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The Giver

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The Giver

By: Lois Lowry
Narrated by: Ron Rifkin
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About this listen

 December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve-year-old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man, the man called only the Giver, he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.

Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.

©1993 Lois Lowry (P)1993 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint Of Random House Audio Publishing Group Difficult Situations Dystopian Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Fantasy Middle Grade

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Critic reviews

Newbery Medal Winner, 1994

"This is a compelling prospect for family listening. Initially Rifkin's voice seems too regional to portray the characters of this utopian/dystopian world, but he convincingly conveys the anticipation of the coming-of-age ceremony of Jonas and his friends. As the meaning of Jonas’ selection as “Receiver of Memory” unfolds, Rifkin’s characterizations become more powerful. Although the story drives the presentation, Rifkin’s juxtaposition of the young boy and the old Giver has tremendous effect. His voice for the Giver becomes increasingly weary and strained while Jonas' gains strength. Sharing this audiobook in a family or a classroom offers a valuable opportunity to respond to and discuss Lowry’s moving novel." (AudioFile magazine)

"A powerful and provocative novel." (The New York Times)
"Lowry is once again in top form...unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers." (Publishers Weekly)
"The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time." (School Library Journal)

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Lois succeeds in creating a fascinating world in which a very intriguing society has manifested, its mystery and drama worthy of the very best dystopian novels. Sadly, the ending is abrupt and leaves far too many question marks around this society after having generated so much respective curiosity.

Intriguing but Disappointing

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Quite boring and uneventful. Interesting concept however. Had to read this for school and since I’m not really into dystopian literature I suppose I have some sort of bias.

Mehhh

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This book in itself is a solid 5 in my opinion. Short, sad and sweet, it’s a thought provoking read for kids and adults alike. This production of the audiobook, however, might be the worst listening experience I’ve had on Audible yet. Weird, loud music seemingly randomly placed over the dialogue completely disrupts the narrating and takes you out of the story. It made us laugh/cringe during the sad parts. There’s also weird pauses by the narrator, and a huge 30 sec + gap of silence in the middle of the book. Listen to this anywhere else, I beg you.

Great book, terrible production

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Gripped. Transported. Inspired. Chilled. A world depicted in convincing detail. Held me throughout thanks to it's execution enthrallingly delivered.

Chillingly believable

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A good story ruined by irritating intrusions of random music being played throughout with neither rhyme nor reason to its placing.

Annoying music detracts from the narration

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The teller of the story giving the story a new way to experience the story by making it sound more alive like it was almost real

How it was told

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an inconvenience ending I expected more for this book because it was quite good at the start 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼

disappointed

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The story is very gripping and interesting but the narrator’s voice is rather annoying but overall it was really enjoyable.

Good story but annoying voice

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I came across this book while looking for books suitable for young adult and adult readers for TESOL teachers and I would highly recommend it. I really enjoy dystopian literature as there is so much food for thought, but much of it is so dark and violent that it is difficult to share with new readers. This is really a wonderful book as the language is simple enough for new readers but the ideas allow for philosophical debate on a number of levels.

Great intro - dystopian fiction for young adults

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Great concept I which it had gone in longer. I felt attended when we were only just getting started.

Dystopian Concept

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