I had every intention of re-reading The Giver (I read it a million years ago when I first started teaching) and then seeing the movie when it hit the theaters this summer. Neither happened. But, I was able to finally re-read the novel over the weekend. Now, I just need to wait for the movie to hit Red Box.
The Giver is a very powerful story that, I feel, every American student should be required to read prior to graduating High School. It's going to be required reading in my house even if it's not read for school. If you have ever wondered what life with zero individuality and zero emotions would be like, then you should read The Giver. And, if you ever need a reminder about how lucky we are to be granted the freedoms given to us as citizens of the USA, you should read The Giver.
The Giver is the story of Jonas and his family unit during the year he turns 12 in a community far, far, far (I hope) in the future. Jonas' community is free of pain, war, hunger, and poverty. And while this sounds lovely to some, the lack of emotion and love did me in. For example, families are created--adults apply for mates (who they never have a physical or emotional relationship with) and when they want children, they apply for those. Birth Mothers have the children. 50 children are born each year, no more, no less. Each family gets one girl and one boy. And, they are named when they are given to the families. "Parents" do not get to choose names. "New children" (babies) are cared for by Nurturers until they are placed with a family. There are various milestones children reach each year in this community, from wearing jackets, to hair ribbons, to getting bikes, and to finally being assigned a job for life at age 12. It is this ceremony that we get to read about in The Giver. Jonas is turning 12 and is "selected" to be the receiver of memories for his community. This is a job that requires much pain and anguish for the person who takes on this role. So, much, in fact, that the current Receiver is in too much pain and must pass the memories on to Jonas in order to ease his burden.
I won't divulge anymore of the story, because it's too good to spoil (and a very quick read at about 180 pages), but I will comment on how sad this story made me. Everything that I love about my life doesn't exist in Jonas' community. They feel no love, they see no colors, there are no seasons, people are "released" when they are too old or can't conform (and released does not mean that they are sent out to another neighboring community...you will have to read the book to find out what happens when people are released). It makes me sad. But, at the same time, it makes me so grateful for the life I have. I chose my husband, we made our girls together, we get to vacation, and to chose the jobs we have. I feel lucky to be able to make choices about every aspect of my life. I can't imagine living in Jonas' world and pray that I never have to.
Happy reading, everyone!
:) Dodie
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