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bree317's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ib3readin's review against another edition
4.0
The title
I like the idea that the “Giver” title (and Receiver) was shared by the two characters, but in different ways. It was both clever and well-developed. I did not, however, appreciate the abrupt ending. Alas, I’ll have to read book two. Though the book is best suited for late elementary to middle school-aged kids, there are a vast variety of messages that the book conveys making it a rich text for discussions of all age groups as its topics range from caring properly for the elderly in society to differently-able people (who are quite intentionally absent in this society).
I like the idea that the “Giver” title (and Receiver) was shared by the two characters, but in different ways. It was both clever and well-developed. I did not, however, appreciate the abrupt ending. Alas, I’ll have to read book two. Though the book is best suited for late elementary to middle school-aged kids, there are a vast variety of messages that the book conveys making it a rich text for discussions of all age groups as its topics range from caring properly for the elderly in society to differently-able people (who are quite intentionally absent in this society).
biophilic's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
makalakm's review against another edition
3.0
Um it was intriguing and very interesting, but it left me wanting so much more. I don't like books that don't have a satisfying ending, and this one didn't.
shermreads's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn't put it down, stayed up the entire night reading. Absolutely loved it.
jai_meow's review against another edition
4.0
so glad i didn’t have to read this for school, it was amazing.
humatariq's review against another edition
4.0
Liked the first part, but it really leaves us hanging at the end. What happens next?
revaew's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
aejohnson85's review against another edition
5.0
The first and only time that I'd read this was back in grade 7 for our language class. I remember enjoying it then but as time passed, I didn't remember as much as I would have liked. With the recent release of the movie version, I saw the book on sale on Kobo and decided to give it a whirl, and my goodness, am I ever glad I did.
I feel like I have a different perspective reading it now that I'm older/reading it for pleasure. I found myself questioning the utopian world that Lowry created and then playing devil's advocate with myself. In a world where "sameness" is valued, there would be no bullying or fear of not fitting in, but look at the cost...it's a world where there are no feelings, no love; your spouse is perfectly matched to you; you apply to be given children (and are only allowed one boy, one girl to ensure overpopulation isn't an issue)...it's a world without choice. I have to admit that part of that is alluring in some ways but also extremely terrifying.
Lowry is a gifted writer and the scenes between Jonas and The Giver are my favourites. The way that she describes sunshine, or riding down a hill on a sled are fantastic. The Giver's pain at the memories that he is forced to experience feels real and is heartbreaking - particularly the memory about war that he transfers to Jonas. His story about Rosemary, the failed receiver, too is heartbreaking - particularly towards the end where you find that she was his daughter.
I remember feeling a bit frustrated with the ending back in grade 7, as it is ambiguous, and I wanted to be told outright - did Jonas and Gabe make it to Elsewhere? Or was the sled a tipoff that they had died (this was more what I was leaning towards in my first read)? I have to say, I STILL find it ambiguous as an adult, as I can honestly see it going either way. I'm told there are sequels to this which must mean they ARE alive, though I still find myself questioning that outcome (as depressing as that makes the ending).
This is a book that will certainly stay with me for awhile to come, even though I have started something new...I'm also interested in checking out the movie adaptation to see how well it translates to the screen.
I feel like I have a different perspective reading it now that I'm older/reading it for pleasure. I found myself questioning the utopian world that Lowry created and then playing devil's advocate with myself. In a world where "sameness" is valued, there would be no bullying or fear of not fitting in, but look at the cost...it's a world where there are no feelings, no love; your spouse is perfectly matched to you; you apply to be given children (and are only allowed one boy, one girl to ensure overpopulation isn't an issue)...it's a world without choice. I have to admit that part of that is alluring in some ways but also extremely terrifying.
Lowry is a gifted writer and the scenes between Jonas and The Giver are my favourites. The way that she describes sunshine, or riding down a hill on a sled are fantastic. The Giver's pain at the memories that he is forced to experience feels real and is heartbreaking - particularly the memory about war that he transfers to Jonas. His story about Rosemary, the failed receiver, too is heartbreaking - particularly towards the end where you find that she was his daughter.
I remember feeling a bit frustrated with the ending back in grade 7, as it is ambiguous, and I wanted to be told outright - did Jonas and Gabe make it to Elsewhere? Or was the sled a tipoff that they had died (this was more what I was leaning towards in my first read)? I have to say, I STILL find it ambiguous as an adult, as I can honestly see it going either way. I'm told there are sequels to this which must mean they ARE alive, though I still find myself questioning that outcome (as depressing as that makes the ending).
This is a book that will certainly stay with me for awhile to come, even though I have started something new...I'm also interested in checking out the movie adaptation to see how well it translates to the screen.
lizjones121's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0