The Giver

By: Lois Lowry

          Jonas lives in a community of sameness, perfection, control, no fear, no pain, no emotion, no feelings and worst of all, no choices. Everything is different from life in the real world. The population is consistent, as an Elder I released, a newborn enters the community. People don’t get married, they get assigned a partner.  Couple’s don’t have children, they get assigned children. Children get receive assignments when they are a Twelve (twelve years old.) After Jonas gets assigned the “Receiver of Memory” the way he sees his world, or community, is now completely different.

          As Jonas’s training begins for his new job he learns he is very unique. The old Receiver of Memory, or as he likes to be called, The Giver, gives Jonas the memories of the real world. Some memories are amazing like the love memory, colors and snow; some, aren’t so pretty like war, pain, death and loneliness. During one of Jonas’s training sessions he finally figures out what it means to be released, and it isn’t pretty. It’s actually quite disturbing.

          Jonas soon learns that the little child, Gabe, who has been staying with his family has to be released because he hasn’t “developed” yet. Gabe is also unique, he too can receive memories. Jonas. He can’t let the horrible “release” happen to Gabe so, he has to save him! The Giver and Jonas make a plan for Jonas to flee the community and leave with all the memories. This means the community has to relive the memories so they can have them once again. Jonas’ plan to flee his community is a very dangerous one, he doesn’t know what’s out there. Will he survive?