The Giver, written by Lois Lowry, made it around the blogs about a year ago. It caught my attention again in the school bookstore so I thought I'd give it a try and the old saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" certainly applies here. The Giver is a story about a seemingly-utopian society. I see that it's been labeled dystopian so that makes for an interesting discussion. The main characters are The Giver of Memory and a young boy who becomes The Receiver of Memory. I don't want to spoil the story here so I'll just say if you enjoy being shocked - read this book! If you enjoy following a character questioning society - read this book! If you are faint of heart, unable to read even as much as a chapter of Stephen King - Don't read this book. And most importantly, don't read the second half on your break at work. Talk about angst! Talk about a surprise freak-out moment! I was really shaky when my break ended and I was almost at the end.
My only problem with this book was the age recommendation. I assumed Newberry winners were PG, but I have to say, this book contained two graphic scenes that I consider over the top for very young adults. I would say, maybe high school age.
Overall, in a matter of 179 pages, Lois Lowry takes you through the characters' feelings in depth. She takes you through the transformation of two characters - which makes it very unique and interesting to read. She proposes the idea of questioning authority and the society we accept as normal. And she takes you through turmoil, adventure, and...........(I can't give away the end here). Bravo Lois Lowry!
For those of you who already read The Giver, would you raise the recommendation age? Would you recommend it to your best friend? Would you read her other novels? Lord of the Flies anyone?
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| The Giver Part 2 |
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| The Giver part 3 |
Just wanted to say hello! I like your blog design! :) Good observation about raising the age recommendation. It sounds like it's needed.
ReplyDeleteThis book was an assigned text in my 7th Grade English class. I remember being uncomfortable with the graphic scenes, especially having to listen to them being read aloud in class. I'm not sure it was appropriate for 7th graders; high school might have been a better time to approach such topics. I don't recall enjoying this novel, but it has been a long time so maybe my feelings on it would be different now.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! So I'm not the only one that was shocked - I can't believe your teacher read it aloud! I don't think a 7th grader would like the book either. I really liked the underlying message in the book and the character development in this one. I've read Lord of the Flies. I'm curious about her newer books now.
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