The Giver (The Giver, #1) The Giver discussion


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I'm 32. Haven't read this.... is it worth the read??

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Rachael Tomlinson The Giver is a great book! even if you don't like it it is worth the try


Shelley Lackey I read this with my son when he was in Junior high. He's now 28. He had asked me for help, because he had to do a book report, and he was a poor reader. I know he picked this book because it was 'skinny'. Little did we know what a treat that homework assignment was going to be.

My son and I had many discussions during and after reading this book, exploring parallels between our time in history, other countries around the world, and our society in general. I was totally blown away by the thought provoking discussions that this book generated between my son and I! On a side note, he received an A on his book report and his interest in reading definitely increased! He devours books now, and they tend to be of the nonfiction and thought provoking type. Go figure.

I don't know if 'liked the book' is the best description on how I feel about it. I just know it touched me in such a way that I have never forgotten it, given away our copy of it, and continue to recommend it to parents, especially those with children that have trouble with or don't have much interest in reading.


Lea Ann I first read it when I was in my thirties, and I thought it was fascinating. I've since taught it a few times to my sixth grade classes, and I've enjoyed it each and every time.


message 54: by Lisa (new) - rated it 5 stars

Lisa Tillman Absolutely worth the read! I never read this book in middle school/junior high. I read it as an adult and I'm so glad that I did. We read this as a book club combined with Holes. Interesting grouping!


Sarah Definitely worth the read


message 56: by T.L. (new) - rated it 5 stars

T.L. Rese this is one of my favorite books - it's not that long and well worth your time! i def rec!


Heather White Yes. If you don't like it you can always stop reading.


Brenda Cregor Sarah wrote: "I have had this on my shelves for a while and have read that it's one of those dystopian books (for kids) that will make you think and is really good etc. I have so many books to read i'm wondering..."

Absolutely! Read it.
It's the reader's own perspective of life which will "project" on the story. The end is exquisite. There are three possible interpretations of it, and the author has never said which one is "right".
Though it was written for young adults, it is emotionally provoking and will make you stop and think.


message 60: by Jenn (new) - rated it 5 stars

Jenn Bre wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I have had this on my shelves for a while and have read that it's one of those dystopian books (for kids) that will make you think and is really good etc. I have so many books to read..."

I finished the book that came after this one (Gathering Blue) and am on to The Messenger. I haven't finished the whole thing and I wouldn't want to give anything away, but I think Lowry may have provided readers with a more definitive answer as to what happened to Jonas in the third book.


Samira YEAH ITS DEFENTILY WORTH IT!!


Caroline I've read it several times. Although it's been a while since I have last read it. It's definitely worth it!


Deseree I remember reading this book in 8th grade and I loved it, its one of the books that made me love to read.


Samira Deseree wrote: "I remember reading this book in 8th grade and I loved it, its one of the books that made me love to read."

I Read it in 8th grade too! it was an assignment!


message 65: by Janie (last edited Apr 19, 2012 05:49PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Janie I'm 31 and just finished it. I never read it in school either. I liked it though! Sure, I would have probably enjoyed it even more when I was younger (I found myself wishing it was a bit more in depth)...but it's a great story so I'd definitely say it's worth the read. Plus it's super short, you can easily read it in a day.

*EDIT* haha my bad, you already got your answers and read it! Should have read the comments first. I do pretty much agree with your review. I really would like to have read the same book geared towards adults. Glad you enjoyed it enough though!


Caroline Mary wrote: "The ending is very confusing."

Lois Lowry, has said that the ending was written that way so people would use their imagination as to what happened. Hope that clears the confusion.


message 67: by Lisa (new) - rated it 3 stars

Lisa It's such an easy read with a very interesting story line. I say definitely read it.


message 68: by Kirk (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kirk Plankey I didn't read it until I was in my 30's as well. It is interesting especially considering that it is primarily for young adult readers. It is a quick read as others have pointed out. So don't hesitate if you feel like you want to. It puts you in a large circle especially with the younger generation so that you can have some good conversations with your children or nieces, or nephews. Enjoy


message 69: by Jo (new) - rated it 4 stars

Jo Certainly.


Robynn YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is one of the best books i have ever read!!!


message 71: by shanghao (last edited Apr 24, 2012 08:28PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

shanghao It's ok, the pacing is good and so is the world building. Overall a good read, but not mind-blowing or anything. The main character has an innocent earnestness that makes him lovable, considering all those mostly annoying YA heroines out there now.


Chris Jessica wrote: "I am 32 also and just finished it the other day. I loved it! It was a fairly quick read. If I didn't have two small kids running amok all day, I probably would have sat and read it all in one af..."

i was 29 when i first read the giver.let me just say its a amazing book for any age. i am in the process of reading the second in the giver series


Allison Miles Garcia I read the book back in middle school and read it again a while back, at age 25. Still thought it was a great book. I'd say give it a shot. :)


Buran I read this when I was a lot younger and it was one of my favorite books for the longest time. Come to think of it, it's still up there on my list! Since I don't know you, I can't say you'll love the book but I believe it's well worth the read. Remember, each book has its own magic and it is up to you to discover it and allow it to flourish. Happy Reading!


message 75: by Lynn (new) - rated it 4 stars

Lynn My book club reads a children's book every December and when we read this one, we invited 3 of our 6th grade children/grand-children to join in on the discussion to have the insight of the intended audience as well. Everyone enjoyed it with plenty to discuss.

I would recommend her book "Number the Stars" - I enjoyed it more than "The Giver"


Christina It is so short and such a staple of knowledge in our society... why wouldn't you?


Kelly Yes! I loved it when I read it at 27. I don't really put ages to what I read. I was reading books that were "too advanced" when I was younger and now in my late twenties read a lot of YA fiction.


message 78: by [deleted user] (new)

I loved this book!!!


message 79: by [deleted user] (new)

I'm only 13 and I had to read it for a school project, I really enjoyed it, it's simple enough to understand but there's a lot of hidden message in the book for older people


message 80: by [deleted user] (new)

I love that book. You definitely should read it.


Melinda If you are a reader and have a passion for good literature you should definitely read this book. Not only that, but this is a modern classic that every kid in high school will have to read fairly soon (any kid in higher placement classes like advanced and AP already reads it for summer reading) and as an adult you should definitely know more lit then the school kids. lol


message 82: by 7gladuc4 (last edited Apr 27, 2012 01:45PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

7gladuc4 I think the Giver is a great book and people of all ages will enjoy it. I read the messenger and gathering blue and they are really good books,too. I totally think you should read it it is so worth it.


Tommi omg yes. everyone should read this book in their lifetime. i read it when i was grounded one weekend and restricted to my room. i think i was 13? anywho. fantastic book. love love love it


akifah i hated it we read it in class and it was like hell couldnt keep my eyes open


Whitnie Very worth the read! One of my all time favorite books, the story is ageless.


Grace Yes yes yes yes!!!! Read it!!!! The whole series is good, so make sure you read all of them!!!


Caroline Dave wrote: "Anna wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Thanks for the thoughts. I'll give it 'the college try' which is 30 pages. if i'm not curious to what happens it will be given away. :)"

Where did you here the term 'the..."


Except The Giver is only 179 pages.


Shannon I just read it (and the next 2 in the series) this year at age 42. I really loved it and feel you will enjoy it more if you read all 3 books so you can see where the story goes.


message 89: by Caroline (last edited Apr 30, 2012 09:10AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Caroline Shannon wrote: "I just read it (and the next 2 in the series) this year at age 42. I really loved it and feel you will enjoy it more if you read all 3 books so you can see where the story goes."

There is a fourth book coming out this year! Just FYI


message 90: by Jenn (new) - rated it 5 stars

Jenn Melinda wrote: "If you are a reader and have a passion for good literature you should definitely read this book. Not only that, but this is a modern classic that every kid in high school will have to read fairly ..."

High school? I read this in 6th grade with the rest of my class. No doubt it's still a good read and worth analyzing up to any age, but hopefully high school students are being challenged more than that. Oy, I'm afraid of entering the school system sometimes (future educator here).


Justin M. yes it is an awesomly greatly awesome book


message 92: by Kim (new) - rated it 5 stars

Kim One of my favorite books ever read as a kid. Also reread in a Child Lit class I took in my teaching credential program.


ImScared3222 Its a book that I think everyone should read once in their lifetimes.


Amanda I read it at 40 - I wish I could have the time I spent on it back. I cringe whenever I see the junior high kids in my neighborhood lugging it around for class.


message 95: by Emma (new) - rated it 5 stars

Emma I found The Giver slightly disturbing, but I read the other two books and loved them.


Irene I had to read this book for school, and I didn't really like it. I was eleven years old. I think it's sort of boring, and you should read it because it is so well known and loved by most people, but personally, for me it was just a pretty boring book.


Kristy Hunter Absolutely loved the book. It is a children's book but does have some adult themes like euthanasia. A must read for anyone of any age.


message 98: by Guy (new) - rated it 1 star

Guy The only reason to read this book is to discover the most fake, maudlin, Christian, saccharine, sentimental, unbelievable, preposterous, ridiculous deus ex machina sucky endings I have ever read. Ever. Until the ending, the book is good but not great.


message 99: by Samira (last edited May 12, 2012 02:32PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Samira Guy wrote: "The only reason to read this book is to discover the most fake, maudlin, Christian, saccharine, sentimental, unbelievable, preposterous, ridiculous deus ex machina sucky endings I have ever read. E..."

yeah this book is real good


message 100: by Karen (new) - rated it 5 stars

Karen Absolutely! My mother who is in her 80's read it and all the others and loved them. Great book!


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