Plot: In an unstated futuristic setting, the people are assigned a mate, their children, and eventually their positions in the society. The novel follows Jonas through his ceremony of twelve, in which members are assigned their jobs in the community. At the ceremony, Jonas is assigned to become the Receiver of Memory. Since the society has created a world of sameness, they need someone to hold on to the memories of the past to keep the sameness. As Jonas trains with the Giver to become the new Receiver of Memory, he learns that in the past people where able to love, hate, and feel pain. Jonas begins to want to change the way the society works and decides to set out to choose his own destiny.
Review: Science Fiction is a genre that I usually stay away from. However, after reading The Giver, I’m wondering why I do. From the first chapter I was hooked. The story is told in third person, allowing for a very open reaction to the characters. Lowry did an awesome job of creating a world that readers will want to learn more about. The idea of a world where people do not get to experience color or actual feelings sounds like a great idea, until you start to realize what all that entails. After reading this book I am very intrigued to read the remainder of the series and see what else Lowry has created for this new world.
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian
Interest Level: age 12 and up
Related Books: The Hunger Games; Enders Game
Awards: Interest Level: age 12 and up
Related Books: The Hunger Games; Enders Game
Newberry Medal 1994
William Allen White Award 1996
100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–2000
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
Winner of the Regina Medal
Booklist Editors' Choice
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Author Information: http://www.loislowry.com/
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