Unhappiness. Logical decisions were made in the past, decisions that involved giving up some good things in order to be rid of the terrible things. In this perfect world, twelve-year-old children are given their life assignments at the Ceremony of Twelve. Jonas is shocked, and confused, when he is chosen to be the new Receiver of Memories, a mysterious position of honor held by only one person at a time.
He is trained by the previous Receiver, now called the Giver. The training consists of transferring to him memories of a past. These include horrbile realities such as war, hunger, and disease. However, they also include life's wonderments, such as color, weather, and strong emotions. Gradually Jonas comes to understand, and resent, the choices that had to be made to create this world, and the terrible secrets behind its perfection.
Classroom Uses and Comments:
Class room discussions can focus on moral dilemas, the need for a greater good, isolation (Jonas), and symbolism used throughout the book.
Characters: Jonas, the Giver, Jonas' family, the 'society'
Censorship: Euthenasia (both young and old)
Selection Criteria: I. Author Lois Lowry
Reflection: I loved this book. I thought it was clever, yet simple and flowed easily. It reminded me of another more recent series - The City of Ember. Both books looked at a perfect world, and what it costs us for perfection. So often, in our current world, people strive for perfection ... the perfect relationship, the perfect kids, the perfect home, the perfect carreer. This story helps us reflect on what we give up to achieve this perfection.
