I decided to read the book before seeing the movie after I heard mixed reviews about the movie. Not a surprise since I try to almost always to read then see, in that order. I have no idea how I have not read this book before now.
This book explores the notion that ignorance is bliss. In the story, everyone is united by a “sameness” as a result allows them to live in peace, cooperation and well-being. Everyone is equal and everything is chosen for you, including your spouse, your occupation, even your children. When Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memory, his mind is opened to the dark secrets of the society he was born into. He finds out that life is not always as easy and structured as his first twelve years have taught him. He is confronted with the basic realities of the human condition. Pain, fear, desire and death among a few. One thing the book made me consider was that we as a society do not cherish or value our freedom. The simple fact that we can choose our profession, a spouse or not, and other things is a luxury that we take for granted. The book explores the flip side of peace. We could have peace but what could we lose as result? What would we willingly give up?
The other aspect of the story that I loved was the importance of memories. While people were protected from pain and suffering, there was an importance given to keeping the memories alive by allowing one person to have the burden the stories of the past. This society is in stark contrast the that of native groups who use verbal, oral methods to preserve their history. “The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
As far as the writing style goes, I liked the simplicity of the storytelling, the matter-of-fact tone of the narrator. The Giver is the first book of a quartet. I plan to read them all.
Breathe, Pray, Write 