The Giver. Finished 9-8-19, YA classic, 4.25/5 stars, pub. 1993
The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. From bn.com
Jonas lives in a world with no violence, no poverty, no starvation, but also no passion, no color and no choices. The Elders decide what your role in the community will be. They may take your interests into consideration but the decision is theirs, not yours. Jonas, has had a few instances of something otherworldly happening to him and is assigned one of the most honored positions in the community, but it comes with a heavy price.
I loved the world building and character development in this slim book. Lowry managed to paint a stark picture and tell a cautionary tale while making it the perfect size for children. I’m excited to read this one with Gage. I admit that I didn’t care for the ending, but I understand there are two more books after this one that continue the story.
I watched the movie years ago when it came out but don’t remember much about it so I’m looking forward to watching it again now that I know the story.
This is the 1994 Newbery Medal winner and 
Stacy's Books 
I remember Vance reading this book years ago but I don’t think I ever did. I should probably remedy that.
I just got Ruta Sepetys’ latest, The Fountains of Silence. Do you know her? She’s a YA author who writes historical fiction. She is terrific. She came to NorCal last week, and I was able to meet her for the 1st time.
Lloyd (408) 348-4849
I also did not care for the ending. But I thought the rest of the book was great. Also, it was before YA dystopia became a cliche so it had some freshness still.
Yes, it was a true original. I have to admit that I only read it because I loved her Number the Stars so much.
I need to reread this one. I don’t remember loving it the first time but everyone says it’s a classic. Glad you enjoyed it, though.
I think so much is about the time in your life when you read something. I know for a fact I would not have have the same love for some of these YA titles when I was actually a teen.
It’s funny when I red your review on The Giver, it immediately took me back to some 15 years ago and where I was when I read this book. It seems certain books affect me that way with a lastly memory of where I was when. The Reader and A Secret History are (2) others that have done that to me.
I have dejavu moments when I’m certain places and scenes from the book I read there once pop into my mind 🙂