The Giver
by Lois Lowry · · 1993
In a seemingly tranquil community that has traded free will and emotion for order and safety, a young boy named Jonas is chosen to inherit the collective memories of human history. As he receives memories of joy, color, pain, and loss from an elder mentor, Jonas realizes the heavy moral cost of his society's forced conformity. Upon discovering disturbing truths about how the community maintains its structure, he must decide whether to accept a controlled existence or risk everything for truth and freedom.
- Age range
- Ages 14–99
- Category
- High School Reads
- ISBN
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Content ratings
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Parent notes
The Giver offers rich opportunities for thoughtful conversation regarding the sanctity of human life, moral choice, and the necessity of suffering to understand true joy. While its dystopian elements include quiet but deeply disturbing topics like euthanasia, the narrative strongly affirms the value of every individual person. Families reading together will find ample space to discuss biblical views on free will, compassion, and human dignity.
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Discussion questions
- 1How does Jonas's growing understanding of love and emotion contrast with his community's idea of perfection?
- 2What does the story show about the importance of protecting the vulnerable, such as infants and the elderly?
- 3Why is free will essential for true love and goodness, even if choice allows for human failure?
- 4What sacrifices does Jonas make to stand up for what is right, and how does his courage reflect biblical principles?
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