Release Date: 1993
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Challenges: Dystopia Challenge, YA List Challenge, Audiobook Challenge, and 100+ Reading Challenge
"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."
Before I say anything let me first start with this: the cover of this book is it's downfall. I understand why it was chosen, but really - this is the reason I never picked this book up before and this is the reason I will (hardly) never be able to book talk this book to a classroom of students. This story needs a face lift - literally.
Okay, now that that is off my chest let's continue.
I found myself swept away into this futuristic society and I enjoyed analyzing the pitfalls versus the advantages. I like the characters and (while at first the plot moved slowly) I could relate to the plot in an analytical sense. I loved how a part of me, like Jonas, believed that his society or community was perfect but then as the pieces began to fall apart and Jonas' eyes were (quite literally) opened - my eyes were opened as well.
This book is a fantastic read and I can see why so many love and recommend it ... however, I have a bone to pick with the ending. I listened to this novel in its entirety so when it came to the ending I actually had to pull out my (new) iPhone to make sure I didn't miss a track because it ended that abruptly. I've had a week to think about it and while I'm not as upset as I was I'm still a bit ... perturbed.
I mean, really? The more I analyze it I've decided that the ending could be construed as a Santa Clause/Christ ending (no further spoilers). While I am able to kind of see why Lowry would end it that way I'm still annoyed by the lack of (for the lack of a better word) depth and closure. While yes, it ends very poetically I wouldn't say that the ending had depth.
I also understand that there are two other books in the series, but after reading their synopses I don't see any direct correlation (or answers) to Jonas' storyline. So I think I'll pass - unless anyone recommends them? Anybody?
As for the audiobook and narrator in general, I thought it was fantastically done. I've been reading while walking the dog so I get in about an hour and a half of audio on a daily basis and I found myself going on extra walks with the dog to find out what happened. The narrator did a great job with the different styles of voices - especially with Jonas.
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To the FTC, with love: Audiobook from the Library
About the Author
I've read Gathering Blue, as well as The Giver, and I found it to be a decent companion novel. Unfortunately, it provided no answers regarding the ending of The Giver, although it did explain a lot about Jonas' society.
ReplyDeleteGathering Blue was good in its own right, although not as much as The Giver, but if you happen upon it in the library, it's worth a read.
I loved this book. Remember the movie The Village? Isn't this so similar? You should definitely read Ayn Rand's Athem if you have not. Also very similar to The Giver.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed The Giver but yeah the ending kind of left me stumped trying to figure out exactly what happened.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this and thinking about getting the audiobook, you totally just sold it to me!
ReplyDeleteI have to listen to this one on audio! Great review.
ReplyDeleteI just created a challenge out of the comment you left this morning on the Harry Potter post :)
Hmm, I've been meaning to read this. Some how in my elementary/high school education, I never read it in class. And you're right, the cover discouraged me from reading it. The old man looks so sad....Did you know they are making a movie out of this in 2013? That's a good reason to read it, if any.
ReplyDelete--Sharry
I've been meaning to read this one for years. Sounds it'd be a good audio choice, though!
ReplyDelete