The Giver: A Dystopian Novel for Young Adults
The Giver is a 1993 dystopian novel for young adults, written by American author Lois Lowry. Although the story begins with a utopian society, it quickly becomes clear that it's actually dystopian as the plot progresses. Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy, is the protagonist of the book. In order to save his life, he must overcome obstacles and find his own voice.
Inspiring Young Adult Readers
This dystopian novel by Lois Lowry has inspired many young adult readers. While the story was published two decades ago, it continues to have a profound impact on readers even today, two decades later. In fact, it has been included on many banned-book lists and assigned reading lists in middle schools. The Giver's story is so popular, Lowry receives dozens of letters a day from children who have read the book.
Controversy Surrounding the Novel
The book has been controversial for several reasons. Among them are the numerous references to infanticide, euthanasia, suicide, and starvation. These passages are often graphic and may cause some distress among readers. As such, parents challenged the book in Ohio and Florida. Fortunately, no one has been permanently banished from school for reading The Giver. Although many parents disagree with some of the book's content, it remains an important work for young readers.
Other Works by Lois Lowry
In addition to The Giver, Lois Lowry has written several novels for children and young adults. She has explored many different subjects in her books, including the Holocaust, preteen issues, and familial loss. In The Giver, she created a fictional community. This book has sold over twelve million copies worldwide and has been adapted into several films, plays, and even an opera. If you've ever dreamed of living in a utopia, The Giver is definitely worth reading.
The Giver: A Complex Character
The Giver is a complex character in this novel. His role is to preserve the memories of humanity before society was formed. Jonas receives the memory of emotion and finds out what it means to be human. He also discovers a disturbing secret about his world: that Elders kill the old, sick, and rebellious. In the end, Jonas escapes with the baby, but the novel implies that he and the baby will starve to death in the process.
Companion Books and the Legacy of The Giver
In addition to The Giver, Lois Lowry has written a series of companion books. Gathering Blue introduces Kira, the young girl who is gifted at needlework, and Messenger is about her friend Mattie. These books form a trilogy that is destined to be a hit. The Giver series has spawned at least five movies and musicals. But despite all the buzz, the novel remains a timeless classic for children and adults alike.
The Author Behind The Giver
After the success of The Giver, Lowry's life was hardly perfect. She lost her first husband, Grey, to an airplane crash, and suffered a series of heartbreaks. The novel was an instant bestseller and won two Newbery Medals. Lowry's personal life was filled with sorrow. She had four children before her marriage ended. Her first husband died in a plane crash, and she never got to finish her college degree.
A Rare Treat for Book Lovers
While I'm proud to be the first person to get a signed copy of The Giver, I still wish I had the chance to meet the author in person. Thankfully, she kindly signed my book! It is a rare treat for book lovers and avid readers alike. And as a bonus, Jeff Bridges and Lois Lowry were very gracious enough to sign my book. A wonderful gift for the holidays or any time!
