The Giver by Lois Lowry, is a dystopian novel which captures the journey of Jonas, a troubled teenager. During his time in his organized and structured community, Jonas faces multiple trials within himself, the way his community works, and trials with family and friends. 

In this novel, Jonas lives in a community where everything is painted black and white. There is a wrong, a right, a yes, and a no for everything. Moreover, sameness, a quality in which everything and everyone is the same is also presented and represented in their community. In addition, in this community one thing in particular is special. The people don't have access to their memories. Of course they had memories of what happened yesterday, of what happened the day before yesterday. However, memories of loneliness, pain, love, warmth, anything determined as “harmful to the community” has been taken away. The people having been clueless of the meaning, the true definitions behind their actions, thoughts, and feelings with these privileges taken away.  

In spite of all this, Jonas has the ability to have access to the memories as the “Receiver” of his community. He must bear the memories and everything within them, he must carry them. With all this responsibility and knowledge, he must make a choice between rebellion and continuation. A choice to continue down the path of being restricted and controlled, or a decision to rebel and fight against injustice, and take a huge risk. 

Lois Lowry, the author of The Giver remarkably shows highlights and negatives within relationships between Jonas, his teacher The Giver, his families, and his friends. Furthermore, Lois Lowry showcases the determination, courage, and internal conflicts of a hero. With these memories and the way the community is run, Lois Lowry makes the reader question and wonder about the roots of a dystopian universe and the different views and opinions upon it. 

Within connections between characters, the topic of understandment also comes up. Because of the difference in each character’s lives after Jonas has become the “Receiver”, finding common ground and connection is never the same again with those around him. Besides the topic of understanding, many other topics, crucial towards life also come up including the topic of love and family.  

Because of its many lessons and its connection to our real world lives, this novel is easily one of my favorites. With its interesting storyline, it is easily able to hook the reader, in addition to its characters, plot, setting, and descriptive wording. The versatile personalities represented with each character, the mindsets, and beliefs of each character also contribute to the story. In addition, the vague ending at the end of the journey of Jonas also adds a touch of creativity and imagination by the reader in which I also believe is one of the novel’s outstanding and unique points! 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a book to read. Specifically to those who like novels containing adventure, and to those who like to read dystopian novels. I really like this book as it also provides a lot of literary analysis and vocabulary which is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their reading level and skill. Along with helping with reading, in general, this book is just a great way to spend your time! This is definitely worth the read! 

Check out The Giver from the Newport Beach Public Library!