The Giver by Zachary Turner

Imagine a society where no one can see in color, everything is the same. Imagine a society where wives and husbands are selected, children are assigned to parents, names are already picked, and jobs are selected for its people. In “The Giver”, these are happening and are the responsibility of a committee of elders. Hills make transportation difficult, and snow makes the growing season shorter. Every-thing is perfect. There is no hunger, poverty, or war. Lois Lowry shows her idea of a perfect society.
Jonas, the main character, is eleven years old as the story begins. When he turns twelve, he receives his Assignment, or job, as it is called. Many people have a general idea of what Assignment they will receive based upon what they have done during their mandatory service hours. Jonas, however, has volunteered in a variety of places, and has no idea. During the Ceremony of Twelve where Jonas receives his Assignment, he is shocked to find that he has been singled out to become the new Receiver. Jonas alone will receive private training from the Giver, who holds the memories of what ordinary life was like. The Giver has memories of colors, of hills and snow, and of ordinary family life. Once these memories have been transmitted, they will belong to him. After just a year as Receiver, however, Jonas can no longer bear this responsibility. A shocking discovery creates a desire to bring the community back to reality. Lois Lowry portrayed Jonas's community as a haven, but it is actually an evil place that lacks uniqueness, and full of lies and trickery. The story was filled with suspense, this story indeed showed off Lois Lowry's professionalism. The Giver is a fascinating book about a fictional utopian society.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stomps.