, he says “no”, because his dreams would not be acceptable. He does not tell them that he has stopped taking the pill to suppress passion. His feelings and emotions grow, and he tries to hide these from his family and the others in the Community. The Giver is the only person who knows what he is going through. Jonas thinks the other people in the Community tell the truth about their jobs. Then one day, the Giver allows him to watch a video recording of his father at work with his job taking care of infants. Jonas had always thought his Dad liked the infants that were in his care. This view was reinforced since his father brought home an infant named Gabriel who needed some extra care. Gabriel was not learning to sleep through the night; he was different than the other infants in the ward. If he did not learn to sleep through the night he would be RELEASED. Jonas soothes the boy to sleep by acting as Giver and sending the child peaceful thoughts. The child does not sleep when he is in the new infant ward, however. Jonas learns that Gabriel is to be RELEASED. In the infant ward, twins have been born. Twins are not allowed in the Community. Only one of the twins can be kept. The other is be RELEASED. Jonas watches as his father weighs each of the twins and sets aside the smaller of the two. Then his father calmly injects the smaller twin in the head with a lethal chemical. The boy dies. Jonas is devastated. He had always looked up to his father. Jonas now knows what RELEASED means. He had thought that those who were RELEASED, including the disabled and the elderly went to a heavenly place in another community. Jonas now knows that RELEASED means death. Shocked and scared, Jonas knows that his father has been lying to everyone about what he does. Is everyone lying about his or her work? Jonas is disillusioned and decides to leave the Community, something that is forbidden. He realizes that the Community is a horrible place; it is a dystopia, not a Utopia. Jonas hoards some leftover food (all leftover food must be put out in front of each house) and prepares for the right opportunity. The Giver helps him escape. He escapes with Gabriel and is pursued by helicopters. Freezing and nearly starving, they reach a hill and look down upon a lit up house below. A family is sitting cozily in a living room with a lovely Christmas tree. The scene is a memory that Jonah had received from the Giver. Is this real or is it just a memory? Are Jonah and Gabriel safe in “Elsewhere” or are they dead? What information is kept from us in today’s world? It is easy to see distortions of truth in our media. Misinformation is spread rapidly though the Internet as well as television, and, probably, our newspapers. We see many different cultures in the world, and they all have their version of reality. Medical doctors often give tranquilizers and antidepressants to dull patients’ emotions. There is some parallel here to the pill that every 12 year-old child in the Community must start to take daily to get rid of passionate feelings. Does not great art and music need passion and intense feelings to be inspired?

Book 29 of 2022 — The Giver by Lois Lowry I am so grateful that I have been rereading books that I had read as a teenager. I was overcome with emotion reading this book in a way I could not understand as a young person. As a parent and as someone who has now experienced the depth of pain and loss and anguish, I feel like I was the people in the book without understanding of “precision of language”. This book is POWERFUL. For such a seemingly short volume, the texture of the scenes is multidimensional. I find myself asking all kinds of questions upon finishing. I did not realize that there were other books in the series and I look forward to exploring the rest of the stories. This book will cause you to feel all the emotions. I cried multiple times realizing what was happening or what was going to happen. I talked with my husband and oldest son about it and was overcome with tears thinking of what the future of Gabriel would be once his character was introduced. I truly enjoyed the open ended-ness of this title. It gives you a lot to consider and you are able to draw your own conclusions. The afterword by the author allayed some of my fears of what she might have meant! This book is heavy. I felt so emotional reading it, fearful of what was going to happen. You truly feel like Jonas at times, searching for words to describe how you are feeling. The characters are purposefully shallow because their society has made them such. Watching Jonas grow into his humanity is a gift. I highly recommend revisiting this short title in adulthood! I hope the Giver receives relief at the conclusion of the book. 5⭐️/5

I watched the movie years ago and adored it. In truth, I expected to be disappointed by the book. I often am if I watched (and enjoyed) the movie first, or vice versa. But I believe I adored the book just as much as the movie, perhaps because the book is short, thus the movie closely mirrors it. Reading the 25th anniversary addition, I had the opportunity to read Lowry's Newberry acceptance speech. I loved it as much as the book. Lowry's storytelling is gorgeous. She beautifully paints emotions with words, so much so that I find myself still studying my own that have been stirred by the book whose cover I closed an hour ago. Which is better? Sameness or Elsewhere? Each person must come to that decision on their own, of course. But have I made the right choice? And what would it be like if we all made the same choice? **SPOILER ALERT BELOW** As for the ending of the book, I choose to believe that Jonas and Gabriel perished on that sled. That was my immediate thought upon finishing the last page: gliding down the mountain, Jonas was comforted by dying thoughts of a reality that was no longer - or not yet - real. After swirling other options around, I like my first thought best; Jonas truly became the giver.

The Giver is a distinguished book that gives an insight of the development of Jonas who is a young man in a utopia world where people don’t embrace individuality and live without emotion. The Giver tells the story of a dynamic character, Jonas, whose course of life is altered by the job duty that is given to him by his elders. Jonas has lived a life that is controlled; however, now his course in life is enabling him to change his views on his society and family based on his experiences and memories. “But he knew he couldn't go back to that world of no feelings that he had lived in so long (131).” Lois Lowry’s use of the word “feelings” allows the reader to have an emotional impact with Jonas, which is vital for the overall sensitive connection. Lowry allows the reader to embrace the different emotions and feelings that Jonas feels and now fully understands. The Giver allows the reader to have an insight of a society that is controlled and does not embrace individuality or differences. By doing so, the reader may feel uncomfortable or even disgust. For example, when the babies are “released” the reader may feel distaste from the impassive attitude of the characters who essentially killed a baby. Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2012. Print.

Book Review of the Giver: The Giver written by Lois Lowry is a book for students in middle school and late elementary school. The Giver is about a dystopia, with no color, no memories, no violence, and no more than two children per family. The kids in the community are to behave and at the age of 12 are given their lifelong jobs by the elders in the community. However, for the main character, Jonas, he gets a special job. Jonas is responsible for taking on all the memories of the people in the community. He is mentored by The Giver and finds out the hard truths about the community. When Jonas finds out something heartbreaking about the baby, his Dad is taking car of, Jonas decides to take matters into his own hands. The Giver demonstrates good examples with the common core and its complexity and the ability for students to interpret this book in different ways. The use of language in it is probably more advanced for late elementary readers but would provide a good challenge. This book also awarded the John Newbery Award. The Giver isn’t just for students to read and take quizzes on in school but, it’s also for entertainment. This book tackles some controversial issues. One thing that gets brought up in the book a few times is the “elsewhere.” People have different interpretations as to what that might mean but as you read the book, you find out that Jonas’s Dad assists in the “elsewhere” action. Another big controversy is the idea of no color. Everyone in the book is perceived as white and with no race, there’s no racism or differentness. When we get to the end of the book, you’ll have to come up with your own interpretation of what happens to Jonas.

I read this along with my ten-year-old when it was assigned in school. Jonas lives in a dystopia disguised as a utopia where everyone is cared for and all has a place. Everything is controlled, from the weather, to the number of births in each community. Every family unit is assigned two children and all jobs are assigned by the committee of elders based on an individual’s strengths and interests. There is no want, no lack or homeless. Crime is all but extinct (as are many animals) and the elder residents are pampered and taken care of until the day of their Release to Elsewhere. The children undergo a strict form of training where emphasis is on manners, precise language and obedience. When Jonas turns twelve he is selected as the new Receiver of Memory. As the Receiver in Training , Jonas’ training consists of taking on all the community’s memories from the outgoing Receiver. Once his training begins, Jonas becomes privy to situations, places, sensations and feelings that has him quickly understanding that nothing is as it seems in his idyllic community. The world he lives in vastly differs from the memories of the Giver, and in some instances, is a flat out lie. As he gains knowledge of concepts such as family holidays, seasons, conflict and even color; Jonas realizes that the Sameness of his community is not ideal; it’s cruel brainwashing When faced with this truth, Jonas realizes that he also now has something that the rest of the community doesn't .... a choice. As far as novels that you must read because you are in school and it’s assigned goes, this is probably one of the better ones. I remember when I was in school all the books we had to read were completely boring it truly is a wonder I love reading after the dreck I was exposed to! Jonas world is bleak and boring. Nobody sees color, everyone is taught to be painfully polite as they go about their lives volunteering at various places, discussing their dreams and feelings all the while being totally naïve to the things that they are missing. At least in the Hunger Games, the folks in District Twelve knew they had it bad… the people in Jonas’ community are like the proverbial frogs in the boiling pot. The Giver has provided quite a few topics of discussion for my son and I as I am sure it has provided for his class and I am sure it will continue to provide in the future. While the Giver is identified as Teen & Young Adult, do not, for one minute believe it is written on an elementary level. The topics that are addressed, either in passing or in greater depth are compelling and thought provoking. Even after I finished this book, I find myself thinking about a person, situation or comment and still being affected. The cliffhanger ending will leave the reader with a mixed feeling of relief and curiosity. As part of a quartet of books by Lois Lowry, I am looking forward to reading more books in this series for more glimpses into dystopia through Lois Lowry’s eyes.

I first read this book when I was about 10. I disliked it at the time. It was too abstract for me. Finding out that Jonas and the other characters could not see color or feel emotions halfway through the book threw me for a loop. The family's discussion of feelings and references to Gabriel's eye color seemed like cheap, misleading tactics. The lack of real resolution also irritated me. Now, 10 years later, I re-read this story for a college assignment and found it to be a refreshing, original tale in the often-maligned genre of Young Adult fiction. This time, the allegorical elements of the story stood out and the beauty of Lowry's writing captured me. There was no love triangle or even love interest. There was no overtly evil government that a fierce young heroine had to overthrow. There was simply a deeply flawed, sheltered society and the desire to be an individual in a homogeneous world. The writing was concise, the concept was solid, and the premise was unique. Age and perspective helped me re-evaluate this work. When I was 10, I had never heard of symbolism, satire, allegory, or dystopias. I'm not even sure that Young Adult fiction was designated as a genre back then. After reading endless trashy, stupid, plot-less YA dystopian novels in the years since I first read this book, I can safely say that The Giver is one of the finest offerings in the genre. I would not suggest that elementary school children read this book, despite its frequent inclusion on reading lists. In order to appreciate the beauty of this book, you need to have a deeper understanding of literature. Although I dreaded having to read this book again, I actually read it in a few hours. Upon reflection, I found it to be much more profound the second time around.

After reading Lois Lowry's memoirs, I decided to go back and read several of her books -- The Giver and Number the Stars. The Giver is deeply profound and it addresses some weighty topics, but it is presented in an accessible format and language that would make it appropriate for middle schoolers. The prose is simple, not at all flower or preachy, and it allows the reader to have her own response to the actions, rather than dictating a response. The story is told in third person, but from the perspective of Jonas, who begins the novel as an 11-year-old-boy, eager and apprehensive to learn what life has in store for him. Jonas lives in a highly controlled, highly planned, rule-laden community, where no one experiences pain or war, bullying is nonexistent, and perfectly matched parents with one-boy one-girl family units share their dreams and feelings around the dinner table. Children, born to designated Birthmothers, progress in the community in lock step manner. In annual ceremonies, all Ones are given names and presented to their families, Sevens are given jackets that button up the from, and Eights get pockets on their jackets and start their community service work. Nines get bicycles. At Ten, all the girls have their long braids cut, and the boys got more adult haircuts. In the Ceremony of Twelve, the Twelves are given their life-time occupational assignments, as chosen by the elders of the community. Jonas's father, for example, is a Nurturer, caring for newborns who have not yet been assigned to a family. Jonas's mother works in the justice department. At the Ceremony of Twelve, children are given their assignments one by one -- Engineer, Doctor, Birthmother, Caregiver -- but Jonas is not called. At the end of the ceremony, he learns that he has been chosen to be The Receiver. His responsibility will be to act as a repository of all of the knowledge of the past as retained by a single person in the community. As the current Receiver is growing old, the comment needs to designate a new Receiver to preserve knowledge. In this role, Jonas is exposed to a variety of books for the first time. He learns about pain, empathy, war, and more. He begins to experience some discomfort with the rituals of his community -- particularly with how the elderly and certain nonconforming members are "released" from the community. One particularly disturbing incident occurs when Jonas watches his father deal with newborn twins. In the end, of course, Jonas comes to realize that this Utopian society is not all it is cracked up to be and finds a way to change his own path. The book does leave you wanting more, but it also leaves you thinking about what might happen next, and how each of us have some power to control our own destiny.

Yesterday, I took a road trip with my two daughters to get pick up my 88 year-old grandmother, who will be staying with us through the holiday season. At 5 and 9 years-old, my usual audiobook choices were clearly not an option. So, I found myself listening to some books that definitely are not my usual type, yet again. With over 4 1/2 hours in the car each way, we were able to finish 2 audiobooks from start to finish. By pure coincidence, they both ended up being authored by Lois Lowry. I have never been more engaged in a children's book than I was during this road trip. I was completely lost in these stories, as were my children. The first book that we listened to was 'The Giver'. What a captivating, albeit bleak, fictional world Ms. Lowry has created! I was absolutely spellbound by her storytelling. Set in the future, Jonas lives in a community that has traded their humanity for the illusion of safety. They block anything that would trigger the emotional highs and lows that define a person's life as we now know it. They don't experience the heartache of loss, but they never give in to the joys of life either. They are shells, robotic in their day to day existence and devoid of emotion. Although this is a children's book, it had a feeling eerily similar to George Orwell's '1984'. Independent thinking was non-existent. People "confessed" their thoughts, dreams and rule violations. The presence of the omnipresent leaders in their homes, ruling their lives, was pervasive and all-powerful. Jonas is getting ready to experience the ceremony of 12. This particular ceremony is an important one in the community, a rite of passage into adulthood. It is at this ceremony that each child is assigned their job within the community. They will remain in their assigned role until they are no longer productive and they are "released". Unlike the other children, Jonas is unsure of his calling within the community. He doesn't feel a clear draw to one occupation or another. He is worried of what the future holds for him and he is beginning to notice some unusual things that others do not. Jonas is ultimately assigned a very prestigious role within the community. It is perhaps the most important role in the community, but comes with a tremendous burden. He cannot share his experiences with anyone other than the man that he will be replacing, the current "receiver". As his training progresses, Jonas comes to question everything that he has ever been taught. From beginning to end, this book held my rapt attention. It was beautifully written and thought provoking. 'The Giver' serves as a cautionary tale to the human race, warning of what can become when we censor our very emotions and blot out all of the differences that make us unique individuals. There was plenty of action and suspense along the way. It was also a much more emotional read than I had anticipated. I'll never forget the look on my 9 year-old's face when some of the true meanings of different phrases, like "released", truly sunk in. Don't even get me going on baby Gabe! Luckily, I think most of that went over the head of my 5 year-old. Overall, I thought that this was a spectacular book! It is one that I would not have normally read, but I'm so glad that I did. I can only hope that the lessons learned will resonate with my daughter and the other children that read it. An all-around great story! I'll probably download the next books in the series for our next road-trip to take "Nana" home after the holidays.

The teller at my bank told me about this book. I can't believe I never heard of it. I can see why people love this book. The characters are developed well enough that I began to care about them. Lowry is easily descriptive, I can imagine everything she wrote. There is enough mystery to keep me in suspense about how things will unfold. The book really starts to get very good in the last 3rd. Not only is there a sentilating pay off, but quite possibly the best two sentences from any book I've ever read "Of course they needed to care. It was the meaning of everything." Wow, I think about those words a lot. So simple, so true. one of my favorite books is Animal Farm, if you're familiar with it you know the part where Napoleon is was walking on two legs and sleeps in the human bed and the other animals see him doing that for the first time. There is a moment near the end of the Giver where Jonas witnesses something equally impactful as Napoleon walking on two legs. It's the point where it becomes clear for Jonas something has to change. This book is just as good as Animal Farm but different.

What is the ideal society that you can imagine? Would you like to be happy? Does a society with no war, no disease, no pain or suffering appeal to you? Would you like to have someone else choose a very compatible mate for you and not have to worry about dating? How would you like a job that is guaranteed and is enjoyable and fits your interests and personality? The Giver is about such a society. What is the trade-off? What is missing in the people’s lives? The Giver is a very thought-provoking book. Jonas lives in this community. His thought his childhood was delightful. However, at age 12, he knows he will be assigned a job. He is apprehensive about the prospect. What does he really want to do? He is not sure. Everyone in the community is assigned an occupation that suits his or her abilities. In a special ceremony, children who turn 12 years old in a given year are grouped together. He sits in the auditorium and watches and listens as all the other children in his age group are assigned jobs. Jonas is the only one left without an assignment. Is something wrong? At the end of the ceremony, he is finally called up and told he is to be a “Receiver”. This is the highest honor. He is to be trained by the Giver. The Giver is the only one in the society that has any sense of history; he is the depository of memories. The others live only in the present. The Giver is to transfer his memories of the human race to Jonas, for the Giver is old and tired and needs to be replaced. This society is one of conformity. “Sameness” is fostered and rewarded. All the houses are identical. Haircuts, dress and activities are strictly regimented. Everyone sees grayness; no one even sees colors. Only the separate job assignments differentiate the members. They are told how to act; they are told how to live. Everyone takes a pill to keep all passion at bay. Only superficial discussions of one’s feelings are allowed; only certain feelings are appropriate. The people know vaguely about “Elsewhere”, the outside world, but they stay in the Community and do as they are told. When Jonas starts receiving memories from the Giver, he experiences pain and suffering but also love and freedom of choice. He also begins to see the world in color. He is told he can lie about his training and not tell anyone what he is experiencing. Jonas is careful of what he says at home now. When he is asked if he dreams, he says “no”, because his dreams would not be acceptable. He does not tell them that he has stopped taking the pill to suppress passion. His feelings and emotions grow, and he tries to hide these from his family and the others in the Community. The Giver is the only person who knows what he is going through. Jonas thinks the other people in the Community tell the truth about their jobs. Then one day, the Giver allows him to watch a video recording of his father at work with his job taking care of infants. Jonas had always thought his Dad liked the infants that were in his care. This view was reinforced since his father brought home an infant named Gabriel who needed some extra care. Gabriel was not learning to sleep through the night; he was different than the other infants in the ward. If he did not learn to sleep through the night he would be RELEASED. Jonas soothes the boy to sleep by acting as Giver and sending the child peaceful thoughts. The child does not sleep when he is in the new infant ward, however. Jonas learns that Gabriel is to be RELEASED. In the infant ward, twins have been born. Twins are not allowed in the Community. Only one of the twins can be kept. The other is be RELEASED. Jonas watches as his father weighs each of the twins and sets aside the smaller of the two. Then his father calmly injects the smaller twin in the head with a lethal chemical. The boy dies. Jonas is devastated. He had always looked up to his father. Jonas now knows what RELEASED means. He had thought that those who were RELEASED, including the disabled and the elderly went to a heavenly place in another community. Jonas now knows that RELEASED means death. Shocked and scared, Jonas knows that his father has been lying to everyone about what he does. Is everyone lying about his or her work? Jonas is disillusioned and decides to leave the Community, something that is forbidden. He realizes that the Community is a horrible place; it is a dystopia, not a Utopia. Jonas hoards some leftover food (all leftover food must be put out in front of each house) and prepares for the right opportunity. The Giver helps him escape. He escapes with Gabriel and is pursued by helicopters. Freezing and nearly starving, they reach a hill and look down upon a lit up house below. A family is sitting cozily in a living room with a lovely Christmas tree. The scene is a memory that Jonah had received from the Giver. Is this real or is it just a memory? Are Jonah and Gabriel safe in “Elsewhere” or are they dead? What information is kept from us in today’s world? It is easy to see distortions of truth in our media. Misinformation is spread rapidly though the Internet as well as television, and, probably, our newspapers. We see many different cultures in the world, and they all have their version of reality. Medical doctors often give tranquilizers and antidepressants to dull patients’ emotions. There is some parallel here to the pill that every 12 year-old child in the Community must start to take daily to get rid of passionate feelings. Does not great art and music need passion and intense feelings to be inspired?

Book 29 of 2022 — The Giver by Lois Lowry I am so grateful that I have been rereading books that I had read as a teenager. I was overcome with emotion reading this book in a way I could not understand as a young person. As a parent and as someone who has now experienced the depth of pain and loss and anguish, I feel like I was the people in the book without understanding of “precision of language”. This book is POWERFUL. For such a seemingly short volume, the texture of the scenes is multidimensional. I find myself asking all kinds of questions upon finishing. I did not realize that there were other books in the series and I look forward to exploring the rest of the stories. This book will cause you to feel all the emotions. I cried multiple times realizing what was happening or what was going to happen. I talked with my husband and oldest son about it and was overcome with tears thinking of what the future of Gabriel would be once his character was introduced. I truly enjoyed the open ended-ness of this title. It gives you a lot to consider and you are able to draw your own conclusions. The afterword by the author allayed some of my fears of what she might have meant! This book is heavy. I felt so emotional reading it, fearful of what was going to happen. You truly feel like Jonas at times, searching for words to describe how you are feeling. The characters are purposefully shallow because their society has made them such. Watching Jonas grow into his humanity is a gift. I highly recommend revisiting this short title in adulthood! I hope the Giver receives relief at the conclusion of the book. 5⭐️/5

I watched the movie years ago and adored it. In truth, I expected to be disappointed by the book. I often am if I watched (and enjoyed) the movie first, or vice versa. But I believe I adored the book just as much as the movie, perhaps because the book is short, thus the movie closely mirrors it. Reading the 25th anniversary addition, I had the opportunity to read Lowry's Newberry acceptance speech. I loved it as much as the book. Lowry's storytelling is gorgeous. She beautifully paints emotions with words, so much so that I find myself still studying my own that have been stirred by the book whose cover I closed an hour ago. Which is better? Sameness or Elsewhere? Each person must come to that decision on their own, of course. But have I made the right choice? And what would it be like if we all made the same choice? **SPOILER ALERT BELOW** As for the ending of the book, I choose to believe that Jonas and Gabriel perished on that sled. That was my immediate thought upon finishing the last page: gliding down the mountain, Jonas was comforted by dying thoughts of a reality that was no longer - or not yet - real. After swirling other options around, I like my first thought best; Jonas truly became the giver.

The Giver is a distinguished book that gives an insight of the development of Jonas who is a young man in a utopia world where people don’t embrace individuality and live without emotion. The Giver tells the story of a dynamic character, Jonas, whose course of life is altered by the job duty that is given to him by his elders. Jonas has lived a life that is controlled; however, now his course in life is enabling him to change his views on his society and family based on his experiences and memories. “But he knew he couldn't go back to that world of no feelings that he had lived in so long (131).” Lois Lowry’s use of the word “feelings” allows the reader to have an emotional impact with Jonas, which is vital for the overall sensitive connection. Lowry allows the reader to embrace the different emotions and feelings that Jonas feels and now fully understands. The Giver allows the reader to have an insight of a society that is controlled and does not embrace individuality or differences. By doing so, the reader may feel uncomfortable or even disgust. For example, when the babies are “released” the reader may feel distaste from the impassive attitude of the characters who essentially killed a baby. Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2012. Print.

Book Review of the Giver: The Giver written by Lois Lowry is a book for students in middle school and late elementary school. The Giver is about a dystopia, with no color, no memories, no violence, and no more than two children per family. The kids in the community are to behave and at the age of 12 are given their lifelong jobs by the elders in the community. However, for the main character, Jonas, he gets a special job. Jonas is responsible for taking on all the memories of the people in the community. He is mentored by The Giver and finds out the hard truths about the community. When Jonas finds out something heartbreaking about the baby, his Dad is taking car of, Jonas decides to take matters into his own hands. The Giver demonstrates good examples with the common core and its complexity and the ability for students to interpret this book in different ways. The use of language in it is probably more advanced for late elementary readers but would provide a good challenge. This book also awarded the John Newbery Award. The Giver isn’t just for students to read and take quizzes on in school but, it’s also for entertainment. This book tackles some controversial issues. One thing that gets brought up in the book a few times is the “elsewhere.” People have different interpretations as to what that might mean but as you read the book, you find out that Jonas’s Dad assists in the “elsewhere” action. Another big controversy is the idea of no color. Everyone in the book is perceived as white and with no race, there’s no racism or differentness. When we get to the end of the book, you’ll have to come up with your own interpretation of what happens to Jonas.

This was required reading for our 6th grader in school. It surprised me, since usually school requirements are not that interesting. This really caught her interest and she devoured it. Only problem is she wanted the story to continue in the next in the series and it doesn't. I am sure she will enjoy the rest of the books once she gets over her disappointment. This book also convinced her that books are better than their films, which I always have told her. She watched the film of this after reading the book and was so full of complaints. :)

My daughter had to read this book for her 7th grade English class. I usually read the books she is assigned because the books I was reading for school 40 years ago are apparently banned now so I feel obligated to keep up with what she is reading. I've read other books by this author, Lois Lowry, I guess she has written a lot of books for this age group. The book is alright but it seems to be trying to teach you something, I'm not sure what though. Sacrifice, growing pains, tolerance, oppression there are so many things it touches upon I'm not totally sure if there is a moral conclusion to be drawn or not. It's a fictional world but seems to be a little lite on explanation of how and why it got to be that way, a bulk of the characters don't seem to be questioning it. Maybe that is the point.

It gives me hope for our world to see this book has over 17,000 reviews and most are 5 stars. In The Giver, civilization has been carefully crafted. There is no more war, no starvation, no pain, no jealousy, no sadness...but there is also no joy, no music, no colors, and no love. It begs the question...is one worth going without the other? Would we give up a world with music for one with no pain? Would we trade being able to see beautiful colors for a world with no sadness? Would we trade our ability to feel and experience love in order to live in a world with no war? What if one boy ask those questions and answered: No

This is a superficial review. As an older adult, I enjoyed the prose and the dystopian contrast of taking societal control too far. It tackles some complex issues in a quick read. I believe in public health and safety measures within the context of least infringement of autonomy and self-determination. The common good needs to be found in a democratic way with checks and balances. I felt however the narrative leaned toward justifying pain and suffering. In the end, I believe this book embodies Martin Luther King Junior's famous quote, "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice." I want to believe this.

“Why can't everyone see them? Why did colors disappear?” The Giver shrugged. “Our people made that choice, the choice to go to the sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back. We relinquished color when we did away with the differences.” He thought for a moment. “We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.” Jonas lives in a community where everything is completely choreographed to perfection. Birthmothers produce newchilderen, which are assigned to family units. Family units raise the newchilderen until they get assigned jobs, then partners, and then assigned new children of their own to raise in a family unit. Flawless without pain, questioning, conflict, inequality, injustice, or freedom. When Jonas turns twelve, he is appointed a very special life assignment. He begins his training with a peculiar man named The Giver. Jonas learns quickly that power comes from feelings, and emotions. But when Jonas is put to the test, he must risk his life, and someone he loves. Will Jonas be able to save that someone, and return life back to its former glory of the past? I enjoyed this book because the characters are realistic, and their actions seem justified. I also like this book because of the natural flow of Jonas growing up, which readers experience throughout the book. Jonas goes from a scared, naive gullible child to a judgmental, wise adult. The ending is great because of its abstract quality, and leaves the readers thinking about the book long after finishing. This book was disappointing in the fact that it did not take the time to slow down. It would have been more enjoyable and rewarding if it took more time to explain the very symbolic story. In some parts, the story skips forwardl months, skipping very valuable time that could be used to fill out the story, and flesh out the characters even more. I especially appreciated the story that this book tells, and how the reader is left, sometimes with little-to-no information, leaving them pondering long after reading. I enjoyed the realness of the characters, and how they make other characters seem completely alien. Every action that the characters undergo seem real, and believable. Although the story is rushed, it does flow very easily throughout the story. Overall, I would recommend this book because of its amazing story, and believable characters. “I have great honor,” The Giver said, “So will you. But you will find that is not the same as power.”

The Giver, awarded the Newbery Medal, is a dystopian novel following a young boy as he is chosen trained, to be the Receiver of Memories: the one person holding the collective memories of generation after generation, the one person who can see in color, feel emotions, and have any context for the world and experiences outside the gray, rigid society in which the novel takes place. Lowry’s novel is full of symbolism and meaning, but it must be decoded, the ending is left for the reader to interpret, and this may be why the novel lingers long after you have finished reading it. I read this in a book club and one of my fellow readers said so aptly that “The Giver questions what it means to be human.” What does it mean to be human? Without our ability to feel or to remember are we truly alive or just going through the emotions of being alive? Other questions that were raised in this book and that could be so great in a classroom discussion of the novel are about choice; about whether it is better to be free and possibly die or to be alive but have every aspect of your life controlled; how far away are we from the controlled society represented in this novel? It is clear why Lowry’s The Giver is still read in classrooms today, why it is still on many reading lists, why it is often challenged (and even banned) and why it won a Newbery Award: this novel requires the reader to think.

Spoilers in this Review The Giver is a dystopian adventure featuring a boy named Jonas who turns 12 in his society and is given the big responsibility of taking on all of the memories that his society has decided would not benefit them as a whole from a man known only as the Giver. He is the next one that has been chosen for this position since their last choice (Rosemary) failed and ultimately killed herself by deciding to be “released” after experiencing bad memories including children being taken away from their parents and poverty. In this novel, children begin the training for their work jobs at the age of 12 or more of around the age of 12 since everyone in this society ages up on the same day. These children are given the jobs like Nurturer, Caretaker, Laborer, Birthmother, and Instructor to name a few, and they start their training the next day. This act of assigning your future career gives comfort to some characters who don’t know what they want to do like Asher, but it also causes some anxiety for our main character Jonas because he doesn’t feel like he fits any of the potential jobs that he is aware of. When Jonas gets the position of Receiver, he is told of the last Receiver being a failure, but Jonas doesn’t get any information about it until much later in the book. Lowry does a great job tying this detail that may have been forgotten back into the plot towards the end as Jonas begins to explore his options since he is not allowed to be released to prevent another failure. In my opinion, book raises reveals to free choice. Lowry shows us through Rosemary and Jonas that having these memories both the good and the bad allows a person to have free choice, which is what this community tries to prevent from happening. Both of these characters have access to choice. They don’t take their medications for example. They also have the ability to actually think. Rosemary was able to request to be released. While Jonas was able to take baby Gabriel and run away from the community. Both were able to escape the life of a Receiver easily. Most of the other members of the community are more fit in a life where free choice has been taken from them. They happily accept their assigned jobs because the alternative is Elsewhere. This ties into society very well because it shows us that having free will can get us out of a bad situation, while if we don’t have free will like Jonas’s father, we could be forced unknowingly to kill a baby.

I ordered this book as I’m reading down the top 100 best books to read before you die. I could tell that I liked the book after the first page and was so happy I ordered it because the I became immersed immediately! As an author myself, it was very interesting to see how the author tied magic into the future. It was a very well written book and I look forward to the second.

Okay, so I’m 30. My 11 year old daughter was reading the first book in school. She was trying to explain it to me and it sounded so interesting I bought it. And it was actually a great easy read book. But the first one ended one a cliff hanger. So I bought the set. So know,, if you only buy the giver,,, you are going to want to know what happens next. It’s inevitable.

The Giver focuses on a young boy who is “honored” with a selection by the elders that will forever change his life. The boy is raised in a world that sees no color, has no emotions, and all participants in this world live and breathe by a rule book that tells them how to dress, think, respond, and live their lives. This novel provides just enough detail in the beginning, that when the world starts to change (as the boy sees it) the readers stay captivated, sitting on the edge wanting to know what the boy will do and/or see next. The Giver also turns into a theme that many of us can relate too, which is a fight for rights. The rules are literally black and white in The Giver and the boy wants to spread the color (and more) to everyone because it should be their choice. Having a choice is something we can all relate to because we are taught, from the very beginning, that the choices you make will mold you to what you will become. Think, though, what if you never had a choice at all? Not your career, or husband or wife? What a captivating read!

Was there such a thing as YA Dystopian literature before The Giver? I don't know, but I'm quite certain we'd never know Katniss or Tris if Jonus had never existed. I missed out on reading The Giver in my youth. It was published as I was graduating high school, which was immediately followed by life, one thing or another, so on and so forth, yadda yadda yadda, until suddenly my 13-year-old says "Dad, I want to read The Giver." Done, let's do it together. Now I'm jealous she gets to experience it when she's 13. Would I have seen the highs and lows of life differently? Would it have been easier to learn that the hard parts of life are just as important to who I am as the good parts? Would I be different? Should I quit my job and become a junior high literature teacher just so I can read The Giver with my students? Ok, ya. That's going a bit to far...right? Jonus lives in a perfect world. Karl Marx would love it there. Everyone is safe, well-fed, and comfortable. Everyone works together for the benefit of the whole. Everyone is the same. Everyone is satisfied. Everything is just as it should be. But then Jonus learns to feel. If there's an I wish, it's that the ending wouldn't have been so ambiguous. Many authors get all philosophical when writing their Magnum Opus, but I wish they wouldn't. Oh well, I guess that's just more for my lit students to discuss. I hope you'll read The Giver. It's only 179 pages, but it's a much bigger book than those ones about Katniss and Tris. For those who have read the rest of "The Giver Quartet," is it worth it? I kind of like the place I'm at with The Giver and I've heard some pretty polarizing things.

My middle school age daughter had to read this book for one of her classes, and she really enjoyed it....I had read it years ago, and also picked it up again when I saw it laying around the house. Even all of these years later, it’s still an enjoyable read. While the movie isn’t bad, I do feel this original book is much, much better. It’s a good wholesome story about friendship, being true to yourself and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Give this book a try, you won’t regret it!

I surprisingly never read this novel in school, but the upcoming movie adaptation prompted me to finally read it. I'm so glad that I did! This book left me with an appreciation of the life we live, the emotions we feel - good and bad, - and the freedom we have to experience it all. Jonas lives in what one could consider a utopian society - everything is organized and orderly. Each "community" runs like a well-oiled machine. There are rules and regulations that must be followed, or else accept the consequences. Three altercations will result in being "released" by the Community. Some newborns and the elderly also are "Released", though for them it is not considered a negative thing. "Sameness" is encouraged, while individuality is rare. Emotions, particularly desirous ones, are subdued by a magical pill that individuals must take daily. Individuals do not have the opportunity to choose their own mates, create their own children, name their own children, nor choose their profession. The Community Elders are responsible for assigning a position in the community to each and every individual when they turn 12-years-old. Jonas is given a prestigious and honorable position, one that will change him and the Community forever. One that will become a great burden that he will take off of the shoulders of his mentor, the Giver. This short novel was a quick and easy read that I would recommend to anyone. And I would also like to add that in the back of my copy is a section titled "A Conversation with Lowis Lowry" in which she expresses her optimism on the ending.

"Jonas was an Eleven and was about to get his Assignment at the Twelve ceremony. Though he wasn’t Assigned, he was chosen to be the new Receiver. So the former receiver and now “The Giver” teaches and feeds memories of his and gives them to Jonas. Then Jonas finally seeks love, pain, colors, and the true meaning of life. Suddenly he notices his Community isn’t something he wants to be a part of; because he knows he won’t be able to make a difference there. He wants to make a difference in lives, starting with Gabriel’s. So he escapes to find a new life for himself and Gabriel. Will he find the life he and the Giver have wanted? Will Gabriel make it through this treacherous journey? Read the Giver to find out." - Written by a group that wrote the best book summary for this wonderful story The Giver.

In the book, The Giver it describes a society that is striving to all be the same which means learning the same and having no real emotions. The book follows a boy named Jonas as he trains with The Giver and in his journey to discover all the secrets of the society he lives in. The Giver is holder of all memories and emotions in which no one else can have access too. Qualitative dimensions are a part of the Common Core. The Giver is complex as far as the themes and the purpose of the story in which these aspects are described under the qualitative dimensions category. Lawry really expands on the theme of conformity compared to individuality. In the book, Lawry argues people were conformed to the same image to rid the society of competition and jealousy. At first glance, this seems like a good idea until you realize The Elders taking away memories and emotions. Memories and emotions are natural human abilities. This is what Jonas comes to find out after being selected to be the Receiver from the Giver. This book can be interpreted many different ways when looking at the theme of conformity compared to individuality. The overarching theme addresses the idea that only certain people in life can succeed. In our society, like the one in The Giver, people who are quote “different” are usually frowned upon and have less chances than others. The “different” people in our society are anyone who is not white or disabled, just like in The Giver except those people are released (die). Throughout American history there is plenty of proof that nonwhite and disable people are treated unacceptably and even killed. These events include but not limited to The Civil Rights movement and the Holocaust even though the Holocaust did not take place in America we still had a part in it. American history proves that the idea of conformity of a society is not so far fetched.

I had this book on my list of "to read" forever. I finally picked it up last night and read it in one sitting. I rarely do that. I have read quite literally hundreds of dystopian fiction type novels. This book struck me a little deeper than usual. The characters are decently developed but not as much as I wanted them to be, this is probably because the book is short by most standards and I wanted more! The themes were things I come across a lot in dystopian fiction but for some reason they resonated more. I found myself thinking deeply about topics and ideas brought up in the book all day today. It was disturbing in a thousand ways, all necessary which were and are necessary. This book can be read at age 11-125 and each person will get something different from it. I know that having a son about the age of one of the characters made certain topics gut wrenching. This should be required reading every five years for every person...but that would sort of contradict the ideas brought up in the novel :) Despite that, maybe politicians should read it every week. The main character of a book usually makes me mad with their dumb decisions about 3/4 of the way through every book I read. This book did NOT lag at all, there were no unnecessary scenes or set ups. I agreed completely with the main character all the way through. We need more people of his character running around. I loved it, exactly the type of book that needs to be read across the globe.

I am sad to say that I have never read this book in all my 32 years until now. I am so glad that I did- and have heartily and honestly recommened to everyone I have met- it is stunning. Lowry has created a future that exists just outside the realm of possibility with its edge of magic, but also sits firmly in possibility with its ideals, operations, and view of "sameness" that permeates the book. Her writing is fresh, flows well, and carries the reader along at an amazing pace that builds tension well and guide the reader at the same time. We discover secrets, lies, half truths, and painful realities at the same rate as the protagonist, Jonas- and in doing so, we bond with him, share his sadness and feel his burdens as well. The hallmark of a great book is one that makes you forget yourself and instead you become absorbed in the story- "The Giver" does all of that- and in such a way as to be satisfying and mysterious at the same time. While the subject matter has been challenged, banned, and even demonized- the book is powerful and deserves to be read on those merits alone. While it could be a harsh warning, character piece, or even just a light bit of sci-fi story telling, it is a timely book that will (hopefully) make one look at the world around them and see what is important, beautiful, special, and necessary in being different, being human, feeling emotion, and experiencing life. I recommend this book to everyone and really feel that it is a masterpiece of modern literature. The hardcover is on order, and will sit firmly on my "must read" shelf permanetly. I want to let the story sink in and percolate a bit- but I can't wait to read it again. What an amazing, stunning, and overall satisfying piece of fiction. One of the BEST books I have ever read. *NOTE: there are some scenes in the book that are difficult, but necessary in the revelations of the society and its rules. Be warned that they might be hard to handle.*

The Giver by Lois Lowery follows the story of Jonas, a young boy who discovers the benefits and consequences of what is to be his essential function in an unconventional society. Throughout the story we learn the significance of our memories and the pitfalls of forgetting lessons we’ve learned through difficult experiences. What makes this a compelling read for young adult audiences is Lowery’s ability to effectively engage the reader in a seemingly utopian society and uncover the importance of learning from one’s past. Furthermore, through the artful inclusion of subtle narrative details Lowery illustrates the role society has in shaping a persons identity and encourages the audience to consider the nature of their own individuality. Young readers will not only be intrigued by the dynamic events of the plot that raise these critical questions but from these questions, will also be introduced to the concept of the necessary balance between heartache and happiness. These ideas and tenets within The Giver embody the types of questions that young audiences are beginning to grapple with and presents them in a captivating manner that never fails to loose sight of the story at hand. While the language used throughout the book is simple and easy to comprehend, Lowery manages to also emphasize the value of words and their meaning through the events and circumstances of the novel. By demonstrating the potential consequences of a lack in memory, the story allows the audience to question the ways in which we create meaning in our everyday lives.

The Giver is a once in a lifetime book that brings the reader to a place of empathy and remembrance. It begins in a colorless, comfortable and benign community, where talking about and going through the predictable rituals of life are narrated by the main character, eleven almost twelve year old Jonas. As Jonas describes his community, the rules and ways of his current life, the reader becomes immersed in Jonas's story. Jonas enters the customary celebration of 'twelves'; the age where each twelve year old is assigned his 'identity', beginning training and apprenticeship for his life's work (decided by a collaborative community of elders). After eleven years of intense observation and scrutiny by the committee of elders, Jonas finds himself chosen for the most honorable and daunting position in the community. It is a rare and singular post referred to as the 'Receiver.' His teacher is the 'Giver.' Thus the story begins to breathe and quicken , taking the reader on a heart changing journey as Jonas is instructed and taught by the Giver. One word of caution: This book is the first of a quartet. Yay!!! I recommend this book highly. It's exceptional and unforgettable !

Great story. I always wondered what it would be like to have 'peace on earth' and in a way the Utopian society that these people live in comes at a severe cost. Because we as humans are naturally unique, sinful, and motivated differently, the control that it takes to establish and maintain such society is impossible without robbing one another of their individual gifts and talents. It takes away the capacity to exercise free will and therefore such is not the perceived 'peace on earth.'' Loved it. Loved the symbolism. Loved the themes. Loved the style of read. While the movie is different (go figure) I liked experiencing both and enjoyed taking myself through reflective thought regarding 'what if' and 'how come' after this book. Good stuff.

I read this because my twin grandchildren had to read it for school and their reactions were so opposite and intense that I had to check it out. Wow! The book is set in a very evolved world where every aspect of life is controlled and regulated. Pain of any kind has been eliminated, or can be with a simple pill. Everyone has work, selected for them by the governing council, and there is no hunger and no poverty. Behavior is rigidly controlled. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy, 11 going on 12, which is the age when career assignments are given and they move from children to adults-in-training. This is a very profound book and I'm grateful that at least some schools are requiring kids to read it. At 12, the twins seem to be getting the implications of the book, so much so that one of the twins was totally upset by it. We had some great discussions about where that came from. It may have been written for kids but everyone should read this. It's a more modern 1984, and a interesting take on what the world could look like if we try to eliminate all risk and personal responsibility from our lives. My only negative is that I found the ending very unsatisfying...just hoping Ms. Lowry is going to do a sequel. Nevertheless, this book deserves its "classic" status. Now adults like me who were already adults when it was written need to read it, too.

I am in love with this book! I am sure that almost everyone has already read it, but I just now got around to it. It is such an awesome story that says so much without being too preachy. The Giver is a well-written, cautionary tale about a place where rules and sameness are valued above really living. When Jonas comes to realize that life should be full of colors, wonders and love, how can he continue to live in a place where life is always regulated and individuals have no real value? Lois Lowry does an exceptional job in painting the black and white existence lived by Jonas, his family and friends, everyone. Jonas finally begins to realize that there is a world filled with color, individuality and beauty. He develops emotions and understands that each life is meant to be valued. He learns what it feels like to love. The Giver is a reminder that a life of value, a life well-lived, is one filled with the good, the bad, and everything in between. Love means caring for someone else more than you care about yourself.

This book was read to my class in the 6th grade (1996-ish). I absolutely remembered nothing of it other than the fact that I liked it. Reading it 15 years or so later I still remember nothing of it except that same fact - I like it. The story follows Jonas into his twelfth year - the age at which future jobs / endeavors are prescribed by this apparently utopian society. At each age something is given, life is perfect the family is composed of mother, father and up to two children - at request. Food is abundant, the concept of `death' is non-existent, many things are hidden or circumvented in awkward terms... Jonas is selected for a very prestigious role - he is to be the `Receiver'. For there to be a receiver there must, by nature of implication, be a `Giver'. The Giver is the holder of the societies body of knowledge. He's much akin to an encyclopedia with the addition of the feeling, the aura-glow of those memories which are possessed within... He is boundless, he possesses pleasure, pain, war, hate, love... every emotionally straining & uplifting event that has ever happened in the history of civilization. While he holds these the community cannot experience any of them - however, because apathy is the status quo, the lack of feeling doesn't interfere with `normal' life.... Until you've received the memory and you question `how is not feeling this any good for the people lacking it?'

The Giver is a different variety of dystopian fiction, not action packed and full of violence like much of the current crop. Instead, it's a thoughtful, beautifully written story , almost lyrical. It begins with Jonas and his anticipation of the annual December ceremony, where every birthday for the year is celebrated, another way of assuring "sameness". But this year is special. As a Twelve, this is the year when, after a childhood of evaluation, he will be assigned his role in life by the community elders. The community is not evil or power mad or abusive of its people. Instead, it provides for all of their needs. Everyone is polite and respectful of each other. But something is missing. We follow Jonas as he gradually discovers the flaws in his world and, along with his mentor, The Giver, realizes the need for change. There'll be a tendency to label this YA only or even middle grade, because the main character is twelve. But I think this is a book for all ages. The story is at times touching, tragic, and melancholy, but always told with an understated simplicity that makes what's happening even more moving. The Giver is an emerging classic. I'm surprised I've missed it until now. For lovers of this genre. It won't be the wild ride of The Hunger Games, but it will stay with your long after you're done.

I read The Giver, and this was a very interesting read for me. I would refer and recommend this book to anybody thinking about reading it. The Giver is an insight to a corrupt government that is interesting to think how life would be to live in a government like that. It is so crazy how the people are all the same and have no choice and can’t even see color. The people’s lives are so isolated that it gives anybody who reads this a perspective on how much we should appreciate simple things such as being able to decide what food we eat, what items we buy, or even simple tasks as people associate with. A lesson we can learn from The Giver is how it’s good to be yourself and not always just stick with the crowd. The main character Jonas is much different than everyone else in the community. He can see color unlike anyone and he has been given the job of The Giver, a prestigious job that someone is only given once in many years. He uses his abilities to find the flaws in his corrupt government and realizes that the way his community is run is not fair at all. He is a leader for his community in fighting against the government, and by being himself he can see things that others cannot because they are so caught up in the government’s manipulation. Overall, The Giver is a great read for not only enjoyment but lesson we can learn such as, recognizing and being thankful for the little things in life, and being ourselves to put forth our efforts to make the world and our communities better places. So, in conclusion, I would recommend reading this book as it is a book I have learned from and enjoyed.

Favorite quotes from the book: "...We relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with differences." He thought for a moment. "We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others." "if everything's the same, then there aren't any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things!..." "...I knew that there had been times in the past-terrible times-when people had destroyed others in haste, in fear, and had brought about their own destruction." "...now he understood the joy of being an individual, special and unique and proud." "But Jonas had experienced real sadness. He had felt grief. He knew that there was no quick comfort for emotions like those. These were deeper and they did not need to be told. They were felt." "The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone! It is about a dystopia where no harm is done to anyone. Everyone accepts this and lives their lives except for one. When he realizes what is going on him and his mentor begin to figure out a way to stop what is happening and return to what is normal. The way the book is laid out works so well and I felt it was a good pace, I never felt like it was taking forever to get to the point or moving to fast. I would say this book is written for teens and young adults, it has a similar dystopian vibe as The Hunger Games and The Divergent series. The theme of this book is pretty relevant to today's time and I think that makes it all the more interesting since it was written in 1993. I think why this book is relatable is because we as a society are told you can do anything you want as long as you work hard for it. However, our society also puts everyone in a box and tells you to not think outside of it or question what has always been. So, I feel that the book has a very similar tone and is why it is relatable to people.

Outstanding book! What a concept, this world of Sameness. No hills, no sunshine, no rain, no snow.. No love, or other emotions we experience on a daily basis. A woman and man are paired together, they get each one boy and one girl.. job assignments.. Another big one is NO color.. What happens if you should get "released"? Lots of questions will be answered in this book. When you are a "twelve" you get your job assignments. Jonas is so excited, but at the ceremony he is passed over. At first he is embarrassed but then he gets the greatest honor of all. To be a "receiver". Jonas has no clue what that is about, but what it is is, the "receiver" gets all the memories, good and bad and keeps them so that if the community has a question, they can go to the receiver and see if their idea is a good or bad one, because they know everything about why they made the rules the way they are, because of pain, hurt etc. I hope I can explain it half as good as the book does. LOVED this story. I won't say any more, but if you haven't read this book YET, order it RIGHT now! You won't want to put it down! I recommend this book to everyone!

I first read this book when I was in 5th grade or so, and found the story captivating. Perfect society, perfect world, everyone is fair, everyone is equal. Discuss our feelings, speak concisely and nicely about others. Fear, poverty, violence, and the bitter realities of the real world don't exist. Except for Jonas. Jonas is given the burden of holding these memories, so that he can help the council formulate educated decisions for how they should properly moderate their perfect society. This book evokes so many emotions, and is hands down one of my favorite books still to this day. I read it countless times when I was younger, lent it to friends and family members. I went through two physical copies of the book, and when I started reading on a Kindle I figured it'd be an excellent way to get myself back into the spirit of reading. I couldn't have been more pleased with my decision to pick this one up first. It's a fairly simple read, but the concept, depth, story, and feelings inside the book are very complex. My girlfriend is in the process of reading it now, upon my recommendation. You should do the same :)

I will admit that this book is strange, disturbing and sad. I have no children, so I cannot say I recommend this for under 13 readers. Though I guess I would say to parents of under 13 to read before letting your kids read. That being said, this was a fantastic book with an ending that left me very moved. Things that I didn't realize till half way through the book is that the utopian community can only see everything in black and white. Like an old black and white TV sitcom. There is no concept of color, only The Giver can see color. When the Reciever of Memories is chosen to be the next reciever, he begins to see colors that no one else can see. He begins to learn the truth about life that everyone is oblivious to. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away. For example, take Adam and Eve....when Eve bites into the forbidden fruit, she knows all knowledge and everything is different. The new reciever, inherits all memories of war, faminie, pain, suffering and what it means to love because 'love' is obsolete in the community. It really is a beautifully written, somewhat tragic story about the burden of knowledge. I read this book in one day.

This book is a must read for any book lover. For anyone! It has been a long time since I was so moved by a story, but The Giver hits you right in the feels and doesn't let go. I have heard of this book from many sources, and finally read it when my oldest boy had to read it for school. He ran to me more excited then I have ever seen him over a book and insisted I started reading it NOW. I am so glad I did. This book is about a Utopian society and how perfection may not be all its cracked up to be. The characters are well developed and sympathetic, the plot is engrossing and immersive, and you are left holding your breath at the end. A front to back page turner, and a real tearjerker! If you have ever read a book, or only plan on reading one, make this it! You will not regret it!

This story is great for children and adults as I think it can relate to their lives, while also giving people a fantasy world that everyone dreams about having. Jonas plays a strong, brave, and mighty role throughout this book that allows the reader to see a strength that adults and children must have when going through this hard thing called life. Throughout Jonas’ ceremony of twelve, a job is presented to someone who is unusual and significant, this person is Jonas. Jonas accepts this daunting and privileged task while being left terrified and afraid of what’s to come next. A theme that I saw in The Giver was the importance of a particular person. This important person was Jonas, as his responsibilities for his communities were much more than anyone else’s. As a twelve year old, it’s hard to identify who you are, and what you are made to do in life. Jonas was pushed to know who he was and what he was made to do not just for himself, but for his whole entire community. This is something that young kids struggle with on a daily basis. The questions they ask themselves are often questions concerning who they are meant to be? and who do people want them to be? These questions get asked by children but also adults. I think that this story can relate to children and the amount of pressure they feel when being a kid. I think this story is an escape for people when discussing the dystopian literature that is being portrayed by Louis Lowry but it also contains touching and relevant words that all ages of people can relate to. Identity is something that every single person in this world struggles with at least once in their lives and it’s always good to hear/read about others that deal with the same struggles as you.

This book read like 1984 through the eyes of a child. It begins in a bland world where everything is structured and orderly and little Jonas is waiting to turn twelve and receive his adult assignment, the job he will perform for his community until he gets old. His assignment is that of Receiver of Memories and when he begins training for this job his perception of the world changes. He eventually faces heartbreaking realities and realizes things cannot stay the same. Although it is a short book written for young adults, this story is filled with philosophical and ethical questions about what humans would give up in order to be happy all the time. It is relevant to the time when it was published (1993) and it remains relevant to the present. Read this book yourself; then let your children read it; then sit down and talk with them about it. It might encourage both of you to see the colors in the world.

This novel was easy reading, interesting, original for its time and captured me right away! I loved the setting, the protagonist's journey and the message. There are some large holes in the story and an unexplained greater world, but none of those things much matter to the story's purpose. This is a Newberry Award winner and classic for a reason!

Lois Lowry has written about a dystopian society that is so cold and strict. They have no feelings or emotions. Each person is chosen for their path in life, not of their free will. It is sad to read that they have no sorrow, joy, choices in life. I appreciated ours so much more after reading The Giver. I hope you do not take for granted our freedoms after reading this great book.

I must confess, I bought this book to test out my Kindle's ability to play talking books. I must say for this book at least, the audio is abysmal. There are a female and a male voice, and neither has any inflection at all. Well, I know the audio works, but don't care to use it. As for the book itself, it was quite good. It is about a society where the highest aim is to be like everyone else, dress like everyone else, eat what everyone else does, and except for occupation, to do exactly what everyone else does. And you don't pick out your own occupation or your own mate or your own children; the state does it for you. Communism on steroids. Sounds dreary and it is, for a while. The young protagonist starts to see things most don't, starts to feel uneasy about it, and in the end, he goes off on his own to try to find a better place. There is a lot more I didn't tell you, and it IS a good book.

This series is not what I expected. All 4 stories intertwine. The first and last very closely. These are stories of a fictional future that is devoid of any and all emotions. People are produced like vegetables or fruit. Crime, violence, hate, cruelty are nonexistent. As are love, joy, excitement, and passion. Humans are so empty, they only see in black and white. Until they don't...... Jonas is a brave child of only 12, who realizes how humans used to live. To save his life, he takes imperfect 1 year old Gabriel, straps him in the baby seat on his father's bike, and rides into the unknown. For he has begun to see colors, and feels love for the wee boy. These stories are full of hope, faith, love, and also sacrifice and loss. They filled me with joy. Everyone please read. When you finish, your heart will overflow.

Wow! Lowry's The Giver is quite an incredible story. We are placed in a dystopian society where hunger, disease, old age, etc have all basically been eradicated, however, the right to choose, be free, see color, laugh, touch, and enjoy life have basically been taken away from everyone (by the powers that be). Most people are compliant because they are drugged to the point of submission, however, our protagonist, Jonas, learns quickly what he and the others in his community are truly missing out on after he is chosen to be The Receiver. The Receiver is a special, isolated position. He is trained by The Giver--a man who holds the secrets, history, and the keys to what life was and could be like again. Lowry takes you on a gripping story that makes you question the idea of rebellion, authority, humanity, morality, and life itself.

Most of my friends had this book read to them by their teacher when we were in the 5th grade. I was not so fortunate, but before I saw the movie, I wanted to make sure I finally read the book, twenty or so years later. What an inventive story! I feel like it's the type of story that you'd see all over the place now - with the popularity of these alternate society books/movies popping up. I love that it was written so long ago. And I remember Lois Lowry from when I was much younger. I truly loved Number the Stars, and I honestly like The Giver just as much. Heartbreaking, honest, and real. And so well written. Love Lois Lowry and look forward to reading the rest of this series. This book deserves all the praise it gets - it truly makes you think. I'm only sorry I didn't read it years ago.

This has been my favorite book since childhood, it is such a classic. I have read it countless times and will continue to do so. It is a great read in my opinion. However my husband things it's average at best. But that's the beauty in books, everyone gets something different out of the same thing. It is a great sci-fi/dystopian scociety story where Jonas seems to live in the "perfect" world but when he is chosen for a very important job in his community to sees how far from perfect it really is. A little dark at times but wonderfully written and well thought out. It is a book that helps you appreciate all you have in life and makes you think about the world and how you see it.

I bought this because my middle school son is reading it in class and told me about it. It sounded good, and would give us something to talk about. I read the whole thing in one day! Very compelling read. Of course, I had to get the rest of the books in this series because it leaves you hanging at the end.

I never read this book in school, as many young people do. I had heard about it and it sounded like something I might like, although I tend to avoid YA if I can get away with it. Needing a break from my usual reads I picked this up and am so glad I did. What a wonderful read and interesting story. There's so much to discuss, I am sorry I didn't read it as part of a class or book club. I'll probably take a dive into others reviews and blog posts to see what they thought. All in all, I really liked this one.

My granddaughter had to read this book for a summer AP project and I wanted to know what she was reading after she started telling us about the book--it seemed like a strange book for a 12 year old to read. I read it and discovered that was about the choices that are made in a world where everything is the same. I begin to think about our world where now everything has a political correctness--where no one wants to take responsibility for their actions or words. If your children are required to read a book to do a project on, I suggest that the parent or grandparents do the same to see what they are reading. I did like the book and started on the second one. My granddaughter said she thought it was boring but she was only half way through with it.

Seriously great book! I just read this as an adult, and the only thing that bums me out is that I didn't discover this sooner. Librarians - why didn't you tell me???? I tore through this on my own, then bought it to read to my son. He's only 8 and he loved every moment of it too. It really led to lots of discussion about this world and why they did things they way they do. There is just a passing glance of budding sexuality, but it does go into death and war. Make sure you are ready to hit the heavy topics if you read to your kid - or just wait until they are older. For older children and adults, great choice. Definitely read this before watching the movie!

Can you imagine a world with no sickness, hunger or poverty? What if, in this world there were also no choices or real emotional depth? Where everything is the same. Jonas lives in this world. Everything is chosen for you. Your clothes, your job even your spouse and children. Jonas has grown up in this world and doesn't know there is anything more to life, until he is chosen for a very special position. Once Jonas finds out there is more, he struggles to find a way to experience this other world. Will he find it? This book was recommended to me by my thirteen year old daughter, who read it in class. I loved this book. I can't wait to read the next book, Gathering Blue, because The Giver leaves you with a cliff hanger! For anyone who likes YA Dystopian novels, this is a must read.

I loved this book from the very beginning to the very end, which is saying a lot as I'm not much of a fiction reader. At the beginning, it reminded me of 'The Village' but it was not sinister, and the control of the inhabitants wasn't based on fear but rather social control. The Giver is the person appointed by the elders to contain the knowledge of the past, and that knowledge is transferred to the Giver's 'receiver' as the Giver comes toward the end of his or her life. The transfer of info is somewhat psychic, and the receiver actually feels the emotions of the history that is transferred. A movie of this book is coming out soon, and I'm anxious to see how it's portrayed on film. Overall, I would recommend this book to anybody.

I had to read this book for a children’s literature class when I was 45 years old. It was probably one of the best books I’ve read. So for Christmas I bought it for my 10-year-old granddaughter who loves to read.

I purchased the book The Giver by Lois Lowry for my son. My son is in the eighth grade and this book is a requirement. The book came in paperback form and was of really good condition when it arrived. After he started to read the book it did not seem to take him very long to get through the book. He said for the most part that this book was an easy read for him. I was worried about that part since he is Dyslectic and sometimes books are hard to read. He said he felt that is easy to understand and easy to follow along. I love the fact that he did not struggle with this book. Overall, I feel that this book is a good book, seems to be an easy read, and is as described.

This book was published after my teen years were over. I have since heard from those that were in that age group when it was published, and many had read it. It is an accessible story illustrating the dangers of government control and "sameness" (some may call it absolute equality) in a society. I said all kids should read this, but everyone really should read this.

This book was required reading when I was in the 6th or 7th grade (about 20 years ago). I had thought about it here and there over the years, not remembering too much about it, except that it was very interesting. When I saw it on Amazon, I bought it right away, and I've read it several times since then. If you've seen the movie, but haven't read the book, you're missing out. The book is so much deeper, and the details take your imagination to amazing heights. If you haven't seen the movie, then READ THE BOOK FIRST. You won't be disappointed. If it helps at all, I was reading at a college level in 6th grade, so the book is not juvenile at all.

I have loved this book since I read it in high school over 30 years ago! I was so happy to introduce that love to my son. We even got to meet her at a book signing shortly after he had read the book. She is so unassuming and kind. I will admit that this book haunted me for a long time that the author chose to not really end the book... Thankfully she turned this into a series. Yahoo!!! All of the books are a wonderful adventure brought to life in a spectacular way that only her writing does. And to boot.... This book has been made into a MOVIE! It comes out in theaters Aug 15th. But please, read it before you see the movie. I promise you, you will not regret taking the time. This book is short if some were not aware.

Picture a place where there is no starvation, total equality, employment for all, no war, no individuality, or freedom to think for yourself. This is the world that Jonas lives in. His life is changed forever when his fate is determined at the Ceremony of Twelve. A ceremony that determines the communities twelve year olds life long careers. Once Jonas begins his training for his new career he meets a man named The Giver whose wisdom knows no bounds. As the story develops you see Jonas’ honesty within himself, optimism, and growth which is something that we all can learned from. He embodies what a true leader is by making a pivotal decision. Lowry’s writing is so incredible that she paints vivid images throughout this novel. This dystopia story draws readers in with this idea of a “perfect” society. As well as a boy that challenges this idea. It shows the importance of being valued the same while being treated as an individual. By cutting away all individuality in people we lose our sense of identity and importance.

The Giver won a myriad of awards and deserved every one. My criteria for awarding my 5 stars is, "Will I remember this story next week and does it leave me pondering the book's ending?" The Giver makes us think about freedom at the most basic level. We must also ponder which is more important, freedom or safety, having needs immediately satisfied through keeping people ignorant or allowing people to make their own decisions though they won't have the cushion of large numbers of people to accomplish goals. Can people live with harsh punishments for breaking miniscule rules? The Giver asks us to ponder many such questions and to contemplate how the story may relate to our own government and how our liberty and freedoms have been and continue to be diluted and even stolen by socialistic leaders.

I just recently delved myself back into the world of reading books and decided to start with this book. I remember that I really enjoyed this novel back when I was a junior-high student(I'm now a 19 year old). I was not disappointed at all; I found myself becoming more and more enthralled the more I trudged through the novel. I will definitely give it another read and this time around I'm going to take my sweet time with the book to fully absorb it.

This book is on my daughter's 7th grade reading list. I purchased it in advance so she has time to read it before 7th grade starts in the fall. I always make it a point to read these books with her so that we can discuss them at home, and share our love of books. So I purchased a hard copy for her, and downloaded a copy for myself onto my Kindle. We both are enthralled with the story and are having a wonderful time discussing it together. I love how it puts into context so many of the things we value as humans, and really makes the reader think about the lives they are living, and the kinds of lives they want for their futures. I recommend this book for anyone, adult or child. It is an excellent read.

We give it a 5-star rating because Lois Lowry did an amazing job of creating the world of The Giver and made the book very fascinating. Imagine traveling to a world where everyone is the same and your whole life is one big lie! There are many secrets that are soon to be discovered. Twelve-year-old Jonas will shortly receive his job assignment. Little does he know that he will be selected for the Receiver of Memory, where he will receive memories of the past. In the Community, there aren’t any memories of the past. In our opinion, this part of the book was very mysterious and vague. Why would they keep memories from people? Throughout the book, Jonas receives memories that were withdrawn from The Community such as music and color. One of our favorite parts in the book was when Jonas received the memory of the sled since he hadn’t ever experienced snow. We also really enjoyed the part when he is determined to leave The Community in order to release the memories he has received to the citizens of The Community. Overall, we liked how mysterious The Community is since there are so many secrets. One thing that we would change would be describing more about the ending. The ending was left on a cliffhanger so we never knew if The Community turned out to be a better place. -- AG & LS

I read this first at 12 and it has been one of my favourite books ever since. Jonas lives with his parents and sister in a society where everything is strictly ordered. It's safe and everyone knows what to do and how to act in any thinkable situation. The society runs like clockwork. Jonas is turning 12 soon. For the children, every year is marked with a Ceremony. At the Ceremony the transition is marked with new clothes, a bike, new duties etc. for each age group. The Twelves are given their assignment - their job for the rest of their adult life. Jonas' Assignment is a shock to him and to the Community. But he soon learns to cope with it - and with a dangerous new world of feelings, memories, lost freedoms and the consequences of brutal equality. The story follows him through most of his twelfth year, where Jonas' thoughts of his home drastically changes. He grows up fast - and then has to make a choice for himself and for the Community.

Definitely one of my favorite books. I have just reread it as an adult and it's so much deeper than I remembered. This is truly a book that makes you think and ponder. I can't help but agree fully with Jonas with my heart, but then, my mind, on some level, challenges him. A reflection on society, on humanity, on good and evil, on emotions and facts, on the herd and individualism... What makes us who we are? Why do we live? Whatever for? To just survive and be productive as a community? Or is there more? Is it ok to lose our feelings, our emotions, what makes us unique, if it means that we get rid of pain, torture, and suffering? This story made my brains hurt in the best possible way.

The Giver by Lois Lowry is a Fantasy Dystopia tale about a young man named Jonas who lives in a "utopian" society where no one questions authority and no one has access to information about the Earth's history or human history. In this society everyone is assigned their career or duties at the age of twelve, Jonas discovers that he has been chosen to be the new Receiver, a mysterious job that is rarely assigned. Jonas reports to "The Giver" and learns that he has been chosen to receive the precious gift of truth. In a world where everyone has been shielded from pain, hurt, emotions, and choice Jonas must learn to deal with the harsh reality of his perfect world.

I asked a middle school English teacher if she'd ever used this book a class novel. She said she'd love to do so, but didn't want the grief that would come with the protesting parents. I knew then I'd like the novel. What I didn't expect was to see other young adult novel ideas within its pages. This novel's copyright predates the books and films that I had swimming in my mind. If I was homeschooling I would definitely use this book because it would allow a great discussion of values and how societies organize themselves. I did go ahead and read the other three books, but The Giver can stand alone and the readers can draw their own conclusions.

Come and check the review at my blog! Inkish Kingdoms! I have to say that I love this book, and all the deep interpretation that we can give it to it. Not only to what the author explains but to what she implies without saying any explicit words. What make us individuals? Or why is individualism a threat to the government and to mind control? In a world where birthdays do not exist, where you cannot make your own decisions, where you are watched and controlled for the sake of stability and utopia. Is this living? is this life? To protect everybody from all the struggles of life will never work out. They protect the people from making mistakes. They don't have the option to choose, everything is giving and ...

Wow. Really great book. And great warning. Also super-heavy. Too heavy for under 10...or12. Your kid may be quite mature and understand quantum physics, quarks and recite pi to the 79th decimal but he isn't ready for this. Heck, the main character, a 12 year-old isn't ready for it. (Spoiler alertish) No one is ready for a very graphic explanation of a child seeing his father murder an infant (and Dad doesn't really seem to mind at all) - creeeeepy, nightmare material, wish-I-could-wave-my-hands-and-snap-my-fingers-and-unread-this material. Nope this is for you, not your kid. Can't wait to see the movie, which I WON'T be taking my kid to.

I was like many others disappointed by the ending but that is because I enjoyed the story so much and didn't want it to end. It is quite a thought provoking book and I can't believe the people who are giving it bad reviews. Please spend some time thinking instead if just looking for shallow entertainment-or just go and read 50 Shades of Gray. I am technically glad (still wanted more but get why we didn't get more) that it ended where it did. This way this story's impact is really at its highest and purest form. It delivered the view of this perfect world and the price people pay to live in it and the rest is up to us readers to imagine. Excellent. Can't recommend it enough.

My neighbor's granddaughter has been asking for this book, for months. She is 12 yrs old and read this book, a couple of years ago. She is a voracious reader and wanted to add this book to her collection of hardbacks. It's wonderful knowing that, in this day of electronic entertainments, there are children who prefer to read books, vs spending hours playing video games!

Spoiler Alert****** ************************** I loved the first book, The Giver, which won a book award until I reached the inconclusive ending. Did the main character die??? was the thought running through my head. Similarly, I was confused by the ending of the second book which seemed completely unrelated to the first book in the quartet. Thankfully, Lois Lowry ties everything together in the 3rd and 4th books. I think that she was very creative with the fantasy part of her story and also with the different lifestyles/cultures in the various societies. Fascinating read!

I decided to read this book because several people compared The Hunger Games to this. I can see why people would think that Suzanne Collins had been inspired with the story of The Hunger Games from this but it's not the SAME story as some have said. Both books are Young Adult but are still great stories no matter what a person's age. I do like this book and it's scary to think of a future like what is portrayed here. I hope that our society never turns into something as horrifying as this. Even though it's not a "slap ya in the face" kind of scary, it is frightening if you really think about how it could be. I hope I never have to live a life of "sameness."

I really love this book. I am a middle school teacher, and the kids really enjoy it as well. I have to be sure to walk them through it, but they really like it. THis book has nice margins for my notes (on my copy), and the print is very large and spaced out, so the kids don't get too overwhelmed looking at it. It is great for kids who need to use an index card to keep up, and for kids who need the extra size to see the text better. It also comes with a great intro from the author, which they really enjoyed reading. I recommend this copy.

Imagine a life where you were told what you occupation would obtain, knew nothing about love, colors or emotions yet thought this was normal. In this book Jonas will discover the realness of life. In “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, Jonas is an eleven going on twelve year old boy whom seems to live a normal life, from what he thinks. In his community everyone knew the twelfth year was the biggest year yet for a person’s life. You were assigned your occupation, the purpose you will have and begin training. December was so far so yet close that the anxiety began to build up, would he be a doctor? An educator? Nurture? he wondered, until that day came. “Receive of Memory” was now Jonas’ life. What? Confused he didn’t know what to think of this. Soon would Jonas realize from his mentor “the Giver” that his whole family, the entire community, his best friends all had been living a life of lies! The sameness he lived through wasn’t all that it was positioned to be. He felt it was some kind of conspiracy. He learned what pain, love, colors and music all were. Frustration grew as he felt betrayed that neither he nor anyone before this had been able to experience these things. Why not he would question in such betrayal. "If everything's the same, then there aren't any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things!" Soon he would realize that in his new role as “Receiver of Memory”, these truths were to not be told. Jonas now began to realize there was no cure to the cluelessness people have known of. Lois Lowry allows the reader to rethink the definition of perfection….perfection only exist where there are many imperfections. After reading this novel I can honestly conclude that although life doesn’t always go as planned it’s the downfalls that make life and the emotions we experience pleasurable. I highly recommend this book for any and all readers, especially people who don’t like to read. This book will keep you attached and wanting to know what is going to happen. Definitely a page turner.

Book contains no profanity. There are scenes of murder that a child might find disturbing because of who does it and how it is done. In this society people (and children) are killed but it is not considered murder. As far as sexual situations, Jonas describes stirrings for another girl, but I think it is quite tame. The book would be good for middle schoolers to adult. Like Gathering Blue in that Lois Lowry reveals things without making any comparison to present day reality. She takes us through typical days-in-the-life of her characters and we see how foreign this world is based upon the words and actions. (The old adage of show it don't tell it) Another thing I love is how the story starts and ends in the middle so to speak. Almost like a rolling start in auto racing, on page one the story is already in full swing and we are filled in on past details as we roll along. Some might find the ending disappointing that it also ends in like manner but I quite enjoy that. Although the ending in Gathering Blue leaves more to chance. In the Giver, for the most part, we can guess at what will happen to Jonas yet I still like that it is not spelled out and resolved for us.

I forgot I already bought this and bought another one but I'll read it again. It's a classic

Lois Lowry’s The Giver is a dystopian young adult novel that hints around what would have made it an adult novel. Jonas is a young boy is growing up in a safe, carefully planned community, where there is no pain, no danger, no war, but there is also no love, individualism, or sexuality. His small view of the world is turned upside down when his career assignment leads him to become the Receiver of memories for his community, and it is then that he learns the ugly truth of his perfect world. Lowry makes us contemplate how great and happy a world like Jonas’ would be. No suffering and pain should be what everybody wants, but Lowry’s depiction of such a world shows the reader that without knowing pain and suffering we can never really be happy and aware of the beauty of the world. By taking away the characters’ ability to see color, their world is literally and figuratively black and white. The Giver is an excellent work of dystopian literature for young adults that can be a stepping stone to other titles like 1984 and Brave New World. In our current turbulent times, we are terrorized by ISIS and plagued by preventable diseases. It should be a no brainer for us to wish for a world with no terrorists and no disease, but where does it stop? Do we then wish for no religion to prevent fighting? And no sex so there are no STDs? With the good comes the bad, and The Giver exemplifies what would happen if both were taken from us.

If you are going to read The Giver get the whole series. By the second book you will wonder what they are talking about and how it can obviously tie into the first one but by the time you get to the end of the entire series it makes sense.

I have always loved this novel--in fact, I would easily call it my favorite of all time. Lowry paces it perfectly--and it meaningfully displays the need for opposition--all good things do come with bad. If there was no sorrow, than nobody would have anything to compare happiness to--and happiness therefore becomes obsolete. If there was no happiness, there would be nothing to compare sorrow to--and no one would ever learn or develop from their mistakes. Lowry's message remains clear throughout the novel, and she shows that message wonderfully in The Giver. Francis Bacon once said, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, but only a few are to be chewed and digested." Digest this one, it's an incredible book that deserves its Newbery Award.

You know a book is worth reading when it sticks with you for nearly 20 years. I read this when it first came out...I was 10 years old. Through the years this story stuck with me, always in my mind and evoking a somewhat melancholy feeling. For years I searched for it, but could never remember its name or specific enough details to find it. After reading 'Brave New World', at a friend's suggestion, the similarities inspired me to search again and here it is! This story profoundly affected me as a child and comes back to me often in my international work. I highly recommend this book to adults and mature children alike.

I love this book and I actually have the whole set. I tried sending it to my sister in prison, but had to cancel the order because they wouldn't accept the package for some reason. They usually allow me to send books through Amazon.

I can’t believe I’ve never read this. Easy to read and I couldn’t put it down. A reminder to the generations to come.

Lowry uses The Giver to show the world what a Utopian society might look like through imagery, emotions, thoughts, actions, and much more. While seeing what that might be like, she is also able to show us what growing up is like with some of the problems that Jonas continuously goes through. The greatest reason I believe that Lowry wrote this book was to speak out to children and encourage them to be their own individual. Without having your own ideas, creating your own separate thoughts, and taking your own actions the whole world would end up like the monotone society that Jonas lives in. She elaborates on this idea in many ways such as; in order to be yourself you will have to go through pain and suffering to find out who you really are, but on the contrary you will certainly have good times along the way as well. There will also be no sense of variety if everyone is the same, suggesting that even though the world may not be the safest or most productive, there will be excitement, arousal, and the pursuit of happiness in finding out who you truly are. In the book the children are told what their profession will be in order to best suit the society, but Lowry wants children to explore what they are capable of and the things that make them happy when trying to choose a profession for themselves. The reason The Giver may be on the list of banned because is most likely the same reason why it is most popular. The grand idea of this book is that children need to do their own thing, but if an authoritative figure such as a parent or teacher tells the child to do something they may lash out because they are supposed to be their own person. Meanwhile the children like this book so much because they are able to create ideas in their head that allows them to do whatever they want. I suppose that The Giver in this book tells Jonas why he wants him to do the things that he does which is very important when dealing with children. Many parents have a hard time letting go, just as The Giver did, but they also have to realize that their children need to find out who they really are. Some parents try to hold their children back and force their children to do something that does not reflect who they are as a person.

Required reading for school she loved it bought the others for summer reading .

My 12 year old is reading it now. Fits perfectly with what is currently going on with our country. What matters most, imposed safety or freedom? Definitely a book that makes you think on what you value.

Description Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy living in a Utopian society where memories, fear, pain, envy, and hate have been removed and life is dictated by a committee of elders. Jonas is selected to be the receiver of the community and bear the burden of society’s memories. The burden of receiving opens his eyes to the misguided ways of his society. Analysis Lowry’s book, the Giver deals with race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, and class. An idea of sameness within the utopian society was attained through the loss of being able to see color. The colorless society provides homogeneity, there is no sense of ethnicity, race or difference. The society did not stop at color, gender, age, religion and class were extracted as well. Gender was deemphasized because sex, love and emotions were removed. Age represents stages of life, coming to age and roles assigned within the society. The young and old are released, which is death, but there is no memory or sense of death or love, so being released is completed as just another task. Religion does not exist in order to maintain harmony. Class is not dictated by wealth, clothing or belongings. Instead, power still exists but only in a select few like Jonas’s mom and the elders; That power is hinged upon enforcing the rules. The first turning point in the story where Jonas starts to question the legitimacy of the society is upon learning and feeling what love and family really are. This passage from The Giver is right after Jonas received a memory of family, Jonas discusses his feelings and thoughts, “But anyway, I was thinking, I mean feeling, actually, that it was kind of nice, then. And that I wish we could be that way, and that you could be my grandparent.” (Lowy, pg. 125) Jonas is seeing and feeling that there were wonderful ways of existing before the community and he is struggling with justifying the current way of doing things. Jonas goes on further to explain, “The family in the memory seemed a little more—He faltered, not able to find the word he wanted. A little more complete, the Giver suggested. I liked the feeling of love, he confessed.” (Lowry, pg. 126) The knowledge and experience that Lowry brings to the text is constructing a dystopian society that has removed all the bad. Yet, in order to remove all the bad, most of the good had to be removed as well. Upon creating this wonderful society, the experience of being human was lost. For being human means to have and experience emotions. The very highs mean nothing without the very lows. Sociological The Giver challenges the idea of how our individual and collective memories shape who we are today and how they influence our future. The history and actions of others teach us how to be better human beings moving forward. In the Giver we see what happens when all the memories are taken away. The society does not end up eliminating the evil or the bad from the society. Instead, they use precise language, obey curfew, wear the same clothing, take medication and never lie. The bad has been given other names and hidden from society through routine daily jobs. Without the memories and associated emotions the people within the society do not fully understand anything.

I love dystopian novels and The Giver is the top of my list. The society that Jonas is raised in seems to be perfect. Everyone receives the same thing at the same age. Couples apply to be mates and then parents when society thinks they are fit. The elderly are tenderly cared for. Everything seems to run smoothly until Jonas becomes the receiver and learns the truth about his society. What does he do with this newfound knowledge? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Fabulous book! My 13 year old has not been reading the last two years and it has frustrated me as a parent as he used to be a great reader and has been uninterested in anything despite my attempts to present him with tons of options/subjects. He would not read this book when I first bought it. His english teacher assigned it as homework to read daily and discussed it in class. Once he started reading it for homework, after a few days, he did not stop reading until he finish the book!

I really enjoyed this book, even though I am almost 67 years old. I realize it's meant for young adults, but I found it incredibly interesting and can relate it to my life in many ways, and also to our world. I'm glad it's a series and have been reading all the books that followed book 1. It is a little depressing and frightening at times, but that's the nature of the story. I would highly recommend it to young adults and older and senior adults who are interested in comparing the world today to what happens in these books.

This thematically complex novel for pre-teens, teens and young adults, or, for that matter, readers of any age, was a winner of the 1994 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children. The novel centers around Jonas, a highly intelligent pre-teen boy who lives in a seemingly perfect, well-ordered society, where everyone's physical needs are met. It is a planned society with very few surprises. Everyone is taken care of according to the dictates of this society. Jonas lives with a designated mother, father, and sister. When the children turn twelve, they are told at a special ceremony what profession they will each engage in for the rest of their lives and train accordingly. Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memories, the most honored position within their community. This decision will rock Jonas and his world. When his training begins with the current Reciever of Memories, Jonas will be given something very special, and life will never again be the same for him. This haunting novel, written in clear, spare prose, explores the many complex themes underlying this seemingly utopian/dystopian world, providing much food for thought. The ending is ambiguous in its meaning, allowing the reader to formulate it as the reader sees fit, through the prism of one's own imagination. It is a simply beautiful, enriching book that should withstand the test of time. Bravo!

I love ‘The Giver’ very much and is one of those stories I always remembered from school and absolutely loved. Great read and the product was perfect as well as delivery. Hope you do purchase and enjoy this wonderful story.

We entered the world of homeschool this year, as many of you also did. Our co-op had 10 books for my teenagers to read over the course of the year. Some they liked, some they hated, but The Giver...they could not put it down. I HIGHLY recommend this book for teenage boys or girls and the best part is, it's part of a series! So the story can go on! (The other book they loved was also by Lois Lowry called "Number the Stars".)

I read this for the first time when I was in Junior High School and instantly fell in love with it. It's the story of the perfect society where you do not know pain, affliction, color or what life really was. In this society everything is assigned to you. From who your parents are, your family, your jobs everything. Jonas however is a special one as he is called to know what life really is like as he is to bear the burdens of the world so others would not have to. So join Jonas as he receives the good and bad from the giver and learns what the world is really about.

After being completely hooked on the Hunger Games Trilogy I couldn't find myself getting interested in anything else. I tried a few books and nothing peaked my interest. Then one day I was sitting at home and seen the trailer for the movie The Giver. I loved the trailer so much that I immediately looked it up to see if it was a book series and sure enough it was. I went right to my kindle and ordered it. The book was a great story with great characters and I couldn't put it down. I am now on the second book in this quartet and excited to finish this series. I highly recommend this book, it has a lot of depth and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Jonas is a 12.. he lives in a very safe very predictable community. Everything is ... the same. while there is no war or famine or death, there also isn't color, joy, or love.Until the choosing ceremony every child hits the same milestones at the same time. Everyone is the same. At the age of 12 you have a Choosing ceremony where it is decided for you what your occupation will be, there is no choices in this community, from the clothes you were, to the food you eat, to who you marry and how many kids you have. Everything is chosen for you to have a safe and "happy" community. Jonas's world turns upside down when he is bestowed the "honor" of becoming the Receiver of all the memories. He will be burdened to receive all of the memories of the past from the Giver. Jonas will never see life the same way again. Honestly a great book, and at the same time some key themes remind me of other great books and movies I love. I knew instantly what it meant to be "released" as a citizen in the novel, but it was so hard and literally tear jerking to see Jonas figure it out. I am intrigued to see this book plays out on the big screen. After watching the trailer I can already see some differences but I hope that they stay as true as possible to the book. The Giver is an amazing book. I was apprehensive on reading it initially because I hate to admit that I DO judge a book by its cover, and this cover didn't give off the vibe of the type of books I normally read. I know The Giver has been out for some time now, so it was complete mis judging on my part that I did not read it sooner. I am so glad that I picked it up. I definitely feel that this may one day be though of as a classic. Plot : Great. What seems to be a Utopian community until Jonas digs a little deeper and learns that there was once more to life. Characters: Did not disappoint! Most of the novel is the interactions between the Giver and Jonas. Great characters! Cover: Well like I said.. Not my cup of tea. This cover doesn't screem Ya Utopian book, if it had, I might have picked it up earlier. Rating: 5 Stars ! If you like The Giver you will love : Movies: Pleasentville !! This is on my top 5 movies list! Reminds me of the Giver because the T.V. show that these two kids get sucked into is literally black and white.. and very similar and safe. As characters in the movie start feeling real emotions and dealing with heavier issues their world slowly starts to turn to color. Very powerful. Books: The Uglies Series, Matched and Delirium all are based in a safe and extremely controlled environment similar to the one in The Giver, and the main characters flee the confides of the community to escape those binds. City of Ember because of the choosing ceremony where your occupation is chosen for you.

This is the real deal. Maybe not the best book I've ever read, but gripping, and a classic. Good morals for kids (and adults) too. I do Uber Eats and I just read it whenever an order wasn't ready 💁♂️

I was a fifth grade teacher when Lois Lowery's book , THE GIVER, was published. Her book inspired countless important discussions with classes that I taught over the years. When I heard the movie was coming out I offered to bring my sixth grade grandson to see it after he had read the book. Damien's, my grandson, response to the book says it all. He found the book and movie "profound" and said, "I feel like I'm a better person now because of how it made me think." I hope he shares his feelings in a letter to Lois Lowry. Damien feels everyone in school should have to read it. I am in complete agreement.

I first read this book in elementary school. I liked it then. I read it a few more times in high school and liked it even more. I read it a few weeks ago on the heels of a Hunger Games-fueled young adult novel spree and The Giver is now officially in my Top Ten. Lowry paints a powerful picture of a society that seeks to control everything from the weather to feelings of attraction. No matter how many times I read it, I find myself holding my breath for Jonas as he unpacks the truth about his "perfect" society known as Sameness.

I purchased 2 copies so I can read this with my daughter during our Covid-19 quarantine. The books are high quality with thick pages and a strong paper cover. The print is large enough for my less than perfect vision. Overall, very happy with this purchase.

This may be a book written for a youth audience, but I found it outstanding & I am three score & 19. It has caused me to read other books by Lowry including "Number the Stars" and "Gathering Blue".

I read this book as an assigned reading as a child and often thought of rereading the book but never had time. I finally did it about 15 years later and it's better than I remember! I plan to check out the other books in the quartet and watch the new movie as well (although I'm fairly certain it cannot possibly do the book justice). Hopefully the youth of this generation will still read the book and respect it for the great piece of literature that it is, rather than opting for just the movie.

I first read this book in grades school and have read it so many times since that I've gone through 4 or 5 paperback copies, they just fall apart after so many readings! I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to read, understand, and learn from this book as I have! Every time I read it I'm reminded of all of the lessons that I've learned over the years of reading it. Even if you read it in grade school I recommend reading it against an adult to see how different it is once you've seen a little of how life works!

Bought this for my 12 year old son. He started middle school this year and the reading requirements are high for his gifted program. He doesn't enjoy reading like he did when he was little. This is the 3rd book he's read this school year so far and.....he doesn't want to put it down! He normally enjoys graphic novels (you know, books with pictures for older kids) but he is hooked on this book! Worried about what he should read next.....

Fantastic book for all ages. I read this book after seeing the trailer for the motion picture and am so glad I did. This is a thought provoking, fairly quick read that can lead to questions about our long held beliefs. A young man's telling of learning how his world and family are not what they seem is both terrifying and satisfying. The young man does what he has to do to live with himself and make his world a better place. How much better would we all be with his courage and sacrifice?

This book wasn't about making the reader feel good. In fact, it seemed its purpose was to put the reader at ill ease. It was easy to follow along with Jonas, as his story unfolded; but as the end neared, the reader might experience confusion. It is the kind of story that needs to be revisited at least a second time for a better understanding to the conclusion. This is exactly why this book will be found on classroom reading lists. It warrants plenty of discussion in several directions.

This book is intended for both YA and adults (I think that the adult will appreciate it more). The author paints a pretty bleak,scary picture. If you are enjoying the new Syfy series on Fox, about a new earth,you will enjoy this book. The story isn't flashy, it might even be discribed as stark; but your immagination is all you'll need for a Wow of a time. Are we "givers" or "receivers"? The book might have only taken me a day to read, but the story has stayed with me. That makes it valuable to me. ENJOY

Many of you have seen the movie, and as awesome as it was, I PROMISE you there is sooo much more depth on the book. Lowry has taken the dystopian genre in a whole knew direction with the Giver (as well as the rest of the quartet), and it is definitely worth a read. From the very first chapter, I was able to put myself in Jonas's shoes...to feel what he was feeling as he evolved (quite literally) into the hero he was destined to be. Do yourself a favor, READ the book. It is worth a thousand movies, even one as good as The Giver.

SciFi at its best! This normally takes place only when the author is able to embed an interesting element and original aspect of philosophy into the main plot and transcript as Lowry has cleverly done here. The book is quality work. Also saw the movie version a few months ago. Pity the screen writers edited out so much of the underlying texture from the original book that the movie never did very well at the box-office. Understandably so.

Excelente producto, Llegó en muy buenas condiciones

What if for all the world to be at peace a few had to suffer? What if it was your job to hold all the memories of pain, war, suffering and much more. Here we meet a boy that is given these memories, but there is more than he expects to be there. Here is where we wonder if this is the correct action because some people have died once they were made ‘Giver’. To me this a somewhat twisted story and for those that like apocalyptic stories you’ll like this one.

This book was great. Loved it, I think whoever is reading this review should read The Giver too. I just have nothing to say. It’s just a really good book.

This book was assigned as homework for my son's 6th grade class. I also read the book to be able to discuss the book together. He really enjoyed the book and it initiated many a conversations about science fiction books, science fiction movies, Nazis and different utopian societies. I thought it was truly engaging and at every turn there was a "what's going to happen next" question. We spent a lot of time discussing the decisions that were made by the characters and why they made those decisions.

Thought provoking book in top quality condition and arrived very fast!

Great price, I purchased for my son because he’s reading it in class. For an 11 year old it’s not too difficult of a read. Chapters are short and it includes a nice variety of vocabulary words. We are still reading and so far like it. I am unsure what will happen at the end.

I would like to thank everyone who was able to get me this copy as quickly as it had been delivered. I was able to provide it to my son for his English class, since the teacher only has 20 copies to provide for the 100 students that cycle through her class. My appreciation is more than I can put into words!

It was a book well worth reading. In what appears to be a perfect world, is far from perfect and only one man knows the reason. He is the Giver. He is to prepare Jonas, an eleven year old, who has a unique gift of understanding, sending the young boy on a journey of learning and understanding of life that is not what is taught by his people. This book is well written, It is difficult to put down once you start reading, but it's a must read, believe me.

My brother had been telling me about this book for a couple of years. I finally got around to reading it and I am so pleased I made the time. The story starts out simply enough, but then turns into something much more sinister as we begin to understand that euphemisms have covered realities of life in this society. I appreciate my own emotions much more after thinking about the book. My emotions are not a nuisance. They are the catalyst for action in our lives.

The Giver movie tie-in reading book paperback Giver Quartet author Lois Lowry now a major motion picture My favorite actors actresses public figures music singers Brenton Thwaites Odeya Rush Taylor Swift Amazon. I will always be amazon customer always forever.

Written in futuristic, what might be or what could happen, terms, this book was an awesome lesson in being grateful for what we enjoy in the her and now! Excellent story plot, character development, and theme, this book was recommended to me by my granddaughter and I highly recommend it for any age group 8 years and up. Younger children that have difficulty with abstract thought may not understand the style in which it is written. A MUST READ for old and young alike!

My girl was fascinated.

My son needed to read this book in 8 th grade. He loved it and then watched the movie. It’s a great book.

I loved this book soooo much. This is an author who I would say has actual prose. For a world about black/white, the writing makes you imagine vivid colors and the emotions that go along with it. I did not agree with the ending, but that's my own baggage. This book was simply awesome. But don't see the movie. It totally ruins it (as usual).

I taught The Giver for two different middle schools. It is a wonderful narrative on the dangers of conformity, censorship, and dystopian governments. A wonderful book and moral compass for youth!

This book was being read to my daughters 7th grade class and I was intrigued. I bought it on my Kindle and it was such an amazing book! So glad I read this!

A classic book that everyone should read at least once. A good book for kid to read as well as to help they understand the way the world really is and that there are inherent truths to reality. I would also say that this book is pretty relevant in today's world and would want people to think about some of the ideas that are in it.

This book makes you realize how much you take for granted every day of your life. Appreciate what you have.

Very well written story of a dystopian society, geared for tweens, although I enjoyed it as well. I bought it for my 6th grader, for a school assignment. I ended up reading it (at his request), and found it quite good.

I loved it. I did see the movie before I read the book. I loved reading the things that the movie left out. The one thing that they changed is that instead of taking a pill to keep emotions in check is that it was a like a scanning device to give them the medicine.

Remember after 30 days you are on your own if you have problems

Academically speaking this is a great introduction to the idea of a dystopian society.

Even though this book is aimed for middle schoolers, I as a 50+ year old mom thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in an evening on my kindle. I liked it so much that I went back to Amazon and ordered a paperback version for my 7th grader son... He is hard to buy books for, but I am confident he will like it as well... I did wish for a more ... "complete" ending, but I suppose Ms. Lowry left the epilogue for our imagination....

I've had The Giver on my kindle for 6 years and finally got around to reading it. I'm glad I did. I hope the movie is as good as the book. From what I understand, the other books in the series aren't a continuation of this story. That's disappointing because there was so much more I wanted to know.

Lois Lowry is a master storyteller. While the movie was fun to watch, you really need to read the book to get the full effect of her words. I couldn't put it down. As I've mentioned in other reviews of her books - do yourself a favor and purchase the entire quartet at the same time, as once you finish one book you will be eager to move on to the next. Enchanting.

I'd never read the Giver until a couple years ago. Great book. Kind of a children's Gattica, or a slant on A Brave New World, except with hope instead of depression. Journey with the main character as he finds a magical layer of reality beyond the drugged mundane life The Government had planned for him (and the rest of society...). I thought the ending was a set up for a sequel... And it was. I haven't read that one yet, though.

This story reminds me somewhat of the world we have conditioned our children to accept as normal.

This is actually a young adult book which I didn't know when I read it. The story is beautifully simple and at the same time immensely thought-provoking on a deep level. The Giver has a great responsibility and he must find someone to hand the gift over to. Great gifts come with great sacrifices. No spoilers... almost all young adults have read this -- maybe middle school age. Adults will find it a quick and inspirational read.

I bought 3, one for my 14 year old, 12 year old and myself, so we can do out loud reading and discussion this summer. So far they are enjoying the book.

This was bought for my 13 year old son for school. He enjoyed the book and it actually gave him some real insight on how good kids have it.

The Giver is a wonderful story, cannot wait to see the movie . I loved most, if not all of the characters but most of all Matty. It is important that the readerss read all four books. Each is a different story and almost all of the characters are involved in some way. Matty is a survivor, living in very hard times in a small village, most assuredly medieval times. Life was very hard. Matty made his way in life with his sense of right and wrong and his wonderful sense of humor.

I guess I was the only person in my generation to not read this in school. I had never been interested in reading The Giver before, but with all the hype lately, I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. This is a fantastic book. Well written and with great characters who truly grow, I can see why this story has become a classic. I definitely recommend this for anyone to read, not just young adults.

i Am a lover of books. I loan mine out and don’t get them back sometimes. No harm done if the book is still finding someone to read it. So I was replacing my old copy and decided to get the quartet.

This is a great read for all ages. I reread this book every time a new one came out in this series and I was excited to see "Son" come out that tied into this first of the series. I came across 'The Giver' in a middle school reading program - I always wondered what happened after the end of the book and was excited when the series continued. I'm in my 70's now and this book has been one I've passed down to my children and grandchildren as a must read.

This is a great book. I tutor and I am using this book with my middle schooler to read, work on comprehension and to do projects and work on his writing skills. Books came in great condition and we're enjoying reading it.

I honestly really love this book. In my short life I've realized that i read a lot, yet I've failed to come across a book such as this one. it's full of conspiracies, lies, love, fear, and power. yet, never once, was there any PURE doubt. the characters in this story knew exactly what they were doing, without knowing what they were doing. I think it's amazing how much this idea corresponds with the real world. people are blind to what they do and believe in. there is no cure to this clueness people have developed with time. we know so much but know so little. this book has given my a whole new perspective on the way I see things. I do have some questions tho. 1. if the giver and rosemary are related, are receiver qualities passed down by blood? 2. (relating to question 1) If being a receiver is passed down by blood are the recivers and the givers related? 3. what happens to have once they reach the town? 4. is the town celebrating Christmas? that's it.

I first read this book in school when I was 11 or 12. I loved it then, and I love it now. Yes, there are a lot of notable books out nowadays that have the same flavor to them, but this was the first book of it's kind I had ever read. Though not a long read, it keeps you turning the pages to see what else you will discover about the world that Mrs. Lowry created. Great book, highly recommended.

I loved this book. I read it in elementary and remembered I liked it but didn't remember it at all. So I read it again now and think its great. Loved the "perfect" society idea and that he gets to see color. The ending confuses me. It makes me sad. It's like a cliffhanger. I've never read the others in the series I hope they all tie together or something. I feel like I need closure from reading the Giver.

I read this to my 9 and 10 year old kids as a family togetherness activity. The book deals with very adult themes and questions, and really encouraged my kids to think...though it was completely appropriate for them, with no sex, violence, bad language, difficult to follow words, etc. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the pros and cons of our society, and possible alternatives...and wants their kids to explore the same questions.

It was recommended read from my teenage daughter's school and she throughly enjoyed reading this book.

An all-time favorite story that my kids and I read together. Then we watch the movie after reading the book as an added bonus!

I highly recommend it

This novel presents a typical "utopian" society describing the costs "extracted" by the "state" in exchange for providing everything to everybody. It needs to be "filmed" but never will be because the Hollywood-Government-Complex does not want America's youth to become critical thinkers. Other reviews are far better than I could ever write, so read those instead

As usual Lois Lowry doesn't disappoint! I reread this book in anticipation of seeing the film and was again pulled in by the story. Ms. Lowry weaves a tale that at once seems plausible and a world that seems unimaginable all at once! The characters are well developed and the story line won't let you put the book down until you're finished! This is a book I can recommend for readers of any age group.

I’m 10. It’s amazing! I absolutely love this book so very much! There’s a disturbing part in the book but the rest is amazing.

This was a very interesting book. It made me think about the value of variety in our lives. I like order and perfection...this writer made me realize that making everything in our lives black and white would take away our humanness. We need color and the right to choose our own paths. It is what makes our lives worth living!

I really like this book it kept me intrigues for quite some time it took a while before you got to understand the point of the giver the one she did it made perfect sense I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and have gone on to read the second book and have already purchased the third and fourth book with anticipation of reading all four. Can't wait to see the giver when it comes out into theaters.

I have read this book several times and I like to have hardcover copies of my favorite books so I had to have this. Happy with my purchase.

It wasn’t clear to me that this is a book for young readers. Not based on the reviews. A page in and it became obvious. Nonetheless, I finished the book in a couple of hours and don’t regret it. Lots to think about and discuss.

Highly recommend starting this series !!! Really awesome even for an adult !

Incredible. One of the best books I have ever read ( and I read a lot of books). This was a book that takes one persons imagination ( Lowry's) and infuses an entire set of characters with ideas about the meaning of life, philosophy, the future, totalitarianism, the importance of memory, work and so much more. The entire quartet was a delight. I can't read her books fast enough.

Great book, teen appropriate, for school summer project.

Incredible imaginative story that challenged my notions about how far one can go with political correctness. Indeed, if the world was made up of people who looked the same, personalities would be easier to manage; but certainly, as you dig deeper there is so much that makes us unique. And one must question who are the deciders of who difference is ok to a conformist society. A great read on many levels. Highly recommend.

I only read this book because I wanted to read it before the movie came out. I am so glad I didn't skip reading it. This book is very, very touching. It is a very easy read, only about 200 pages or so, and a large text with not too many challenging words. I'm an avid reader, and I'm glad I have found a book I can pass on to some of my younger friends. This book, though short, has many life lessons and the way that the lessons are handled reflects very well on the author.

Worth reading. The story is well written and is an easy read. If you didn't like the movie, don't worry. The book has a strong storyline and the characters have personality unlike in the movie. Stick to the book, you will enjoy it!

The book was great and it was a good price

This book is often assigned at the middle or high school levels. However, when I asked my book club if they had ever read it... they had not! So we added this book:) Thank you Lois, Lowry for your talented story telling.

This is based on the first of the four books in this volume. My first Lois Lowry book. I began it, saw the movie, and finished it. Both were excellent. Although many see the ending as negative, I saw it as a circular journey with an emotionally charged ending. When I saw the ending in the movie I was a little confused, but the ending in the book made more sense to me. Great read!

This is by far one of my favorite dystopian novels. It follows the story of Jonas, a boy growing up in a post-apocalyptic society where uniqueness and passion of the human condition are shunned in favor of sameness and contentment. But what exactly has been given up and what price has been paid to have such security and routine? Jonas soon learns the answer, and must make a decision that will determine the future of him and society. I found it uniquely refreshing to see what happens when morality, societal values, and individuality are turned on their head. The book itself ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, but reading all 4 books will make it satisfying.

Loved this book the first time I read it and loved it just as much the second time. It's true what they say about reading things that you didn't see the first time around. The characters are well written and the image of the dystopian society is more than believable. This is a classic that should be read by all (read it before you see the movie as it doesn't seem to follow the book)

when I ment Jonas it was like meeting a new person and exploring his mind thoughts and feelings I reameber every detail of Jonas going down that sled and think of it as my own memory I fell love for young Gabriel and want to help the giver and when I see the givers memories I fell scared or hope or most of all love for Gabriel and the giver because in the end love is the most important memory

I absolutely loved this book. I had to read it for school, and I wasn’t going to read it because it seemed boring, but I am so glad I did because I loved it so much. This is just another example of don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

This book was completely out of the norm for my reading Interest. After reading a little more the second night it seemed like a sci-fic book which I never ever read but the reviews of this book were in the thousands so I plowed forward. Please don't feel the beginning of the book drags as it was me reading slowly to understand what was going on. Definitely at some point in the second night of reading I was hooked. The story moves slowly as the author is very descriptive but not boring. Jonah thought his world was perfect until he is given the knowledge of the past. I really like this book and know that in the future I will read it again. Also will be looking for more books written by this author. Not much of a description of the book but you can find more on the reviews. Just wanted to let the readers know of my first impression in case they feel they got something not to their liking in the first pages of the book.

It is my personal belief that this book should be held in the hands of every child at least once, after they have read it then when they are older say fourteen, they will gain a new appreciation of the world as i have. We are at the blend of a utopia and the wild cold of the wilderness, we have food yet we also have emotions, we have order, and with that comes chaos. This book has changed me, and i am certain it is for the better. If everyone would read this captivating tale and made to truly understand it, then the amount of crime and complaining would decrease and life will become a PERFECT blend of chaos and order, surviving and living. Thank you

Well written funny and serious story enjoyed reading it although I really don't like reading. I would recommend getting this book

I first read this book when I was in grade school. It was my first favorite book, and it's stayed one of my favorites since. It is beautifully written and the content is incredibly moving. I'm not a great book reviewer like a lot of Amazon customers, but I can say this, it is absolutely worth the read, whether you are 10 or 100. I recommend this whole heartedly.

I read this book in the 8th grade and I bought it again to bring back the good memories. Brilliantly written, Lowis Lowry will have you hooked the moment you open the book.

I understand this book is often assigned reading in schools and I approve. It's an affecting story; somewhat reminiscent of negative utopian classics such as 1984, Brave New World, and even the pulpier Logan,s Run. But the characters in it are far more appealing and the story is far more accessable to both young readers and adults.

One of the very best books I've ever read, and no lie~ I've read hundreds and hundreds of them. No wonder smart teachers have their students read this. This book will touch you deep and make you think- Really Think. Like the book 1984 did. We need this. Ppl are fast asleep. It's time to wake up boys and girls. Past time.

Would you want to live in a world where you have no choice? No animals, colors or emotions? The main character almost keeps the status quo of his community, until he learns the fate of a toddler and the lies of his father. Wonderful book for a class discussion. I'd love to read what happens to the main character next.

Aimed at young people in a way that in no way talks down to them, and at the same time definitely hitting home with this grandmother!

Very nice

A great dystopian book, but unlike those written in the last 5 years, it does NOT feature a strong female lead, excessive violence, or a lame love story. It's a quick read, and well written. Thought-provoding and engaging. Not only should tweens read it, but all those people who think the government ought to pass more laws outlawing everything risky in life.

Though not long, this first book is very thought provoking. It deals with many of the same ideals presented in Orwell's "1984" novel and the problems in a totally controlled society. I did read this after viewing the movie version of the work and found both directing the reader/viewer into deep thought and dissection of the ideas presented.

ordered extra copies for my literature circles in middle school. Kids love this book about a dystopian society in the not too distant future,...and the message about not giving in to "sameness" and standing up for justice. This novel instantly creates discussion about the most important issues facing humanity in a non-threatening plot with likable characters.....

Product delivered on time and as advertised, all in perfect condition! I recommend this seller.