Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
About the Book: (From Goodreads)
Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.
My Review:
I will admit that growing up I never read The Giver. A friend of mine found out and was appalled, so of course I had to borrow it. I'm so glad that I did.
The Giver is fascinating. I loved the idea of a world full of control. One that removes the fear and pain of choosing for ourselves and of the loss that you experience with bad choices and heartbreak. I could actually understand how they would have created that world of structure for themselves over the generations. In some ways, it is tempting to want to live in a society that tells you who to marry, what job to perform, what meals to eat every day. But it is ability to make those decisions that create joy in our lives, and Jonas discovers that.
Jonas is an amazing MC. At twelve years old he understands the world better than all of the adults around him, save one. Jonas develops into this amazingly strong character. I love how brave he becomes even though he has no idea what bravery is.
I don't want to give anything away, but I love the moment that Jonas realizes how fake his life has been, that it has all been a charade. Reading that fire light in him is what makes The Giver a fantastic book, and one that I think everyone should experience. It is a quick read. I read it in a day, so there are no excuses to not pick it up.
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Great review...especially how you made it sound interesting without giving away all the fun.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE this book too...I read it in 8th grade and then a few years ago I picked up my own copy. Even though we went over it in class it made a lot more of an impact on me as an adult.
When I think of this book I pare it up with Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World." It helps you realize just how much we take for granted. And even though it was written back in the 50's or 60's it is eerie to see it's story coming true today.