cierra_marie's review
3.0
I read this in Middle School. It's on my list of books to revisit now that time has passed (and I'm not being forced to read it). I will update my review and rating once it's been re-read.
jillyfay's review
4.0
What a great book!! It was a pretty quick read. The language was a bit simplistic and I wish it didn't end how it did. Guess I'll have to read the next one!!
kalio's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kellymfitzgerald's review
3.0
I'm going to give this three stars for an original idea, but I didn't enjoy the book at all and I think that it could have been much more dramatic. The ending does not leave readers an opportunity to think up their own ending like the author probably intended; it leaves readers confused, frustrated, and bored with the book. If they died, what a horrible ending. If they didn't, what the heck happened to them?!? Grr.
verydazedragon's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
murffinator's review
4.0
I saw this book at my parents' house when I was cleaning out my closet over Christmas. I've probably had it since middle school but never read it, so I figured I'd pick it up because I'd heard good things.
The book was paced well and intriguing, asking some interesting questions about society, our nature as humans and what life is about. It did follow a bit of the predictable dystopian young adult novel plot line, but since this was written in the early 90's maybe this was one of the first ones to do so haha.
I felt that the ending was a bit odd and left the story unresolved, but maybe that was the point the author wanted to make.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
The book was paced well and intriguing, asking some interesting questions about society, our nature as humans and what life is about. It did follow a bit of the predictable dystopian young adult novel plot line, but since this was written in the early 90's maybe this was one of the first ones to do so haha.
I felt that the ending was a bit odd and left the story unresolved, but maybe that was the point the author wanted to make.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
pipernicole's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
somewheregirl7's review
4.0
The Giver is told with beautiful, simple language that draws you in and holds you breathless. The simplicity is deceptive. I didn't realize how much I was falling into the story until I found myself whispering anxiously at various parts, genuinely caught up in the story as it played out.
I would give this book five stars except for two things: first, it is too short. I don't say that merely because I loved the book so much I didn't want it to end, but because there were too many questions left unanswered and a longer book might have allowed for those answers. Second, the ending is far too open-ended. It is not at all clear what the fate of the characters is and how things will progress. Is it dream? Reality? A metaphor? I can't say. That frustrates me. Because I was so emotionally invested in the characters I wanted something concrete- I wanted to know how it all turned out and that wasn't offered.
There are two more books in this series and I will definitely be reading both!
I would give this book five stars except for two things: first, it is too short. I don't say that merely because I loved the book so much I didn't want it to end, but because there were too many questions left unanswered and a longer book might have allowed for those answers. Second, the ending is far too open-ended. It is not at all clear what the fate of the characters is and how things will progress. Is it dream? Reality? A metaphor? I can't say. That frustrates me. Because I was so emotionally invested in the characters I wanted something concrete- I wanted to know how it all turned out and that wasn't offered.
There are two more books in this series and I will definitely be reading both!