The Giver by Lois Lowry

I vaguely remember reading this book back in sixth grade. Reading it the second time, I found that I have a greater appreciation for the current society that we live in. It is strange for me to think about how much we can take for granted on a daily basis. Memory was a theme throughout the book that made me look at my life from a different lens. While reading about the strenuous training that Jonas had to go through to become the next Giver, I felt really sorry for him. It was hard to me to read about a little twelve year old going through all that pain alone, especially when he experienced war. This book seemed over my head in the beginning because I was trying to guess what was going to happen next. I think the part that made me realize that this community was unique, was when the characters had certain jobs and responsibilities depending on ones age. For example when a member of the community member turns nine they are allowed to ride bikes. I found this to as a stereotype that could relate to the life that we live in. There are certain standards that one must upheld or they are seen as out of the norm. Being able to talk, walk, and read are some of the characteristics that parents find important to be able to do at a certain age. It is almost as if we are assigned to be able to do things on a timely fashion too. In our school system we expect students to be able to read in first grade and write in cursive handwriting by forth grade. It is almost the same thing that the characters in the book had to go through. I have mixed feelings about how it would be to live in that community. In the book it mentions that when one turns eight they are allowed to wear sweaters with small buttons and pockets (Lowry 45). They are also no mirrors in this society. I thought about how much easier people would have not having to worry about what they look like. In todays society, there is so much pressure put on people to look and dress a certain way. Because all of the members are assigned a "uniform" of what to wear, I think that it is one's characteristics that matter, not their image. I feel that young adults can learn a lot from this book. It allows the reader to think about their life in a different way and appreciate both pain and happiness. If I were to use this book in my classroom I would have my students keep a personal journal while reading so they could reflect on the events and how it made them feel.