Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
Children's Fiction
1993 Houghton Mifflin
Finished on February 6, 2002
Rating: 5/5 (Excellent)
Publisher's Blurb:
"It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened."
Thus opens this haunting novel in which a boy inhabits a seemingly idea world; a world without conflict, poverty, unemployment, divorce, injustice, or inequality. It is a time in which family values are paramount, teenage rebellion is unheard of, and even good manners are a way of life.
December is a time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve year old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man--the man called only the Giver--he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.
Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.
My Original Thoughts (2002):
I loved this thought-provoking story of a not-so-perfect world. Image a world without snow, sunshine or wind. This climate-controlled society seems like a good idea?? "In order to gain control of many things, certain things had to be let go of." "Sameness" eliminates the use of color, "real" parents, books, etc. This is a meticulously ordered community that, from first appearances, seems like a great idea. But when Jonas learns the true meaning of "release," it no longer seems like an ideal life. Ambiguous ending was ok with me.
My Current Thoughts:
I've had this book on my "keeper" shelf for more than two decades with great intentions of reading it a second time. Maybe it's time.
Yes, I wonder what you would think of it twenty years later.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it's short enough that I think I can re-read it in February. I'm already re-read one book this month...
DeleteBe sure to let us know what you think, if you do get a chance to reread it next month.
DeleteI've never read this one! Pretty sure all three kids have though...
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I highly recommend it, although who knows how I'll feel about it now. I plan to read it again in February.
DeleteI like having a keepr shelf of books I know I will reread.
ReplyDeleteTina, it's like have your own private library with books you know are exceptional!
DeleteThis is also on my keeper shelf. It's so well done. I remember reading it myself and then, when my daughter got old enough, talking to her as she read it.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I plan to read it again next month. I hope it stands the test of time.
DeleteI don't read a lot of YA/children's books so probably why I haven't looked into this one but if it's from the Keepers Shelf then I think I should think definitely look into it!
ReplyDeleteIliana, it's definitely worthwhile!
DeleteAccording to my blog I read it in 2014. I wasn't blown by it but its cautionary tale is interesting to think about. Some more of my thoughts are here: https://www.thecuecard.com/?s=the+giver
ReplyDeleteSusan, I wonder if I'll find it lacking the second time around. Thanks for the link to your review. I haven't watched the movie version of the story and wonder if it's worthwhile.
DeleteYou know I don't think I followed through and watched the movie with Jeff Bridges. Maybe I didn't want it to mess with the book. hmm. But I don't remember it.
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