The Giver has been my favorite book for at least three years. I bought it at a book sale in Leavenworth when I was either ten or eleven. It was probably the first sci-fi or dystopian book I ever read.
When I found the series at the Mickelson Library, in Fort Bliss, two summers ago, I read the next two books. Then I spent the next few months, checking for the fourth every single time we went to the library. (I eventually checked it out. Son is now my favorite book in the series)
At the beginning of this year, I promised myself I would reread The Giver by the end of the year. Last month, I did just that. I am so excited to share my review of one of my favorite books!
Content & Age Recommendation
There isn’t any bad language. Some reviews I saw on Common Sense Media said that the scenes where the children bathed elders for work or volunteer hours or where Jonas feels “stirrings” were inappropriate. I don’t completely agree with this, but I thought I’d put it out there.
One of the character’s backstories (The former Reciever) is a bit confusing and I think part of it may have counted as suicidal actions. The first time I read it, I don’t think I understood what it was. After reading The Giver a second time I wouldn’t recommend it to someone under twelve.
Rating
4.8 / 5 stars
In A Nutshell
When Jonas is assigned the job of Reciever, his life changes, as well as the way he sees his colorless world. He and The Giver put together a plan to save their village from eternal Sameness.
What I Loved
So, so much! Let’s start with Chapter One. The reader enters the story, with a scene of apprehension, which draws them in, and slowly more is revealed about the main character, his family, and the setting. This was done very well, and I loved the feeling of suspense at the beginning of the book. Even though I knew what would happen, I couldn’t help being excited with Jonas.
Jonas is the sweetest thing. I just love that the author created a character with so much love and maturity and thoughtfulness… the list goes on. I enjoyed watching his relationship with Gabe and the Giver grow and develop. (I may have unconsciously named one of the characters in my novel after Gabe).
I was so mad at Jonas’s father near the end. I cried the second time I read the scene near the end where Jonas and the Giver watch a Release. This book will grip you and make you care about the plot. I was on the edge of my seat for the village because, man they needed some change.
What I Didn’t Love
While the ending concluded the plot, it also added more confusion about the memory-giving. I still don’t understand the scene with the sled. Spoiler alert, it isn’t explained in any of the other books in the series either.
I would also like a little more info on how the Village got to where it is in the book and some geography.
There were some grammar issues; mostly the capitalization of words like Sameness, Release, and Village. I understand this may have been part of the setting development, but it was still annoying.
Quotes
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
Lois Lowry, The Giver
“If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things!”
Lois Lowry, The Giver
Links
Let’s Talk!
Have you read The Giver? What did you think? If you’ve read The Giver and watched the movie, do you think the movie is like the book? Is it worth watching?
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