Review: THE GIVER by Lois Lowry

From Amazon: Since winning the Newbery Medal in 1994, Lois Lowry’s The Giver has become one of the most influential novels of our time. This illustrated edition is a celebration of the book’s standard of excellence and of Lowry’s illustrious writing. The text is complemented by thirteen new illustrations from the acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline. Also included are an introduction by the author and her inspiring Newbery Medal acceptance speech. The additional content now makes it easier than ever to introduce young readers to this riveting modern classic, and provide a fresh edition for its legions of fans.

The story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal world. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does he begin to understand the dark secrets behind his fragile community. 



Audience: Middle Grade
Genre: Dystopian
Length: 204 pgs.

Rating: * (Didn't like it)

Review: I'm mean. I know. But I'll clarify, I didn't give it one star for the writing. The writing is pretty fantastic. Vivid imagery, incredible story and detail. Good pacing. Characters I really got involved with. This book was just too emotional for me. Too hard. It involved bad things happening to kids and babies and that's not a place that I handle well. It upset me and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Good, I guess. It means the books was really involved. I think the story is an incredible statement about the power of choice and it's beautifully written. I'm just still trying to decide if I'm going to read the sequels...

Content: 1-5, 1 being minor instances and 5 being saturated.
Violence - 2 (SPOILER - It describes a baby being killed and a mildly graphic war scene)
Language - 0
Sex - 0

Source: Kindle ebook on sale at Amazon.

Try this. Like beautifully written books about hard choices? Try MATCHED by Ally Condie.