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I had heard over and over again how much everyone adored this book. Enough that I was a tad intimidated to read it. However, I am so glad I finally picked it up. I had read Number the Stars by Lois Lowry in Elementary and it remains one of my favorite books. I was reminded how much I enjoy Lowry's writing, she pieces words together and creates art. Her words are beautiful.

The Giver had a really interesting concept for me. I loved that the world was missing color, that their were no choices to be made, and feelings were absent. I have read several dystopian novels which incorporate the lack of agency--The Giver was the first to omit color. It makes sense that color was missing because oftentimes colors are associated with emotions; as Jonas received memories he received color along with them. His world slowly came to life.

Jonas undergoes a lot of changes throughout the book, as he discovers emotions he gradually realizes that this "perfect" society is flawed. I felt so much anguish as he discovered that along with love there is pain. As Jonas was introduced to hunger and war, and even something as simple as a snowflake, was an adventure. Lowry introduced me to the world, and opened my eyes to how important the little things in life are.

Shoutout to the birthday ceremonies in this novel. I loved that with each year the children gain a new skill/responsibility. Like the tunics that button in the front rather than the back...the first teaches independence, while the latter teaches you the importance of helping others. It's an interesting idea!

This book holds a special place in my heart, and I am sure I will be returning to it in years to come.


"Things could change, Gabe," Jonas went on. "Things could be different. I don't know how, but there must be some way for things to be different. There could be colors. And grandparents," he added, staring through the dimness toward the ceiling of his sleepingroom. "And everybody would have the memories."