The Giver

by Lois Lowry

Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Books 1993 180 pages

Genre: Utopia and Distopia, Fantasy, Science Fiction and Magic

Reading Level:Young Adult

Summary: The Giver is set in a future society where everything about its citizens’ lives are controlled. The main character of this book is Jonas who was chosen at the age of twelve to become the new Receiver of Memory. As he works with the Giver, he gains awareness of the flaws of his society. He also develops emotions, and begins to see color, both of which have been eliminated from his world. He and the Giver come up with a plan for him to escape from the community, but Jonas is forced to act quicker than they had planned to save the life of Gabriel, who would be released for his lack of development. Jonas and Gabriel faced cold and hunger and many challenges as they make their journey towards Elsewhere.

Response: This is one of my favorite books. I have read many times over the years and it never fails to fascinate me.