This wasn't really a coming of age story so much as a coming of knowledge story1.
The society depicted in The Giver was so close to ideal, I found myself in agreement with their methods in regards to all but the infamous Release. I had an idea of what it might be2, but the truth was far more horrible than I had suspected.
It was like this: Imagine the most perfect utopian society you can. No hunger, no pain, no war. Perfect, right?
Now drain away all color and remove all profound emotion. Take away everything that makes us different. Everything that makes life worthwhile. Voila! You have The Giver.
I loved Jonas, it was a treat to watch him grow into awareness and to see what life was really like, or at least what it could be like.
The ending was cathartic, but oddly delusional. You could take it as what it was, or look beyond it to see that it might not have been that happy of an ending after all.
I give The Giver3...
...Five Zombies.
A seriously good read.
Happy reading!
Zombie Girrrl
footnotes_____________________________________________________
1 It occurs to me, though, that those might be the same thing...
2 Perhaps it was more of an inkling. Or maybe even a premonition.
3 Haha, give the giver.
9 comments:
This is a great book, isn't it? I reread it this week and couldn't get over how smart and fascincating it is. I'm going to check out the companion books too.
You mean Gathering Blue is attached to it? I'll definitely have to look into that. :)
This was such a great book, huh? I love how you moved along with Jonas, learning, and the questions the book makes you ask yourself.
Sounds good!
I have another award for you.
http://gofita.blogspot.com/2009/08/bingo-and-super-commenter-awards.html
This sounds like a really interesting book. I've never heard of it before. Utopian societies are something that is intriguing to watch.
LOL give the giver. Your footnotes always make me smile :)
I know that this is a three book series; Gathering Blue didn't even mention Jonas' world...but it was still pretty good. ^^
I only read Hawksong and Snakecharm. I liked Snakecharm, but was slightly disappointed with Zane's voice. He's supposed to be the passionate one but I felt like his voice in the second book was so muted... I liked Danica's narration far more. :/ I do intend to read the entire series though!
Thanks! I love the header as well. Laina outdid herself and I want to shower her with praise xD...
YES I want you to get excited about this series! I enjoyed the first book very much; I can't wait for when you read them! And yes, I'm always interested in winning books! I do have it, but I'd love to get another! Thanks for the heads-up ;)
Come pick up your award! http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/2009/08/top-commenters-award.html
Hmmm I never read this book BUT I did hear it was really good!
I need to read it
-Liz :)
I nominated you for an award!
http://lizdoglover.blogspot.com/2009/08/lemonade-award-again.html
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