The Giver
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I'm 32. Haven't read this.... is it worth the read??
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Jenna
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rated it 3 stars
Jul 03, 2012 07:52PM
i remember they made us read it when i was in like 6th grade
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I'm 53, recently read it, great book, strange concept to imagine.
I loved this book so much.
Liz wrote: "I loved this book so much."Me too, it was amazing but the first few chapters were a lil' boring to me.
I was lucky enough to meet Lois Lowry, and her inspiration for this story is fascinating. Her mother had dementia, and to help her with her memory, she'd go through a photo album. She'd watch as her mother had to re-live the loss of one of her children, and it made her wonder if the pain was worth the memory. I find this novel to be a substantial read for kids and adults.
The Giver was really worth the read. I read it in middle school and again in high school. Just a warning, it is for younger readers so it's not complex or deeply philosophical but it does make you think. The books that follow the giver (Gathering Blue, The Messenger, and the most recent, Son) are even better, in my opinion.
Lois Lowry is a fine writer. If you don't like this book, which I did, try "Number the Stars", a WWII time where folks help Jews escape Nazism. Both are worth the read, easy reading, and well written.
Yes. Especially if you are interested in the dystopia novel.
This book, setting aside the great social commentary is fabulous. The writing is fantastic, characters intriguing, and plot unique. While it does follow the typical dystopia mold Lowry presents the materials in such a way that The Giver really is a satisfying and wonderful read.
Cathy wrote: "Lois Lowry is a fine writer. If you don't like this book, which I did, try "Number the Stars", a WWII time where folks help Jews escape Nazism. Both are worth the read, easy reading, and well written."I read "The Giver" and "Number the Stars" both in 6th grade and they were both amazing. But "Number the Stars" was an especially amazing book.
My son read this book for school. He is not very big on reading but he liked it so much that he borrowed a copy from the school library for me to read. My boy is brilliant! I loved it!
I guess I missed something with this book. While it was okay I didn't get the big WOW other readers seemed to get. Yes, it is about a dystopian society with important themes - free choice versus no choice. I wanted more - explanation of why their society became that way, what of the other communities and why keep the memories if only one person can see them? I think there are better young adult novels out there so although I am not sorry I read it, certainly not on the top of my list of books to recommend.
I read this when i was 13 so my judgment might have changed since then .. but honestly i saw it as a boring book that my school was forcing me to read and i hated it so much...although some friends of mine recently disagreed with me.. so i guess it depends on what you like.. i just hated how it was told and i hated the ending although i like the plot (i love dystopian novels because the settings are usually amusing and interesting)
Sosena wrote: "I read this when i was 13 so my judgment might have changed since then .. but honestly i saw it as a boring book that my school was forcing me to read and i hated it so much...although some friends..."I know how you feel. In 6th grade my teacher forced us to read 3 books and every morning she would test us.
Yes! I think it was an amazing read for any age, because it deals with things that you can relate no matter how old you are.
My daughter had to read this book in middle school and hated it. I read it a couple of months ago and found it very thought-provoking. I think she tackled it at too young an age. It's a "think" book, not an "action" one.
I thought so--I just read it, and I'm almost twice your age!
Yes. I read it as an adult too and was surprised to hear my niece read it in middle school! Thought-provoking and eerie.
You can be dead and it'll still be a good book
I haven't in years, since the 7th grade. Seems like only yesterday... but yes, definitely. From what I remember, it was really good. A little strange, but good. I heard there's a sequel?
YES!!! it is definitely worth it.. and according to me its the best in the series.. although a 4th one is coming out this year.. i look forward to it. :)
It is WORTH READING. ONE of my Fab books. The ending was a bit interesting. In my opinion I liked it because it wasn't exactly what you would call "happily ever after" but it was happy enough. I highly recommend this book!
Rashika wrote: "YES!!! it is definitely worth it.. and according to me its the best in the series.. although a 4th one is coming out this year.. i look forward to it. :)"I didn't know there was a 4th one coming out. I have only read the first one and I thought it was an amazing book. I wanted to read the second one, but I don't know what it is about.
This book is absolutely worth reading. Granted I am in the same boat of not having read it in a long time. It is one that we as children groaned about when our teachers said "this book is the one we will be reading" but it makes you really appreciate and gain a new understanding on what the world could be like. The author Lewis Lowery takes you to a world where no color and no feeling is present, making this world something of an abstract to the reader! Take your time and really enjoy this book, it will be one you are very glad you read when you finish it!
Idalis wrote: "Rashika wrote: "YES!!! it is definitely worth it.. and according to me its the best in the series.. although a 4th one is coming out this year.. i look forward to it. :)"I didn't know there was a..."
well the second one is not about jonas.. but about this other girl.. in the third book though jonas comes back so it kinda explains the cliff hanger at the end of the giver... and i also found out like recently that there was a 4th book which is going to come out.. its called Son and its supposed to come out in october
Definitely! This was the first dystopian book I read/was assigned, so its sort of a starting place for me. I enjoy thinking through the specific restrictions on freedom that exist in this book. I also view this book as simply the start of a discourse on what we value in society and whether a true utopia is ever really possible. That may only be true for me because of when I read it, but its such a short read for a "classic" that the risk is low.
Anything by Lowry is worth the read!
"The Giver" is definitely worth the read!! I read it in 5th grade, but would still read it today. It left such a mark on me. Few books have such an impact on its reader. The slight mystery and fascinating world is enchanting at any age. Enjoy!
Sarah wrote: "I just finished it this morning. you were right.. interesting and different. I'm wondering what it would be like if it were more in depth, longer and for adults. I have a lot of questions and think..."I'm glad you finished it Sarah and agree perfectly with your assessment (now as an adult). It definitely stuck out to me more as a teenager and reading again as an adult I wanted something more from the ending, but still a classic in my opinion and left an impression.
And I love your "college try" approach to books - great time saver:-)
Yes, definitely read it and don't let the "young adult" label lessen it's impact. It's much better most things I've read in the dystopian genre. "Gathering Blue" is not so much a sequel, but an opposing view of society and is also worth reading.
Yes. You should definately read this book. The society that it's taking place in is very different. The Giver is very fast paced and compelling. Loved it.
Yes! for one thing it's quite short, you won't be giving up much time, and it's one of the best YAF books I've ever read.
Yes! It's not a difficult read, but it does make you think. While it could be appropriately difficult for middle or high school age kids, it's still a good book to experience.
I loved it so much and I am only 12, I think its a book that pulls you into the story and wont let you get out until your finished, my thoughts had become a tornado while I read it, there was so much to think about...I loved it...
Anna (think I like someone??...) wrote: "I loved it so much and I am only 12, I think its a book that pulls you into the story and wont let you get out until your finished, my thoughts had become a tornado while I read it, there was so mu..."I read it when I was young too(10yrs old). It is a remarkable book though and I am thinking about reading it again because I am now 13 so maybe it will make more sense.
it is soo good it is worth reading for sure!!
Idalis wrote: "Anna (think I like someone??...) wrote: "I loved it so much and I am only 12, I think its a book that pulls you into the story and wont let you get out until your finished, my thoughts had become a..."Cool, yeah I dont think it really matters at what age it still is an awesome book:)!! You should totally read it again:)
i guess u could read it but it wasnt that awesome
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..."Yes. Especially given the fact that it will take only a few hours, perhaps a quarter of what a full-length popular paperback would.
It's thought-provoking, well out of proportion to the time invested.
Enjoy!
Dave wrote: I think 30 pages sounds more like the high school try; I think books deserve at least 100 pages to be the college try. 30 pages is generally the introduction.I agree. And the book is so short that you can probably read it in one sitting, if you have uninterrupted time. I love the book and it is such a great basis for conversation. I vote "Give it a Try!"
I'm 25 years old and I read "The Giver" a few weeks ago. It's a different book, a little disturbing. I don't know if I would like it when I was a child and maybe I didn´t understand the all message in my childhood.
YES. It's a futuristic dystopian communistic environment--similar to many sci-fi books these days, but it's not a whole lot like the Hunger Games and way written WAY beforehand...I'd definitely recommend it and the two following novels, Gathering Blue and Messenger. The pieces fit together in the very end, and you'll be struck with an "aha!" moment.
I'm 64 and just read it.I find it a weak book where situations are not explained and no point is made. Maybe it's my age, but I thought it was not a good book.
Walt Trizna
"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 college try'..."
I kind of do the same thing, but with my age. If I'm not really interested by the time I hit 49 pages, then I just pass it on along to someone else. :)
YES. if only because it is such a strange form of distopia
This may sound like a history lesson but it will give you a good reason to read this book. The philosopher Thomas Hobbs said that mankind can only progress if there is safety, individuals can not create and advance if there is a constant threat lingering because all your energy would be devoted to protecting yourself and your belongings........ Thus according to Hobbs the solution is to take away everybodys freedom, the freedom except the right of self preservation (protect yourself), thus saftely would be insured and progress would occur and everyone would be dandy. The snag is that people do not like to give up there freedom, or there illusion of it, (just listin to the politicians yap). In the giver the author applies Hobbs idea but with a slight change, instead of taking away people's feedom to make choices, he has taken away the choices.There is no color, music, they take pills to prevent themselves from dreaming,...... Its might not be one of the best books out there but it is very interesting and dont let the simple structure or the simpleness of the narration fool you. If you would like an Ebook of The Giver contact me.
Yes, I was in my late 30s when I read it and loved it! I read it because my daughter had read it and loved it so much I decided I had to see what it was all about. She was a t'ween at the time. It is a worthwhile read, I don't believe you'll regret reading it.
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..."
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