A Reading Guide to the Giver (Scholastic Bookfiles)

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Summary: The Giver- Not just for children
Review: The gist of THE GIVER is given in the other reviews, so there's no need to explain it here again. I bought this book at a book fair when I was still in elementary school. I read it then, and found the book to be fascinating, yet somewhat confusing. Now I am in college, and have reread the book. The category listed for the book is "Young Adult" but do not let that keep you from ever reading this book. Lois Lowry delves into subjects that some people would shy away from: How far will people go to perfect themselves? What is life like without stimulus? The contemplation of these things and the realization of how important the experiences we have every day are at the heart of the book. What defines humanity, and what happens if we take that away? This is a fantastic book. One should read it, and then reflect upon it.

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Summary: A Brilliant Novel Which Deserves to Be Deciphered
Review: First, in order to enjoy Lois Lowry's "The Giver," you must understand, even if vaguely, the world in which the novel takes place; it is still Earth, but its society is utterly strange--despite the fact that this world is pain-free, no poverty, no illness. This is one of the novel's best qualities: it allows us to see how odd a world with no hardship is, compared to our society.
In "The Giver," Lowry follows Jonas, yet another citizen in this utopian society; here, your entire life, your entire future is planned for you...imagine the strictest yet most peaceful communist, totalitarian government (an oxymoron), combined with Orwell's "1984." Speakers and monitors surround everyone's living center, so "they" can observe whenever the citizens mandatorily discuss their dreams. There is no such thing as birthparents; when you're born (or rather given birth by "birthmothers," which is an official profession) you are assigned to a family. There are not even any cars, everyone rides bicycles.
Jonas' birthday is coming up. Every citizen has the same birthday, and everyone is given a designated gift on each birthday; for instance, when everyone is seven, they get a bike; and when they turn twelve, they are given their job...for life. Jonas is estranged from his friends when he is given the job of Receiver of Memories.
He is tutored by the town's current Receiver, a weak old man only known to us as the Giver. In this experience, Jonas is given a gift that no one else in this society has--the gift of knowing freedom, true freedom. The gift to heal and cope with pain (something Jonas was alienated to), the gift of knowing family, the gift of seeing the world...as it should be.
With this newfound knowledge, Jonas' desire to leave and to find a place where humanism exists, to save someone from this society, continues to haunt him.
"The Giver" is another one of Lois Lowry's crowning acheivements, winner of the 1994 Newberry Medal. This book is not to be looked over and placed into the shelf with no further attention; "The Giver" is brilliant, and is not only to be read, but to be deciphered.

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Summary: Perfection isn't perfect
Review: I found this book to be very good for the reason that it made you think about what it means to live in a "perfect" world, and if you really want to. You may think that harmony in every way is a good thing, but after reading this book, I disagree. I would rather have imperfections and occasional bad people than being unable to feel real emotions or know my mother loves me. A little love goes a long way, right?

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Summary: One of the Best Books Ive EVER read (and ive read a lot)
Review: I first read this book when i was in 5th grade. Im a lot more mature than other kids were at that age so for recommendations, it depends. Im sure its ok for 8th graders and up. Totally good book. I loved it! I have read it probably 50 times, but havent lately. ill have to read it again to see what all the controversy is about. i didnt think anything was wrong with it. the end left me hanging, but i like that. it was good.

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Summary: It was okay... not the best
Review: I thougth the book "The Giver" was an alright book. It was written nicely. The beginning was a little boring, and it took awhile for me to really get into the story line. Jonas was a fabulous character and was interested in all sorts of things. I felt there wasn't really a need for Asher to be there though. But he was a good character. When I finally did get into the book, I found myself wanting more. When I reached the closing chapter I couldn't wait for the ending. When I finally reached it.. I was very disappointed. At first, I was like "Okay, well there's probably going to be a sequel", but then I realized there wasn't and was a little disappointed. So, basically I was very surprised that I like this book, because I don't usually like to read. So, that is why I gave it 3 stars.

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Summary: The Giver Review
Review: The Giver is a pretty good book. It had exciting parts in it. It is about a community that has no color or pain. Everyone is equal there except the Giver and Jonas. They have to experience pain and suffering. Then one day they think of a good plan. Jonas leaves so that the community can experience the pain and memories. Jonas found out what they did when people got releast. He was horrified when he found out that they were killed with a poision. He didn't want that to happen to the baby that lived with him till it wouldn't cry during the night. So when Jonas left the community, he took the baby with him. He pedalled for days and days. Sometimes he had to hide from jet-planes that flew overhead looking for him. He pedalled till it snowed and finally reached a place called Elsewhere where no one ever went to before. The ending kind of leaves you hanging. But it is still a good book.

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Summary: The Giver
Review: The Giver is a really bad book to read because when I was reading it I did not understand what the book was trying to tell me. If you're a student, I suggest not to read this book. There are many other great books you could choose that would be much more interesting. I just felt this particular book didn't keep my interest and you shouldn't waste your time with.

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Summary: The Giver
Review: This book was an amazing book. Once i got reading the book i did not want to put it down, thats how good the book was. The Giver made you think while reading the story and makes you realize things about life and makes you think about what you usually wouldnt think about. The story is mysterious and adventurous. It's an imagination with reality. wow its a fanastic book. I totally recommand this book. If you are bored and need something new and exciting this is the book to read!!

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Summary: The Giver
Review: I think this book was very interesting. I like it because it was very exciting and dramatic.I definitely reccomend this book to older kids and adults. It shows a lot of drama and the way it expresses it is brilliant. I really think you should go and read this book right nowi

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Summary: An exciting book
Review: I think that the Giver was a thought provoking book. It made me think about what the world would be like with sameness and how lucky we are to have freedom. The ending was a little disappointing. But, it made me think. Overall, it was a very good book.