The Giver by Lois Lowry

This thought-provoking Newbery Award Winner of 1994 opened doors of curiosity in my mind as I wondered about such a civilization as that of young Jonas. I remember about ten years ago trying to read this book, and putting it down in disgust when reading the part about the Stirrings followed soon after with the mention of the "meticulously ordered community" in which it is expected for everyone to fit in. At the time I wanted to gag and roll my eyes and move on at the thought of entertaining such a way of life. Now after giving the book another chance and reading it to the end I chastise myself for the missed instructional opportunities this book could have provided in my years past teaching language arts. Alas, when the sacred rules revealed that Jonas could lie I realized tantalizing possibilities in the now quickening plot. I hung on...this time on the edge of my seat. The characterization of the other characters was minimal yet just enough to imply pointing the focus on sending me spiraling into the thick of the plot and the intertwined characterization of Jonas and the Giver. Strange that Jonas's new title of "Receiver" was not sufficiently promulgated throughout the community to even give his new position judgment. Just accepted as all things are in Jonas's community. I expected conflict with the issue of status, and perhaps I was looking for somewhat of a caste system. But again, none. Instead the author divulged the inner thoughts and shared wisdom of the Giver privy only to Jonas. This contrast only drove me to want to know them, to be in the training room with them, to make connections with them. Eloquently and with impelling craft the author wrapped the reader in Jonas's developing training from the Giver. It seemed that Jonas learned his new job quickly and with ease, and he grew even wiser as he began questioning the ways of his community. When he realized that indeed his own father was the antagonist of the book his actions took some intrepid turns. He was emboldened to the point of risking leaving for Elsewhere. I was disappointed when towards the end Jonas left without the Giver, yet the Giver made the reader fully appreciate his purpose for staying to impart wisdom and expected protection upon the remaining members of the community. Leaving with Gabriel was a risky choice, but I could just imagine the search helicoptors trying to reclaim the young misfit. It seemed that Jonas left us at the end fully trained and ready for Giving to others in the true sense of the word - selflessly and with the wisdom of having experienced the cold, sterile civilation of life without true feelings, memories, and vital emotions. If there was a sequel to this book I would be anxious to read about Gabriel and how Jonas was able to bridge civilizations and forge on equipped to carry the torch as a wise man in the land of Elsewhere.