‘The Giver’ was published in 1994 and has since become a staple of many classrooms around the world. I remember reading this novel in school and learning for the first time about these darker plot points of suicide and euthanasia. This book was very well-written and although intended for youth, this book has captured the attention of readers of all ages.
Lois Lowry does an excellent job writing about this complex subject matter with an engaging plotline and lessons on life.
This book presents a means for discussion about difficult topics like death, free will, and the role of a governing body. Thus, presenting the beauty and importance of humans (both the good and bad) and teaching us that we need both to have life. In ‘The Giver,’ they speak of the ‘Sameness’ and how everyone lost their collective memory of what love, joy, hate, and pain was, resulting in them losing what makes them human.
Reading books like these in my childhood have influenced me to write my novel that will be released in May. It is important to introduce these difficult topics to youth and to use mediums like books as a springboard for discussion. Only then can we understand things in our lives, learn from them, and grow as an individual.