“The Giver” is one of Lois Lowry’s finest books, and the winner of the 1994 Newbery Medal award. Although it is generally catalogued as children’s literature, it seems much more appropriate for teens and adults.
Jonas, the main character, lives in a society where people live regimented, bland lives that are crime-free, pain-free, and stress-free. Each family is precisely the same – a father, a mother, one son, and one daughter. Everyone has food, a house, and a job. Seems like the perfect family, the perfect world.
At 12 years of age, each person is evaluated and given a life work position that they are gifted for. When Jonas is given his job assignment and begins training, he comes across some uncomfortable truths.
The story made me think of the Bible story of Adam and Eve. After they had eaten from the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened and they were never the same. The character of Jonas has a similar awakening, and is forced to make some difficult decisions.