The Giver
by Lois Lowry
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Book Reviews of The Giver
Book Review: Don't take things for granted
Summary: 4 Stars
I kept hearing good things about this book so I finally picked it up and read it over Christmas break. Being a kids/young adult book, it was a fairly fast read. Still, because of the depth created in the world of the book, I tried to slow down my reading and take it all in.
The overall plot of the book felt fairly familiar after having read other 'futuristic' or 'alternate humanity' books. My most recent memory was to _City of Ember_ which I read earlier this year. In both books, there's an isolated Community with rather specific rules and regulations as well as a sort of lottery process that specifies a future career for children once they reach a certain age. Stepping beyond that plot device, the two books diverge greatly...with Ember dwelling largely on the mystery and adventure of escaping the city and Giver concentrating more on what is lost and missing in such a community (granted, Ember still contained the same theme and I thought a lot about if, but it wasn't as overt).
The writing style was easy to follow and the story line was concise and interesting. Through the first many chapters, I grew close to the main character, Jonas, and enjoyed his perspective and his thought processes.
Once he received his assignment as the next Receiver, many new revelations came to light. Up until he met the Giver I wasn't entirely sure of the direction the book would take. I still wasn't entirely sure where it would go, but the message and intent became more clear.
It was interesting to me some of the things I didn't realize were missing in the book prior to meeting the Giver. Once Jonas meets and begins his training with the Giver, he becomes more "awake" to the state of the world and more aware of his surroundings. Naturally, his descriptions become more vivid. Looking back at earlier sections of the novel, I wasn't aware of some of the simple adjectives that were missing from the descriptions. I must have just chalked it up to the simple writing of a younger book...but now that I know better, I attribute it to the artful direction of a talented author using his writing style to propel his message.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to picking up more books by Lowry. My biggest complaint is with the ending of the book. Don't get me wrong...I don't mind "sad" or even "ambiguous" endings. In fact, my wife will tell you how much I love depressing stories. What I felt was lacking from this book was more sense of closure.
I don't want to spoil the ending, but be warned that this paragraph may allude to elements, so skip it if you like. I didn't mind not knowing the exact nature of the lights Jonas saw at the end. I can be hopeful that they indicate a positive ending, but even if they are elements of a sad ending, that's alright.
What was missing for me was closure as to the results of his final actions. What happened in the community? I realize that Lowry probably didn't want to spell things out exactly because he wants to leave a sort of "call to action" for the reader. Still, I wanted a few pages about what happened in the community...whether or not Jonas' theories were valid...even if the book ended before a resolution happened. I wanted to know whether or not Jonas' actions were valid and justified or whether they were ineffective and futile. I wanted to see some hope of change for the community rather than leaving it completely nebulous.
OK, now that I've added sufficient ambiguity to all those who haven't read it, I hope you'll take my call to action and go read it yourself. It's a fairly short book with quick reading and a thoughtful message.
****
4 stars
Book Review: Brilliant Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
In The Giver, the world is a dystopia where people live apparently in harmony and sameness. The irony in the normalcy is that although there is no war, hatred, or fear, this community is also devoid of feeling, emotion, color or love. People, although polite, are well-trained mechanisms that live each tradition year to year, and each duty day to day that there is almost too much structure and organization. However, because society has been trained so well to their duty, they don't realize this, and go about each day with perfect tranquility and contentment. During the "Twelve Year", each member of society is given their role, their job; something that the "observers" believe fits them best. Jonas, the main protagonist, anxiously waits for this day to arrive in December, wondering what role will be chosen for him. When this day arrives, Jonas learns that his new job is that of Receiver of Memory, a rare role chosen only to an honored few. He, like other kids who are twelve, is given his instructions; he meets and is trained by an old man known as The Giver. The Giver, who is current holder of memories, slowly but surely opens Jonas' eyes to many forms of past memories. As Jonas learns more and more about the pain and humanness associated with receiving these memories, he begins to question the way society operates. He becomes cognizant of emotion (pain, happiness, hopefulness, family love) that he cannot express to others, such as his family or friends, and as time wears on, this seems to leave a void in his life. The Giver wants to prepare Jonas for his new role effectively because the last receiver of memories had to be "released" because she could not accept her role. Jonas, to his horror, begins to find that there are dark secrets about this community his lives in; he wonders if there is a way to change life. Jonas experiences a series of dilemmas, which encompasses the narrative in the book's final part: How can he change this world? What will he do to transfer these memories to the people? Is there anything beyond this world, to the world of Elsewhere? What can he do to break from the restraints of this community?
The Giver, although marketed as a young adult novel, deals with heavy issues, and so, might not be appropriate for younger kids. However, I second the notion (one reviewer had brought this up) that this should be required reading in secondary school. Students complain often about "classics" as being "boring" or irrelevant to their world; this is a book that is relevant to them and would probably engage them. Lowry's novel has sophisticated, deep issues (such as our societal response to apathy, the dangers of conformity, the significance of emotion and hope and individuality) and it would profit a younger audience to form their own opinions of the issues.
I had heard so much about this novel, and am glad I finally got around to reading it. Lowry's writing style is quite engaging, as she pulls you in to empathize with the characters and their major conflicts. You find yourself pulling for Jonas as he learns more and more about how different life could be with memories, hope and emotion. He separates himself from the Sameness that the community offers, and tries to find out something deeper. Over all, this is a wonderful book, and I'm looking forward to trying some of the other books in this series, Gathering Blue and The Messenger.
The Giver is a very satisfying read. Definitely Recommended!
Book Review: Thought Provoking to say the Least
Summary: 4 Stars
The Giver really is a good book. A thought provoking read, however, I'd say for some children, it may go over their head. This is young adult literature, and it's fine young adult literature provided you haven't read very many dystopia novels out there. The idea is enlightening, and even though the ending is a bit ambiguous, it brings about discussion like no other.
In the future, the world is perfect. No one starves. No one is left unwanted and the community assigns each person a job that they are certain to excel at once they reach the age of twelve. When the "ceremony" finally happens, Jonas is selected by the council to be the next Receiver of Memory. It a title of honor. Jonas then begins his training with The Giver, who gives him memories of unimaginable things. Color. Feelings. History. The Giver holds all of them. The Giver isn't just full of joy, he also gives Jonas memories of despair, war and others that aren't so pleasant. As he changes over the course of one year, Jonas discovers that the "perfect" world that he lives in may not be so perfect after all.
There are plenty of books out there just as thought-provoking as The Giver, but this is one where your brain will really turn on for a second. As the book opens... who wouldn't want to be in this world? Everyone is so nice to each other. You don't have to worry about trying to find a job. No poverty because everyone is fed, and all your decisions are made for you. At first it feels like heaven. But just as Jonas discovers, you too will see that this world is far from perfect, and that while we may want a world where life is simple, there's a sense of loss in having a world that would be like that. The pains and pleasures of life should never be forgotten, which seems to be where this book is getting at.
The characters outside of Jonas don't really come to life, but it's strangely effective in this novel for the simple reason that the people don't have feelings to begin with. Therefore there's no need to be so heavy in character development. However, as the novel progresses, Jonas DOES come to life as he receives new memories.
The Giver is a great thought-provoking book but it suffers in some areas. For one, the book hardly goes into detail on some aspects. You get about halfway through the book before you even realize that the people in this community can't even see color. And what themes of the book do come up don't stick around long enough (such as music) for the reader to ponder too much about it.
Another huge aspect we have to face: The vague ending. Some people love interpretation, those people will undoubtebly love The Giver's conclusion. However, for those expect some sort of resolution, it isn't quite there. That's not to say it's a bad ending. It's just to say that it doesn't feel complete. It certainly gives the reader a chance to interpret, but it feels anti-climatic. All that build up for... well, virtually nothing.
However, in some light, my disappointment with the ending may very well be what Lowry was trying to draw. Some sort of emotional reaction. We may never know.
The Giver is a great thought provoking read. I probably wouldn't recommend it to elementary school students. It seems a bit more secondary. Despite that, the idea is so simplistic. Anyone can understand it, but the themes and allusions may go over some of the younger readers heads.
Book Review: The Giver Comparison
Summary: 5 Stars
The book, The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is a great book that is similar to the series of Hardy Boys books, by Franklin W. Dixon. One similarity is that both books are mysteries and full of adventure. Both authors use similar types and styles of writing. If you like the Hardy Boys series of books, odds are you will also enjoy the book The Giver.
In The Giver, the main character, Jonas, goes on an adventure to solve a mystery. In the Hardy Boys series, the main characters, Frank and Joe, also go on adventures to solve mysteries. Another similarity is that both of the main characters are young and follow in the footsteps of somebody older than them. Jonas is only 12 years old, and he follows in The Giver's footsteps. Frank and Joe are a bit older, but are still very young. Frank and Joe are 17 and 18 years old, and they follow in their Dad's footsteps. The Giver and Frank and Joe's father are both very famous within their community, and play an important role in the books.
Another similarity between these two books is the author's style of writing. Both Franklin W. Dixon and Lois Lowry use a lot of detail in their writing. An example of detail in Lowry's writing is when Jonas first experiences sledding. "Comprehending all of those things as he sped downward, he was free to enjoy the breathless glee that overwhelmed him: The speed, the clear cold air, the total silence, the feeling of balance and excitement and peace. Then, as the angle of incline lessened, as the mound- the hill- flattened, nearing the bottom, the sled's forward motion slowed. The snow was piled now around it, and he pushed with his body, moving it forward, not wanting the exhilaration ride to end." Page 82. In this section, Lois Lowry is using a lot of detail to describe the hill, the speed, and the snow.
In the Hardy Boys series, Franklin W. Dixon also uses a descriptive, suspenseful and detailed style of writing. One example of this is seen in The Tower Treasure, when Franklin W. Dixon starts out his book by writing, "Frank and Joe Hardy clutched the grips of their motorcycles and started in horror at the oncoming car. It was careening from side to side on the narrow road. `He'll hit us! We'd better climb this hillside- and fast!' Frank exclaimed, as the boys brought their motorcycles to a screeching halt and leaped off. `On the double!' Joe cried out as they started up the steep embankment. To their amazement, the reckless driver suddenly pulled his car hard to the right and turned into a side rode on two wheels. The boys expected the car to turn over, but it held the dusty ground and sped off out of sight." Page 1 of The Tower Treasure.
Although these two books have many similarities, they also have significant differences. The Hardy Boys series does not have a deep philosophical meaning. The Hardy Boys series is a much lower level of reading. The Giver, is written on a higher level with greater philosophical meaning, leaving you with concepts to think about.
The two books, The Giver, and the Hardy Boys series of books are similar in many ways. The author's of these books use lots of description and detail in their writing. These writers also use a very similar style. The characters are similar, and the plots are similar. If you like the Hardy Boy series of books, odds are you will like The Giver, and odds are that if you like The Giver, you will enjoy the Hardy Boys series books.
Book Review: One Of Lois Lowry's Best!
Summary: 4 Stars
The Giver
By: Lois Lowry
Reviewed by: R.Ajoc
Period: 1
The Giver, by Lois Lowry is a story about Jonas and his new occupation as he becomes a young adult. Oh the day of training Jonas is chosen to go with The Giver. The Giver is the person in Jonas's community who will remember everything that happens in his community. After one year of training and transmitting of memories from The Giver to Jonas, Jonas was really into the occupation of The Giver. Jonas's intelligence makes him realize that he must show his community what is inside life, and Jonas also stopped all the violence that was going on in his community. Jonas goal as The Giver was to remember all the memories good or bad of his community. As he grew from his twelve year old stature he was not able to transmit or remember any memories. One day as Jonas was going up a hill he forgot all of the memories the last Giver had given to him and the only way to get the memories back was if Jonas left his community boundaries.
The Giver was not as interesting in the beginning as it is towards the end. The beginning didn't give me the feeling that this was going to be a good book. Intentionally I read the rest of the book and realized how interesting it gets during the last few chapters. The beginning sentence of most the chapters were boring: Jonas watched as his father poured a fresh cup of coffee, dose not seem as exciting. Right., if you read on all the detail come in you can see this is the beginning of the day when Jonas is chosen his life occupation. As you can see, if you read on you will see that throughout the whole book. Most of the book is like this " It was colder, Jonas perceived.", does not look like an important chapter. Right., read on and you will see that this is where Jonas will lose his memory and the memory of his whole community.
On the down side this book is not the type of book that has an adrenaline rush. If you like regular literature this book will be for you. If you like action or anything such as horror, type book this book is not meant for you. This book is the regular type literature that is not with all of the rush and horror that you want. " He wanted his childhood again, scraped knees and ball games" dose not sound very interesting, for all you people who want a very interesting book that will keep you in your seat for hours this will not be for you. Although it maybe a boring book for those who hate boring books, that are just plain boring and have no action chose another book.
The most touching part f the book is my most favorite part of the book. The part where Jonas must leave his community. Jonas had to leave his community because he forgot all of the communities memories as he was climbing the hill. The reason why it was very touching was because once you leave a community you may never come back. Since leaving the community was the only way for the community to get their memory back, and so everyone could remember everything again. The quote that really says something to me is " Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps it was only an echo." This quote showed the feeling as if you are leaving someone or even leaving something behind, forever! If you really look into this quote you will see yes it is a very strong quote.