Audiobook: The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver is a children's dystopian novel that tells the story of Jonas, an eleven year old who is soon turning twelve and given his life assignment that will shape his adult life.  Jonas lives in a controlled community with his father, mother, and sister.  He looks forward towards attending the ceremony of twelve, where all twelve year olds are no longer considered children and are on track to becoming adults.  This community controls the placement of professions, population, climate control, meals, and anything that could potentially lead to individuality.  Jonas is inquisitive, compassionate, and has a better understanding of love than anyone in the community.  This is clear later in the novel when he meets and cares for Gabriel.

Jonas is selected to be the next Receiver of Memory.  The Chief of Elders lets Jonas know that it is very rare to be selected since there is only one Receiver, who will now train Jonas as his successor.  The Chief of Elders ensures Jonas that this will be a painful process.  Re reading this book as an adult the word pain carries a different meaning.



!!!!!SPOILERS!!!!!



As a child, I remembered reading this book and anticipating Jonas experiencing physical pain such as the pain he feels when he experiences the memory of extended sun exposure, or when he is hurt riding down a sled.  I read this now and feel worried and emphatic towards Jonas.  Reading about a twelve year old experiencing memories of the world is overwhelming and sometimes a bit daunting.

Remember, Jonas knows nothing because his reality is based on a controlled society where he has no perception of color or what certain words/things are/mean.  It is literally a new experience for Jonas and the worst part is that he cannot share it with anyone.  Sure he shares his thoughts with the Receiver, known as the Giver, but to live a life of secrecy I assume is awful.  Jonas is exposed to harsh truths--release, and what it entails.  This is a beautiful optimistic child who is crushed by the realization of his father's ill actions as a Nurturer.  The saddest part is that because humans are devoid from feelings, it's clear that his father thinks nothing of his action, but rather sees it as a necessity rather than cruel.

I deeply felt sympathetic towards Jonas.  I was happy to have a sympathetic author and read chapters where we find Jonas caring for baby Gabriel.  Jonas may have not understood love initially but his inquisitive nature led him towards knowing and understanding love.  I loved when Jonas shared positive memories with Gabriel to ease his crying.  I feel like this book should be revisited as an adult to initiate book discussions about parenting, and the burden of loss of innocence at an early age.

This is a wonderful children's chapter book that I believe is a great stepping stone for young readers to venture into similar reads.