Bibliographic Information: Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. Bantam Books, N.Y., New York. ISBN: 0553571338
Plot Summary: The Giver is set in a Utopian community where all pain and feelings are eliminated by converting everyone to "Sameness". The story centers around Jonas. Jonas is special because he is next in line to be the "Receiver of Memory." The "Receiver of Memory" stores all the memories of the people before "Sameness" and lack of emotions were implemented. The Giver becomes Jonas' teacher and mentor. Jonas receives memories about life before "Sameness" - memories of love, joy, family, beauty and so forth. Thus, he becomes alienated from his family and friends because he feels and knows things he shouldn't.
Critical Evaluation: The Giver is one of the best novels I've ever read. It is very worthy of the 1994 Newbery Medal. Lois Lowry's writing is powerful. When reading the story the reader feels the setting of the future society is surreal. Gradually the story unfolds and many emotions are stirred up, especially in regard to the system of euthanasia through lethal injection in order to "release" those that are to live outside the community. I found the ending disturbing and full of uncertainty. Otherwise, this novel for children, youth and adults is brilliant.
Annotation: Jonas is chosen as the "Receiver of Memory" in a futuristic society where everyone is the same. Through the "Giver" Jonas comes to realize how shallow and devoid of any feelings his community is.
About the Author: Lois Lowry has lived all over the world. She was born in Hawaii. Her father was a career military officer so her family didn't stay in one place very long. At a young age Lowry wanted to be a writer. Lois married young and raised her four children in Maine. She went back to college at the University of Southern Maine and ended up going on to graduate school. Her marriage ended in her early forties. She currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Lowry has written numerous novels for children/young adults. The most famous are the Giver Trilogy, Anastasia and Sam Series, and Number of the Stars. Most of her novels are well received. Many of Lowry's books involve difficult subjects, such as the Holocaust, racism, murder and terminal illness.
Genre: Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties: Philosophy, social science, language arts, sociology, family and relationships, diversity, feelings and euthanasia.
Book Talking Ideas: In a future society where everyone is the same and all feelings have been eradicated, Jonas is special because he is the "Receiver of Memory." Jonas set out to change the world. Will he succeed?
Reading Level and Interest Age: 8 to adult.
Challenge Issues: Euthanasia.
Reason for Inclusion: The Giver is phenomenally written and sparks interest in many diverse areas, such as the meaning of life and death. From language arts classes to sociology classes it is studied widely in schools.
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