The Post Card Exchange discussion

Book #1 in The Giver Quartet

SYNOPSIS:

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

This is definitely a very quick read. I am liking it and curious to see how it compares to movie.

decided to try out the giver as my first audio book. just borrowed it digitally from my library.

You guys need to read all four! You won't regret it! I haven't seen the movie but heard it is nothing like the book.

Finished book. Enjoyed it. Makes me appreciate the way things are.

Will read rest of series not until next year though.

You don't have to read number 2 & 3 in order but DO NOT read 4 (Son) until you've read the first 3 or it won't make sense. It ties all the stories together.

You don't have to read number 2 & 3 in order but DO NOT read 4 (Son) until you've read the first 3 or it won't make sense. It ties all the stories together.

The Giver is an amazing book! I love the way it opens your mind and makes you think about consequences.

I am about half way through and finding it really interesting. Their thoughts on the given assignments and how they are given to specific 12s after careful thought (and what it says about them as individuals), the gifts that are given to each age group and dispensing of pills for "stirrings"-It is a really interesting perspective thus far. excited to continue.

I just finished the book this morning. I feel as though the audio book may have led me to not absorb as much of the book as reading the physical book, but that being said, I did like the concept of the book. I found it interesting how so much was removed from society like color, feelings and even their "releasing" of an identical twin. It was thought provoking in their take on a family dynamic and having to apply for children, but never know who your grandparents are. The one point that really stood out to me was when Jonas asked his parents if they "loved him". I may check out the other follow up books in the future but still have a lot of TBR books in my queue. Thanks for the suggestion Betsy!

I am glad that everyone liked the book. I did as well. I love hearing the different perspectives. I certainly feel very lucky to have things the way they are. I can always think of this when I have a day getting irritated at people. :)

Here is my question though. Why are people challenging this book and wanting it banned?

I looked it up recently as I remember some teachers taught this book in grade school. it was said to be challenged in some states like texas because it was not suited to be taught to a specific age froup, was too violent, for religious reasons, sexually explicit Content or death. but often times it said that it was challenged but not resulting in a ban.

Jill wrote: "I looked it up recently as I remember some teachers taught this book in grade school. it was said to be challenged in some states like texas because it was not suited to be taught to a specific age..."

Thanks for info, Jill.

I will read the rest of the series in 2016.

I very much enjoyed reading The Giver and just this weekend I picked up the movie. I thought they did a great job with it. What's the next book in the series? I'd love to get the full collection and hopefully they will continue with the movies as well.

I have read the The Giver and it was really good.

Actually the order is

Gathering Blue
Messenger
Son

I hope to finish them this year as well.

I hope to read the others as well. I did see it being sold as a bundle on amazon on sale recently if anyone is interested in owning the paperbacks. happy reading!

I picked up Gathering Blue at library. I got several books. This one will probably be last since it is not a 14 day loan. ;)

I am starting the last book in this series today. Cannot wait to see how it turns out.

Enjoy Betsy!

Finished Son. I enjoyed it and the entire series. I thought the ending was slightly rushed and did not really care for it. The rest gets thumbs up though.