The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry-171 pages

I started reading this for the dystopian challenge last month, but didn't finish it in time. I had already listened to the audiobook version, but I wanted to read it myself. It is a good, thought-provoking read. It's ideas about sameness and differences invite the reader to consider such things and what the effects might be. We ought to celebrate our differences and realize that each of us is unique, yet the same in one aspect: that we are all human beings. I'm not a big fan of the abrupt ending and not learning exactly what happens to Jonas's former community, but perhaps it is best left up to the reader's imagination. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction and being challenged to think critically. I plan to read the other three companion novels written by Lois Lowry at some point in the near future, but I have other books to read, for now.