The Giver by Lois Lowry: Book Review

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Jonas lives in the perfect community. Life is safe and orderly. The rules of the community are strict and must be followed. Every part of an individual's life is very carefully planned. The citizens rarely make decisions of their own. Everything, from occupations to spouses, is chosen for them. Nothing is unique in the society either. There is no weather, color, or even animals. Bringing up another's differences is strongly discouraged.

When Jonas and his peers graduate from Elevens to Twelves in the December Ceremony, they receive their occupations, known as Assignments. Jonas, because of his intelligence, courage and ability to "See Beyond" is chosen to succeed the Receiver of Memories. When Jonas begins his assignment and and starts to gain wisdom he discovers his community is not as perfect as he thought. He realizes that aside from himself and the previous Receiver, no one in the community has any feelings. He also decides that it is unfair for the Committee of Elders to make all of the decisions for the whole society. Jonas must use his wisdom he has gained from the memories to save his people from their ignorance.

I really liked this book because it really made me think. It was also really interesting to think of a world where there was no color or weather. At first this book was hard to read because of the differences in culture, but after I got used to it I could hardly put it down.

Reviewed by 14 year-old girl reviewer