The Giver by Lois Lowry
Dystopian. 5 Stars. 208 pages.
Synopsis:
1994 Newbery Medal winner
Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does he begin to understand the dark secrets behind this fragile community.
My Review:
There’s a reason this book one the Newbery Medal. This classic story was the pioneer for dystopian novels. This is the novel that started the genre and made way for books like The Hunger Games, The Selection, Divergent, and so many more. I, personally, love this story because of its depth. I love the aspect of color, the portrayal of the utopian society, the precision of language, the depth of emotions—both in Jonas’ present story and in the past he is exposed to—and I certainly fell in love with the characters. This novel is brilliantly written and so very worthy of all its praise. The book brings to our attention the qualities that make us most human and the question of what price we’re willing to pay to attain the ultimate safe and perfect life. If you are even slightly interested in the genre or beautifully written tales, I would very strongly recommend this novel. It’s an easy read, an intriguing read, and certainly a memorable read.
Re-read on 12.19.14
More:
Book 2 in the Giver Quartet is Gathering Blue (5 Stars)
Book 3 is The Messenger (5 Stars)
Book 4 is Son
I have read Gathering Blue and The Messenger and rated them on Goodreads. Follow the links to find more info on the books. I’ve not had the opportunity to read Son yet, but when I get around to it, I’ll post a review on GR. Similarly, the next time I read Gathering Blue and The Messenger, I’ll post reviews. (I read them before Goodreads was a thing.)
Although these stories are each independent of one another, I would highly recommend reading them in order. I originally read them out of order (cause I didn’t know there was an order and that they were related).