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The Giver

Lowry, Lois. Book - 1993 R Newbery Medal 1994, Y Fiction / Lowry, Lois, Teen Book / Fiction / Dystopian / Lowry, Lois, Teen Book / Fiction /Dystopian / Lowry, Lois None on shelf 3 requests on 7 copies Community Rating: 4.6 out of 5

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R Newbery Medal 1994 0-week checkout Library Use Only
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Teen Book / Fiction / Dystopian / Lowry, Lois 4-week checkout Due 04-10-2024
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Teen Book / Fiction / Dystopian / Lowry, Lois 4-week checkout Due 04-11-2024
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Teen Book / Fiction / Dystopian / Lowry, Lois 4-week checkout Due 04-12-2024
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Teen Book / Fiction /Dystopian / Lowry, Lois 4-week checkout Due 04-06-2024

Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

School Library Journal Review
Booklist Review
Publishers Weekly Review
Summary / Annotation
Table of Contents
Fiction Profile
Excerpt
Author Notes

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

A Book of Perfection submitted by DBJC on December 17, 2007, 5:18pm This book is really good! A world, where there is no trouble, and everything is absolutely perfect. A young boy named Jonas turns twelve, and is given the job as...The Receiver. A great tale about what's real, and what's not. A good book for book groups and classrooms too!

Sorely Under-appreciated submitted by Daniel Saltzman on January 4, 2010, 2:49pm This book takes a look at the rarely-mentioned, but often considered human desire to make everyone the same, and what we would gain and give up in the process. A good primer for books like 1984.

If you don't Watch, its your loss submitted by bbelalggazali on June 18, 2011, 4:35pm This book is nice

Philosophical submitted by 0liviap0pp on June 24, 2011, 8:11am This book is really great because it makes you think about it. A boy living in an all-perfect world, nothing is revealed, everything is completely by the rules. Jonas wants to escape this world and the disasters it secretly creates.

One of my favorites submitted by evelyn on June 27, 2011, 6:49pm This is absolutely one of my favorite books. Even as an adult, I read this book at least once a year. I recommend it to anyone. It's beautifully told and imparts a message about what kind of a life is worth living.

A great book submitted by Maria97 on July 7, 2011, 11:41am If you like books about courage, and a little bit of love, then you should read this book.

Revolutionary submitted by ljq on July 18, 2011, 9:02am I can see why many, many schools took this book off of their shelves. The community in which the main characters read is rather communist-like, as they are all 'the same.' However, read on and you found this intricately woven tale by Lois Lowry who must have an incredible imagination to right a story like this.

Good Book! submitted by cvyork on June 5, 2012, 4:43pm 'The Giver' is a really fast read. It moves at a great pace with no dull parts. I wish it could have been more adult!

Really Good! submitted by alumeng.ajl on June 16, 2012, 6:45pm I've read this book multiple times. It's still just as good every time I read it. It's easy to follow, and fun to read. A great and imaginative story.

Resonates for Years submitted by chuntoon on June 23, 2012, 10:57pm This incredible book may be geared towards younger students (think 5th grade), but the themes resonate with a much older crowd. I have read this book several times, and I am constantly amazing that it hasn't lost its potency. Take the hour (or so) and read it.

Very Moving submitted by crazypockets on July 19, 2012, 5:29pm This book is one of my favorite young adult books of all time. I've read it several times, and even as an adult, I find things that surprise me or move me in different ways. It's a great way to introduce younger readers to the concept of dystopian societies and also the ideas of individuality, the importance of memory, and even why pain is necessary in life. I've heard there are talks to make this into a movie, and I couldn't be more excited!

Fascinating submitted by njdsilva on July 31, 2012, 7:44pm This is a fascinating dystopian novel which predates such series as The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent. In contrast to those series, The Giver emphasizes conflict between characters and psychological drama instead of focusing on action scenes.

Loved it submitted by Reader44 on June 18, 2013, 10:52am This book really emphasizes the meaning of life, the bad and good things about it. This is shown through Jonas, a 12 year old boy who must hold all the memories of the world.

Makes you Think submitted by kathscot on July 21, 2013, 8:49pm What is more important, truth or happiness? I found parts of the book disturbing, but it is good to read.

the giver submitted by unknown on July 30, 2013, 3:07pm In The Giver, Jonas is a model citizen of the Community, a place of order and tranquility, a place free from hunger and pain; a place of Sameness. On his eleventh birthday, Jonas is given his job assignment, alongside all other Elevens in the Community: he will be the next Receiver of Memory, a mysterious and honored role held by only one person in each generation. As his job training begins, Jonas becomes aware of the sacrifices he and his fellow citizens have made in exchange for peace and predictability: the joy of sledding down a snowy hill and the comfort of coming home to a warm fire in the hearth, the relief brought by a sip of water after the agony of thirst, the love of a family. This 1994 Newbery Medal winner from Lois Lowry has been hailed by Kirkus as "a richly provocative novel" that School Library Journal promises "will stay with readers for a long time."

Very good message submitted by ehm on June 6, 2014, 7:13pm "The Giver" takes place in a future where the government tries to make everyone equal. Jonas, the main character, struggles with his "assignment" because it's different from his friends' assignments and is a very highly regarded job. Together, Jonas and the Giver, his mentor, decide to overthrow this "perfect" government and Jonas embarks on a journey to release memories to the world. The ending kind of leaves you hanging, but is very satisfying. This book addresses the issues of equality in our world--for instance, feelings that this person is "prettier than me" or "smarter than me"--and leaves the reader with an important message. Highly recommended!

Both Adults and Young Readers will Enjoy submitted by Blue Owl on June 13, 2014, 9:39am An excellent dystopian novel that can be enjoyed by adults and young readers alike. Great for book clubs!

A Book to Remember submitted by emily.jo.zamora on June 19, 2014, 7:42am I just finished the Giver a few months ago and it is my new all-time favorite book. It inspired me too look at things differently. If you have read it you know what I mean! In this world there is no trouble.It is perfect and the was the way they liked it. when a boy of 12, Jonas, is selected to be the Receiver of Memory he discovers a world of joy and a world of hurt.

The Giver submitted by SBNB on June 22, 2014, 1:16pm I never read this book when I was a kid, and I sure missed out. It’s great. It felt like it ended abruptly, but other than that highly recommended.

awesome! submitted by HT on June 22, 2014, 3:19pm It makes you imagine about the time when it is a lot different from now. A must read book.

Ok submitted by Mustafa Ali on July 16, 2014, 3:47pm I didn't like the ending
It didn't really give you an ending

Great submitted by willchet on July 27, 2014, 7:10pm Shows the true meaning of emotion and makes our life seem like a fantasy. Gives us a feel of life without choice or feeling.

cool submitted by buttercupsmiley on August 1, 2014, 4:47pm best book ever

great submitted by airgood on August 8, 2014, 2:43pm This is a fantastic dystopian novel. It is great for adults too and will definitely make you think!

giver submitted by lawrencekl57 on August 8, 2014, 10:52pm This was a very well-written, disturbing book. I'm looking forward to the soon to be released movie - I think that Jeff Bridges was perfectly cast as the Giver.

Great Book submitted by peterflorence on June 12, 2015, 11:10am This book is amazing!!! It is a must read.

Good submitted by Motomori on June 17, 2015, 11:48am I really liked this book, but did anyone else notice that it wasn't really a hardcore dystopian, but some milder version of one?

A good read submitted by raptor on July 24, 2015, 10:09pm I have reread this book a few times at different ages, and enjoy it every time. The other books in the series tie in together nicely, but some are better than others ("The Giver" is the best). The movie was disappointing compared to the book.

The Giver submitted by carolynherrmann on August 19, 2015, 4:49am My daughter recently read this book. I made her read it before watching the movie - which is good by the way. She really enjoyed the book. I hear it is required reading in middle school?

awesome submitted by dj1104 on June 18, 2016, 10:08am The giver is another wonderful novel by Lois Lowry. It's sad, but enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who likes lois lowry's books.

Falls flat submitted by Isabella Giviyan on July 16, 2016, 8:06pm The Giver is an interesting concept of a society that is not dystopian because of pain, but for lack of it. It raises interesting questions about personal needs compared to the community's without creating the vibe of "all for the greater good." However, the main character, Jonas, experiences too many complex emotions to be relatable, and the Giver speaks too cryptically.

Nice submitted by prashantar on August 5, 2016, 2:31pm At first it was weird but then it became really interesting and had lots of action

Confusing submitted by Lmin on August 26, 2016, 4:15pm This book is very good, and makes you think.

great submitted by khaleela11 on June 30, 2017, 9:12am It is a great book has a lot of dystopia it gives great details of everything. Sometimes hard to follow but you get the main message

love this book!!! submitted by chiungwen on July 5, 2017, 4:26pm This book was colorful, yet not.

Great book for young and older readers submitted by sherrylgrant on July 10, 2017, 9:46pm This is a well written dystopian book. It takes you to another world and helps to see things from different points of view and respect what we have and don't have now.

Best Book I've Ever Read submitted by Meginator on July 18, 2017, 3:49pm The Giver is my all-time favorite book and I discover new nuances in the characters, setting, plot, and prose every time I revisit it. The message about the power of memory and the importance of emotion resonates long after the book ends, and the ending itself is a marvelous example of ambiguity used in the service of a story; a more standard ending would, I think, detract from the book's power. Everything about this book is exceptional and it fully deserves all of the accolades it has received.

Lovely and sad submitted by KOH on August 4, 2017, 9:10pm Relatively quick read but the story is rich. I recommend it.

Great start to a series! submitted by Xris on June 19, 2018, 9:50pm Such a great concept of a community. I think everyone should read it!

Go on a adventure! submitted by Sheryl Pokela on June 21, 2018, 3:32pm The Giver is quite an intriguing book. The story is enhancing and full of adventure, yet at the same time it is mellow and calm. It is the opposite world of today and it helps you realize what would happen if all of our problems were gone. I won't tell you the end, but it's great!

Good submitted by zmclaugh on July 18, 2018, 5:37pm There's some interesting speculation about the end. This deserves a re-read.

Great book submitted by caherne on August 7, 2018, 12:15pm A world that is seemingly perfect until Jonas gets a look into the inside. I cant wait to read the next one!

Thought-Provoking Book About the Price of Perfection submitted by purplekitty on August 7, 2018, 9:05pm 'The Giver' is a worthy read, if not for its engaging plot and for its well-crafted writing, than for its thought-provoking power. In 'The Giver,' Jonas lives in a town where everything is - supposedly - perfect: no disease, no pain, no bad weather, and no sorrow. Yet, when Jonas becomes the town's Giver - the one responsible for the keeping and remembering of the horrors of the past - he learns what has been lost in the town's quest for perfection: war and other horrors, but wonderful things too. Jonas also discovers the dark secrets hidden behind the town's perfect facade. When done reading this, you'll ask what is worth giving up for perfection, and perhaps questioning if perfection is even truly attainable.

a book to reread submitted by rebecca.perreault on August 8, 2018, 4:36pm every time I pick up this book, I find amazing new details. I've read this book at least a dozen times since my youth and every time gained a new perspective and insight, and even questioned my own values.

compelling for middle readers submitted by John Staunton on August 30, 2018, 9:46pm a classic but underwhelms a bit if you come to it from more recent dystopian ya lit

The Giver submitted by MasterZo on June 16, 2019, 1:14pm awesome, loved it

The Giver submitted by nesma on June 19, 2019, 1:15pm I have read this book multiple times and it is just far by the best book ever.

The giver submitted by Anthany on June 19, 2019, 1:15pm I have read this book multiple times and it is just remarkable I would always recommend this book to young adults

One of my favorites submitted by rahasudha on June 26, 2019, 3:41pm I first read this in middle school and have gone back to it several times since then. It's a great, easy read!

The Giver submitted by c_zhang on June 27, 2019, 10:15pm In this day and age, the writing is a bit underwhelming, but a good book nonetheless.

Classic submitted by zora on July 16, 2019, 5:11pm This is a book that I had to read for school and I was thoroughly impressed. I usually hate all books that I have to read for school but this was a complete surprise. I would recommend that everyone read this book. It is a very easy book to read from its length to its writing I believe anyone could read it.

Creepy Classic submitted by smileforjd on July 19, 2019, 7:31pm This book is slightly creepy, but an amazing page turner. I ready this book in two days because I could not put it down.

The Giver submitted by Varshini on July 22, 2019, 11:57pm Not going to lie, the beginning of this book is a bit hard to get through. But after you pass a few boring chapters, the story becomes just wonderful. 4/5 stars.

Thoughts submitted by sydcha on July 25, 2019, 6:26pm A book that makes you think, Lowry crafts a world that is both utopian and dystopian at the same time. Be prepared to get confused, as this book is a wild ride from start to finish.

Best Book Ever submitted by caburr47 on July 26, 2019, 9:01pm A book that was ahead of its time and still relevant.

Good book submitted by jasonc1177 on July 31, 2019, 7:36pm I liked this book

Good submitted by sunney bunny on August 3, 2019, 10:10am This book was good

Think about it... submitted by gem on August 17, 2019, 10:31am This book has a gripping story. How is it possible that the seemingly perfect might not actually be perfect? Is it possible that the control it takes to force a utopia could take away the zest for life, the beauty there is in the uniqueness of individuals, and what each person can offer to others? Do you have the courage to go with what you sense is right -- even when everyone else insists that what you see is what is real? What if your choices would change an entire society?

Giver submitted by Clown81 on August 31, 2019, 4:25pm Perfect.

Amazing read! submitted by LegendaryBookworm on July 27, 2021, 6:38pm This is one of my all-time favorite books, with its superb plot and interesting characters, you'd be hard-pressed to try to find a better introduction to the dystopian genre.

Perfect for tweens and teens submitted by graytabby on August 1, 2021, 10:09pm Whether you're 9 or 19, you'll love The Giver. The plot is enthralling and gives a perspective of this dystopian world. Jonas is a one-of-a-kind character.

One of the Best Books With the Best Plot submitted by Kurio on June 10, 2022, 2:56pm I've been looking for a book that had people living in a world where every little detail in their life was decided for them, when my teacher assigned this book to me, I was in love! The author really gets you attached to the characters and makes you feel like you are watching what's happening from an inch away. In my opinion this really is one of the best books.

Utopia submitted by dlee12 on July 19, 2022, 6:45am Living in a society that is based on the concept of utopia shows the importances of differences and choice. It’s a great read!

Interesting submitted by ADMartin on July 29, 2022, 7:07pm This is a wonderful book and a very interesting story line. Really deep for a children’s book.

My favorite submitted by skairis on August 20, 2022, 11:00pm Since I first read it this has been my favorite book. Such a lovely piece of literature, a must read for everyone!

The Giver submitted by czadams on August 27, 2022, 3:57pm This was a great coming-of-age story. As a kid it also made me really think about society in a totally new way. We read it for book club and I really liked the questions our teacher asked to get us to discuss character development and moral dilemmas.

One of my favorites submitted by lalakcarlin on June 10, 2023, 8:46am The story portrays a “perfect” society that has broken core values very well. The book’s ending felt incomplete for the first book, but the sequels finished up the story very well, and added a much bigger feel to the world, and how humanity might react to a world-changing event.

Interesting submitted by Gorosaurus on July 5, 2023, 5:38pm It makes the reader think a lot.

Cover image for The giver

SERIES
Newbery Medal book - 1994.



PUBLISHED
Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 1993.
Year Published: 1993
Description: 180 p.
Language: English
Format: Book

READING LEVEL
Lexile: 760

ISBN/STANDARD NUMBER
0385732554
0440237688
0553571338
0440219078
0395645662
9780544340688
9780544336261

SUBJECTS
Control (Psychology) -- Fiction.
Social control -- Fiction.
Ethics -- Fiction.
Social values -- Fiction.
Science fiction.