The Giver

Lowry, L. (2002). The giver. New York: Laurel-Leaf Books.

I decided to read this book, because I have never had the opportunity to do so. It’s almost embarrassing to admit it, because it’s such a classic and very well known. It even earned the Newberry Medal for being an excellent contribution to children’s literature.

This story fits within the science fiction genre. Though the events are imaginative in nature, they could actually happen. Additionally, it touches on the topic of mind control, which is popular in books of this genre (Brown, Tomlinson, & Short, 2011). The story was written in third person, but we cannot see into the minds of all the characters. Instead, we can really only see inside Jonas’ mind—understanding his every thought, fear, worry, and desire (limited omniscient). Additionally, we come to understand that he is in conflict with society (person-against-society). When he is selected as the Receiver of Memory, he begins to realize that the community’s effort to achieve “sameness” is preventing the people from truly living and experiencing real emotions. For that reason, he desires to make a change. Ultimately, he decides to escape the community, which forces the people to experience the memories he held for them.

I definitely enjoyed reading this story, and found myself completely immersed in Jonas’ life as a twelve-year-old boy in a society that strived for “sameness”. This was all in an effort to prevent pain and suffering in the lives of the residents. Because of this, though, they led lives absent of true emotion. One of my favorite moments of the entire book is when the Giver transmits the memory of a family gathered around a Christmas tree opening presents. For the first time, Jonas experiences real love, and he finds himself wishing that it existed in his society, too. I honestly believe that Jonas begins to feel love toward the Giver and also Gabriel, the infant his father had been nurturing. 

Another part of the story that sticks out in my mind is when the Giver explains the importance of having a Receiver of Memory in the community. This person takes on all the burdens and pain of the residents, so they can live carefree lives. Quite honestly, this reminded me of God’s grace—in that He sent His Son, Jesus, to carry our burdens. He died on a cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, so that we may be forgiven. What a selfless, glorious act of love! Similarly, the Receiver of Memory is devoted to his community. He so graciously takes on the weight of the world for the people, so they do not have to suffer.

In my personal opinion, I felt that the story ended too abruptly. The author leads us to believe that Jonas and Gabriel made their way to “Elsewhere”. Still, we don’t know exactly where they settled and what happened to his former community. I suppose this is what makes the writing so exceptional. The reader is left thinking, predicting, and questioning. Every reader may have a different interpretation and idea of what happened, and that’s okay.

I really enjoyed the “Mark My Words” strategy and can see that it is one that would benefit students in regard to vocabulary development. When I was in school, I can remember copying definitions from the dictionary. This did not help me to internalize the words or retain them. With this strategy, I would have students choose words they are not familiar with, but also encourage them to use the words throughout the week. Here are the words I chose from The Giver.

·      wheedle: p. 5 (coax or entice)

·      nondescript: p. 24 (no outstanding features)

·      torrent: p. 81 (rushing)

·      rueful: p. 154 (inspiring pity)

Here are some “big questions” I’d use to facilitate discussion with this book:

1.     Would you like living in a community free from pain and suffering? Would you like living in a community that had no true joy or happiness?

2.     How would you feel if you were chosen to take on the pain (and joy) for all of Owensboro, Kentucky?

3.     Why do you think the author ended the story so abruptly?

4.     What do you think happened to Jonas and Gabriel? What do you think happened to his former community? What leads you to think this?