The Giver by: Lois Lowry
The Giver takes place in a dystopian society where everyone is treated equally and everyone is provided with the same things. All of the normal things like snow, hills and even colors have been removed for equality, practical purposes and are stored in one person, the Giver. One day at a ceremony that all the twelves go through to get their assignments, Jonas is chosen to be “The Receiver of Memory” a rare assignment only given once every several decades. He must now train with the old receiver of memory, the Giver, who transmits all of the memories that have been stored in him throughout the years to Jonas. The only problem is that the more Jonas learns, the more he realizes how horrible the world he lives in has become. Where old people are euthanized as they choose to retire, and how babies who do not meet the correct health and mental requirements are also killed. Jonas decides that the only way to stop this is to give memories and empathy back to everyone.
Although some people may find dystopia depressing and cold this book does the opposite as the characters choose what is right over what is easy. It provides a strong message to the reader about the importance of memory to human life. The pace of this book and the way that it keeps you constantly on your toes is something I find to be very enjoyable about it.
I think that this is a very good, quick book to read. Keep in mind that this book has been challenged and banned so it may be disturbing to some readers as it has references of euthanazia of the old and the handicapped. It is still a very good book and it provides a strong message. I highly recommend “The Giver” to anyone who is interested in reading new things.
-Alex
Great summary! I heard about the Giver a few years ago, and it sounded like a very interesting book. I don't usually read dystopian literature, but by the looks of things, this book may be a good starting point.
ReplyDeleteThis blog makes me really interested to read this book! I like reading books like this that make the reader think, so I will try to read this book.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review! I read this book in sixth grade, and had the same thoughts. I still sometimes wonder about their dystopian world and how insane it would be if that was what our world was like. The Giver is probably my most beloved book to this day due to the interesting story, plot, and emotions that come with this book. Great job on the review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I read this book when I was younger and shared some of your same viewpoints. You did an excellent job of explaining the story well and not giving too much away.
ReplyDeleteVery good summary. I read this book a few years ago and The pints that you made are good and I share the same viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteOk so this post is super interesting to me becasue the book so soooo controversial. The way I see it the main argument is that the plot was poorly executed to support the message. My friend and I had a debate over this book, becasue the author is like, "embrace your feelings or you'll end up like this" throughout the whole book to get his message across, but I do agree that feelings and memories are important. By describing the setting, and chosing the most extreme plot events, you kinda make the reader think about how the author shoves the message in your face. in a really unconvinving way. Overall I think this review does an awesome job of stating the facts about the book, and encouraging thought. Awesomesause :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting concept for a book. I haven't read it, but I've heard a lot about it and it sounds really good. Good review!
ReplyDeleteNice review, I like how this book is very controversial!
ReplyDeleteThis blog gets me very interested to read The Giver. I like that you didn't give away too much and did a great job explaining it
ReplyDeleteGood review! This book really makes you think about the pros and cons of equality,
ReplyDeleteI have always heard good stuff about this book. I might check it out. -Rishi
ReplyDeleteMy fourth grade teacher read this book to our class, and I remember it being really weird. The part about not being able to see color in their world seemed so strange, and it definitely seems like a sad world to live in.
ReplyDeleteGreat book review! I've heard about this book before, but I never knew what it was about. This definitely convinced me to read it!
ReplyDeleteThis seems cool. Imagion being I am going to retire then you are killed becasue you are useless. One person going against the world might give a check.
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