I don’t know why it took me twenty-five years to read The Giver by Lois Lowry. It’s so good.
It’s the story of 12-year-old Jonas, who lives in what seems like a utopian community. At the Ceremony of Twelve, when his classmates are given their Assignments, roles like Birthmother, Instructor, or Laborer, Jonas is not assigned. Instead, he is selected at the next Receiver of Memory and is apprenticed to a man who calls himself The Giver. As he learns his new role, he begins to understand that when his community suppressed its bad memories (war, poverty, pain), it also gave up good memories (color, music, strong emotion)
The Giver won the Newbery Medal in 1994, and I’ve picked it up in the bookstore or library many times since then (including when the movie version came out in 2014). It was Larrabee who finally prompted me to read it, though. His teacher recommended it, and he decided he needed to read since it has also been suggested by someone at camp last summer. So maybe it’s one of those books that needs multiple recommendations. If so, let this blog post be the one that pushes you over the edge. It’s the type of story that will linger in your thoughts.
The other books in The Giver Quartet are Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son, but they are companion books rather than sequels to Jonas’s story. Larrabee has enjoyed the second and third books. We also enjoyed the movie, although it’s no substitute for the book in this case.
Imaginary Friends 
Our teachers love this, but I was never a huge fan, although I love Lowry’s work. Son seemed especially odd to me. That’s why there are lots of different books for different readers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this one! I’ve been debating about the best time to pass it on to my daughter…I know she’s a little sensitive and might find some of it disturbing. But I kinda can’t wait to discuss it with her. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My son is almost ten–but not at all sensitive. Twelve (like Jonas) might be the perfect age. It is a great book for discussions!
LikeLike
I finally did read this one a few years back. I’m glad I did as the storytelling is superb. I often avoid movies based on books I’ve read but may go back and watch the film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was curious to see how the filmmakers translated the way Jonas starts to see color, and I thought they did a good job with that. They changed a lot of things from the book, though, including Jonas’s age. I wouldn’t say that the movie is a “must see.”
LikeLike
I have read and reread this entire series. I loved it so much. At least in “Son” you gain some understanding of what happened to Jonas and the baby he kidnapped. I enjoyed the movie of The Giver too, especially the sweeping views as Jonas flees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I may have to finish the series. I am very curious about the future of Jonas and Gabe.
LikeLike
I haven’t read this for years. It’s nice to be reminded of it. Thanks for your review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read this one a couple times over the past 20ish years. It definitely gives you a lot to think about. I haven’t read any of the companions- but I have had them on my list for ages. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just re-read this book again a couple months ago. I love a book that makes you think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLike