The Giver
by Lois Lowry created by Daniella M.
Book Summary
Jonas lives in a supposedly perfect world where there are big-time rules and no one thinks for themselves. Everything is the same there is no music, no love, no color, no pain. Jonas is assigned the job of Receiver of Memory, a big deal. When he begins to spend time with The Giver, an old man who maintains and protects the communities memories, Jonas begins to learn all about the way things used to be. The more Jonas learns about having choices and the bad things that happen in his world, the more he wants to escape. He is challenged to release his memories to the people of his community which is a mission no one has ever succeeded.
Jonas (main character)
The main character Jonas is a polite, compassionate, and thoughtful boy. At the Ceremony of twelve, Jonas is selected to become the new Receiver of Memory, the most important job in the community. After he spends time with the Giver Jonas realizes that people gave up their freedom for Sameness. Jonas soon becomes angry and annoyed because he believes that everyone should have love and be able to decide and make choices. In the end he risks his life to give the people of his community there memories back.
The Giver
The Giver is the current Receiver of Memory and trains Jonas to become the next Receiver of Memory. He has to carry the burden and feelings of the memories of the world. Everyday he suffers fro the pain contained within the memories. He is lonely because he can't share his work with anyone but Jonas. He cares about Jonas and the community.
Gabriel (Gabe)
Gabe is the new infant who begins spending nights with Jonas' family because he needs extra attention and care. Gabe is a sweet child but is not like the other infants because he can't sleep soundly during the nights and he is not gaining weight like the other infants. Gabe is only calm unless Jonas gives him pleasant memories.
Fiona
Fiona is one of Jonas's best friends. Her assignment at the Ceremony of twelve is Caretaker of the Old at the House of the Old. Fiona is a sensitive, gentle girl who Jonas likes. At the end however, Fiona grows distant to Jonas because she does not understand or get his job as the new Receiver of Memory.
"The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It is the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."
Teacher-like Questions
1. How do you think Jonas felt she he first meet the Giver?
2. What is the plot of the book?
3. What do you predict might happen next after Jonas hears an echo?
4. What do you think might have happened if Rosemary stayed Receiver of Memory and hand't died?
5. I f Jonas hadn't ran away who do you think would become the next Receiver of Memory?
Overall Rating
I liked the fact that Jonas saved Gabe from dying and shares his memories with him. I disliked the ending because it leaves the story with a cliff hanger and it leaves you wondering if Jonas and Gabe make it and all is right with the world again or if they die of starvation and exposure to the snow.