The Giver

Absolutely loved this book. Perfect for middle schoolers, everyone in my grade I read this with loved it. Great dystopian era type book with a fantastic plot. The movie was also pretty decent but I will forever love the book more, (loved Taylor Swift as rosemary too, coming from a swiftie)

This book was such a gorgeous book. The building of the world was so intriguing from the very first page, and I felt that this world was very well fleshed out.

I may reread this because I don't remember much of it.

This book reminds me of My Uncle by Jacques Tati, The Wind of Fire by William Nicholson and Grave of the Fireflies by Isao Takahata.

The reason why I hate this book so much is because I don't like reading about things that CANNOT ever happen.
There is a difference between could happen and can't happen. A society cannot EVER have a utopia because eventually someone whose identity is in conflict with that community will try to revolt against it. Lowry is a really good author in my opinion, but this book is not really me at all.

A classic! The roots of the dystopian trend in books reside here.

I'm gonna stop, got an hour into the audiobook, but I am not feeling it. Everything is so oversimplified, and there's no hook to this dystopian story (neither in characters, plot nor writing style). It's not bad, and it obviously has lots of positive reviews, so I feel partially bad, but allowing myself to drop this feels better.

One of my favorites since childhood. The characters are interesting and the whole plot is absolutely unique. READ THIS BEFORE THE MOVIE COMES OUT.

It wasn't what I thought it was, but I liked it.

I've heard this title mentioned in the periphery for years, and now I fully understand why. I was just talking to my wife earlier this week about how difficult it is for me to be emotionally effected by a book, as opposed to a performance of a story in a play, film, or television show. The last 2 pages of this book made me cry and smile with delight simultaneously. I can't believe this is a children's book. Beautiful.

Loved reading this again. I plan to continue the series now that I reread this one.

⭐
I just didn't like this book, at all. Most likely I DNF'd it (did not finish). I would not recommend it to anyone and it is poorly written and definitely not for me. This book was just awful.

This book, along with a very select few, has stuck with me decades after reading. It struck me in school when this book was first assigned, just how beautiful and poignant the subject matter was even when it was written in the 90s. It has only become more so as time has gone on. Especially when read as part of the quartet it was written into, this book has an excellent lesson to carry on.

easy to read but ended quite abruptly. i felt like this book could've been much more but it wasn't

Summary: In Jonas’s community, everything is decided for the people, from what they wear, to who they will marry, to what jobs they will have. There is one job, however, that stands out from the rest. The Giver holds secrets that no one else in the community knows and memories that they can never experience. When Jonas is selected for this job, he begins to question everything that he believed about his community and the broader world.

7/10

Holds up! Thrilling.

This was NOT an easy read. It's been about 15 minutes since I closed the book and I still have the hibbie jibbies all over. Some parts of the book were heart wrenching, but the ending was full of hope and love and it made all the difference in the world.

I cannot imagine my kids reading this, though. Even when they reach 13 or 15.

this was my favorite book as a kid and i'm so glad i reread it. it's just as good as i remember

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry is a deceptively simple tale that takes you on a journey into a meticulously controlled world where ignorance is revered, and the truth is a precious but forbidden burden. On the surface, it appears to be a beautiful story, but lurking just beneath is a poignant commentary on society, humanity, and the inherent dangers of tampering with the pursuit of knowledge.

Set in a society where choices, emotions, and memories are suppressed in favor of an ordered existence, “The Giver” challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the significance of understanding and free will. The story revolves around the nomination of one individual to bear the weight of the community's memories, knowledge, and wisdom. This character, known as the Receiver, serves as a conduit for the past, while the rest of society blissfully remains in ignorance.

Lowry's narrative is a haunting reminder of past dystopian classics like “Brave New World” and “1984.” It provides a glimpse into a future where control, suppression, and ignorance are elevated, while curiosity and enlightenment are scorned. The juxtaposition of the Receiver's solemn duty with the cheerfully blind existence of the community forces us to contemplate our own world and the fine line between security and ignorance.

“The Giver” is a powerful exploration of the unintended consequences of creating a utopia where memories are erased, emotions are controlled, and individuality is sacrificed for conformity. It masterfully delves into themes of the cost of knowledge, the necessity of choice, and the beauty of diversity.

Lowry's prose is straightforward yet filled with symbolism, allowing the reader to dive deep into the layers of the narrative. This story is a good read for those who appreciate dystopian fiction and philosophical reflection. It's a chilling reminder of the importance of knowledge, emotions, and individuality, even in the face of a society that tries to eliminate them.

In summary, “The Giver” is a thought-provoking masterpiece that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page. If you enjoy themes of societal control, individuality, and the pursuit of knowledge, you'll appreciate this book. It reminds us that even in the most seemingly perfect worlds, darkness can lurk beneath the surface, and it's our duty to unveil it.

I don't get the hype. I liked the writing and found it to be an entertaining book but I didn't find that it fully expanded on any of the ideas it's discussing. The pacing feels off too and the ending felt abrupt and unsatisfying.

Like many my age, I had first read this in middle school. Many parts of the book stuck with me all through the years. A society ruled by “properness” and assigns careers based off of your childhood. Along with the memory of the dying soldier, the realization of what “release” really was, and what family and love mean to people.

This is the first time I have reread the book in 20 years, and the Giver still feels like a powerful message. I think many should listen to.

Interesting set-up, wasn't sure if engaging and intriguing enough, but a quick pace, big twist, and solid action in the back half made it a good read.

Pretty slow at the begining

Such a good novel.
Although it is meant for younger audiences, it does not shy away from gory details.
Made me think of another dystopia, 1984.