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Summary: Set in a seemingly idyllic and utopian society...
Review: Lois Lowry, a prolific young adult author with many titles to her name, has stepped outside of her usual lighthearted and humorous works to write a science fiction novel that may surprise many of her readers. In The Giver, Lowry creates a safe utopian society, where the people act and look the same, where everyone abides by the same rules. On the surface there are no problems, yet the characters in the novel are human enough to make the reader sympathetic to their fate. Conflicts begin to arise when the main character becomes aware of many inherent problems in the society. Jonas, the major character, is a boy who lives in this society and the plot of the novel is based in part on the transformation of Jonas from a model and very important citizen to a rebel who chooses to turn his back on his family and world. The climax is reached when the characters are forced to find a solution to their conflict, however the ending of the novel is inconclusive and the readers must supply for themselves what happens in the end. Recommended for all school Libraries.Michael J. Spencer
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Summary: It was okay
Review: I have just read this book (...). This book was interesting and at some parts it left you wanting to read more and more. But at the begining of this book the author seemed to not have any idea of what she was writing. The begining and the end i personaly thought were terrible. Not so much as the end but the last chapter. The parts that kept me reading were good but still the author might have been able to put more thought into what she was writing. The author had many things that did not fit and things that were badly placed because of the words that she had said before.
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Summary: Some interesting stuff...
Review: I read this book a few years ago, and have just recently read Fahrenheit 451, a very similar book. Both are about colorless, utopian societies, and in both the hero chooses to go against this society. Thinking is no longer present in either of these simplified worlds - who needs choice, and the problems that go with it? I enjoyed both books thoroughly, and would recommend this book to people of all ages. I would also like to note that the sales rank of this book is 451.
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Summary: The giver
Review: The Giver was a good book because it was so weird. The setting was very diffrent from other books with the common theme.It has some what a unpredictable climax because of the characters feelings during the plot.Also it teaches a life lesson because behind all those words, it teaches that the future is not good to know but,that you have to wait and see.
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Summary: How this has become a classic is beyond me
Review: When I read this book for the Children's Lit class that I teach, I was horrified. Not only is the story ineptly constructed, but it also portrays the blatant manipulation of the child protagonist by the very person who's supposed to train him for his designated job. I had had high hopes for this book when I started reading it, but clearly Lois Lowry needs some instruction in how to create a functional alternate worldview. Her utopian world makes little sense because she fails to explore it in enough depth. I think if the book had been another 100 pages or so, it might have been worth the reading, but as it is, I'm horrified by both the popularity of the novel and by the uncritical manner in which it is approached by teachers and students alike.
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Summary: A below average exploration on human nature/dystopias
Review: I've read this book twice now, about three years apart. I didn't care for it then, and I don't care for it now. Although a somewhat interesting general plot, I never felt the urge to "find out what happened next." I don't know why this book is hailed as one of the greatest books ever written, a modern classic. The characters seemed dull and one-dimesional. The plot, although unique in some ways, just seemed mashed together from several different stories written before. I do understand this is a children's book, though I do not see what everybody sees in this below average exploration in dystopias and human nature. For books about dystopias and human nature, I suggest reading more interesting novels such as 1984, Brave New World, A Clockwork Orange, the Dune Chronicles, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Bonfire of the Vanities, Mother Night, etc. For some good short stories, read Harrison Bergeron, Those Who Walk Away From Omelas, The Veldt, and others. Rating - 2 stars - You can pass this one up.
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Summary: Could Not Put Down
Review: I remember our teacher assigned this book in 7th grade english class, with only a week remaining in the school year, not nearly enough time to read a novel in a classroom setting. Nonetheless we began the first chapter, and as the rest of the class disregarded the assignment I not only read the first chapter, but the entire novel, in two nights. I simply could not put it down, and read it out of pure joy, not as an assignment. I fully intend on handing this novel down to my children when they are a similar age. It is written wonderfully and is amazingly thought provoking. At a time in life when growing up is tough, it makes you realize all the beauty in the world and all that you have to be happy for. Even as an adult these virtues can be drawn from the text.
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Summary: excellent book
Review: This book was an unexpected delight. Most readers will find that this book is well written and, if your imagination is still working, a book for people of all ages. There were some parts of the book that tried too hard to bridge reality and fantasy but they were still well done. The book also hit on some of the very toughest problems within our own society. Bravo!
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Summary: Not just for "Young Adults"
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read. I love it when "Young Adult" authors can capture any reader by using ageless themes, descriptive writing, and strong characters. Rowling does this well, and now I've discovered Lowry. In The Giver, she explores the pain and pleasure of growing up, expressing TRUE feelings, LIVING life, and the special bond of family. These themes make it perfect for older children around 11 or 12. The protagonist's age is also in this range. However, Lowry speaks to any age reader in this powerful scenario of a future society bereft of choice, variety, and authentic emotions. My wheels were turning all throughout the book as Lowry only gives a bit of information at a time about the Community in which the characters live. But the end of the book really got me thinking and wanting to talk with others who have read it. In my opinion, THAT is the mark of a great book.
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Summary: Best Book Ever!
Review: This is one of my favorite books! I think that it really does open up your mind and make you think about how lucky we are even thought Jonus and his family live in a so called "perfect world." I don't think that this book is inappropriate at all. Usually I don't like sci-fi books but this is one of my favorite books! Don't listen to the people that said it was bad because there are way more people that loved this book. Take my advice and read it!!!
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