Lois Lowry’s dystopian novel, The Giver, is a book set in the future. The “utopian” society is one without pain, illness, suffering, or any bad things that are seen in the world today. Jonas, eleven, is selected for a job as a receiver, a rare job that requires him to hold and receive the memories of past lives. Although society has no pain or suffering, it also lacks happiness, and joy. The memories that Jonas receives, show him the beauty of joy, but also open his eyes to the pain. Because of these new memories, Jonas must decide what to do, and if he should escape to a place where he can hold these memories.
I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was good, and the memories were described very well making it interesting through all parts. The story progressed well and built the background story while still progressing through. I would give this four stars as it wasn’t the greatest book, I have read but still a very solid one.