The Giver by Lois Lowry 

The Giver by Lois Lowry is the first novel of a series of The Giver series, a collection of semi-connected stories centering around the same dystopian universe. Lowry depicts a world where all major decisions such as occupation, spouse and family are made; this world also lacks sadness and grief. The main character Jonas is assigned the job of “Memory Keeper”; the Memory Keeper holds all memories positive or negative so the rest of the society can live without being burdened with these memories. The citizens are unable to realize what they are missing out on from life but also are able to live comfortably without memories of war or famine. As Jonas gains more memories from the “Memory Keeper”, he slowly starts to question and realize how bleak his life is and make his escape. 

The Giver was an interesting and easy read with a storyline that kept me reading until I finished it in one sitting. Through a series of allegories, it communicates the importance of questioning censorship and authority figures along with the price of living comfortably. Each new memory Jonas experiences brings up questions on the importance of living through both the highs and lows throughout life. These memories allow for the reader to look into humanity in a new lens through Jonas, showing how truly strange, pretty yet horrific wars are, and how something as simple as snow can spark joy.