What would the perfect society be like to you? I guarantee it wouldn't be like the one told in Lois Lowry's novel, "The Giver." Imagine a life of total controlled everything--all your life choices made for you, including job and family...obeying set rules and knowing nothing beyond them....the inability to know about any history or life outside of your own small community. A life without the ability to see color, hear music, express emotions.
This society that Lowry creates is considered utopia, but readers see as the plot unfolds that it is completely dystopia. If you are a 1984, Brave New World, or Fahrenheit 451 fan, then this book is right up your alley.
When character Jonas is given the power to endure memories of past generations, colors, love and happiness, he begins to see what his life is not and he becomes emotionally involved to stand against the rules.
The only negative thing I can say about the novel is that it ends abruptly. I think Lowry could have developed the storyline a little better. If you're a teacher, it would be neat to have students write an alternative ending or create an extended ending.
The book really makes you wonder, "What if?" I read it within two days. This young adult book will surely make it on your book shelf no matter how old you are!
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