September 26, 2009
Tags:
Adventure, Classic, Ages 10-15
Jonas is about to turn twelve, and receive his assignment in the community (an assignment is like a job in the community [which is like a town], except that they are chosen for you). His parents assure him that it will be OK, but when the ceremony comes, it definitely is NOT. When it is his turn to get his assignment, he is skipped over and doesn't get one until after everyone else. His assignment is very rare, so rare that only one person can have it at a time. The last time it was given, everything went wrong.
Jonas is the new receiver of memory. He is told his training is going to be very painful, and it proves true. Jonas is to be trained by the Giver (the current receiver of memory). As Jonas goes through his training, he learns some terrible things, from what the Giver shows him. And when he sees a "release" for the first time, he knows that things need to change. Jonas and the Giver form a plan, but when a baby that his family has been taking care of is scheduled for release, he has to speed up the plan, and execute it that night.
Lois Lowry's book is great. It is realistic, and that is what makes it so scary. This book is something that all family members should read. THE GIVER is very good, and makes you appreciate the way that we live. A book that will be read and loved for many years to come.
RATING: 6 out of 5. Exceptional.
