The Giver - Lois Lowry

 I decided to read The Giver this six weeks, by Lois Lowry.  The book was first published by Lois Lowry in 1993; it's a Science Fiction book, based around  a Utopia that was created in the future.  It has some pretty crazy ideas, so you need to be sure you have an open mind! The story begins with a boy names Jonas, and he's about to enter a ceremony that will decide his future for him.  He's really unsure when the assembly leaves him unsure of his future, but when he finds out he'll be the new Receiver, things begin to change for him.  After reading the book, I really felt like the theme was built around the idea that all people should have the freedom to choose; we never pay attention to it, but some people in the world don't get the right to make all their own choices.
    I think that the narrator in this story is telling the story from a third-person-point-of-view.  It's a limited perspective though because we only get to see what's going on from Jonas' perspective.  The plot revolves around Jonas and his job selection, but I also think that it's a criticism on utopias--I don't get how they can be a perfect or ideal place like the definition says. But, keeping that in mind...the audience is probably for young teenagers, introducing them to some complex ideas, yet doing it in an easier way; it's definitely considered science fiction.  I think the author used foreshadowing and tension to really build up my interest, as I didn't know what was going to happen from one moment to the next. Lowry effectively created this style by using easy word choice, an interesting concept and a protagonist that I could relate to--they all helped keep my interest.
    I think the book really impacted me after reading it.  I always think that my life is hard because I've got homework or school or chores, but in reality, I should be grateful for the things I have.  Sure, I have to do some things I don't like, but in Jonas' world, they didn't have any choices on things. They had to wear the same clothes, and do whatever job was chosen for them.  I think it definitely is a world I don't want to live in.  It sort of reminds me of the world in The Hunger Games; it's a very similar style.
    I do like the book overall because it has an interesting concept, but there are definitely some things that I don't like about the book itself. I won't ruin the ending for you, but me, I didn't like it.  Definitely had issues with the way it ended. But, keeping that in mind, I think you should definitely read it.  If for anything, so you can tell me what happens, or at least what you think happens.

Mr Lankford
10/16/2013
Rating: 3.5/5