Tuesday, January 8, 2008

The Giver by Lois Lowry


Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc.

New York

1993

180 pages

A perfect introduction to utopia/dystopia literature. Well written, with accessible, yet terse dialogue. At first the society presented seems reasonable and hopeful--a place without struggle and without chaos. Everyone is taken care of, and all needs are anticipated and meet. But as Jonas’ training as the new receiver progresses, he learns what his society has sacrificed. These sacrifices include the capability to make mistakes and then learn from them, the chance to experience beauty, as well as the ability to understand love. His new knowledge makes him make a choice to run away from everything in search of something perhaps less perfect, but more humane. Best for ages 10 and up. *****

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