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Mickey just got assigned to read this for his summer read. Is it 2star adult reader bad or is he going to suffer through it ? ;p

I did not like the story. It is a prize winner, but I found it depressing. From what I recall, it is the story of a boy in a society where everyone sees things in black and white. People are assigned their spouses and they take drugs to avoid "stirrings" i.e. sexual drive. They are assigned children. By a certain age, I think 12, kids are assigned their jobs for life. And they are pretty depressing.

The main character does something (can't remember) and is then able to see in color. He does not take his meds to prevent the stirrings, and I think he does run away. Turns out, he has a special place in the society.

I often wonder why they assign this book in school. Mickey's in 8th grade? That would be an OK age for this book. I think one of my kids had to read it in the 6th grade and I felt that was too young for it.

I find that reading assignments rarely take on newer, more relevant books for kids to read. They don't have to be mass market paperbacks, but there are a lot of newer books out there. I mean, kids at school are still studying The Outsiders - a great book, but how many greasers do you know?

Take a look at other people's reviews of this book. Some people really liked it. Dystopian books are not my favorite - I kind of feel that I already live in a dystopian society here, I want my books to be an escape.

Last year Mickey had to read "The Graveyard Book". I thought he would like it but he really didn't.

And the year before that (going into 7th grade) he had to read "Heidi".

Heidi? Are you kidding me? For a boy? GAG!!

I really wish they'd let the kids read Harry Potter or Leminy Snicket. Something with a bit more OOMPH.

So, it sounds like The Giver is all WIZARD OF OZ black and white Communism and then a boy brings color into the world like that movie where this boy and girl are sucked into a black and white rerun town. AHH! I can't think of the name of it but his sister kept making the boys "all stirred up" and they could see color.

OH SNAP!

But there wasn't any communism stuff going on.

OH! And yes... Mickey is going into 9th grade

Found it!!

That movie I was thinking of was "Pleasantville"

My kids don't get summer reading. I make them go to the library to choose books.

Oh they are soo lucky!! I'd rather do that!! Assigned reading blows