The Giver by Lois Lowry

I recommend this book for all readers, but especially adolescences.

The ease in which Lois uses language draws the reader into this book from the very first page.

This book, because of his futuristic theme, reminds me of the novels The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, and the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. All three are incredible stories that anyone would enjoy, but especially middle school aged children.

In The Giver, the people live in a society "where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. The life without color, pain, or past." As I was reading this book, I was trying to image this world, and I couldn't. A world that is devoid of love, color, choices, feelings, would literally be hell on earth. At first, I thought, it might be good to have little to no uncertainty, but I quickly reminded myself that vulnerability, which we sometimes call uncertainty, helps to build character. And, building character is a darn good thing.

In The Giver, the children are observed and around the age of twelve, they are given a profession that they will do until they are old.

Jonas, the main character, is chosen to a very honored position, but the position requires him to carry the burdens of everyone in the community. (What a huge responsibility!)

This book gave me a lot to think about: the importance of differences, choices, emotions etc.

It's not a very long or difficult text, but it is packed with lots to think about!

Read, Read, Read this quick, splendid book!

My next read is Light in August by non-other than the great William Faulkner.

It's Thursday, it's sunny, and I am HAPPY!

Enjoy this day, My People.....