The Giver

By: Lois Lowry

Narrated by: Ron Rifkin

Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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)

Great Book

The book and reading are great, but the background music that comes on can sometimes be distracting.

I love Lois Lowry, such a talented auther

I love this book, and Ron Rifkin did a great job narrating it, there were at times were the background music bothered me, it was just so loud and demanding next to Ron Rifkins gentle voice.

good story

good narrating but didnt understand the ending and though it quite confusing and a let down

The Music Was Distracting

Interesting, again. I did not like the music. I found it distracting, even annoying. It's as if I'm being told that I haven't the imagination to facilitate my own mood elevations in sync with the plot. And it doesn't improve nor emphasize the listening experience of the story nor the dialogue. If I were to see a description of a musical accompaniment for an audiobook in the preview, prior to purchase, I would avoid that book altogether.

A compelling critique of social engineering

intriguing and thought-provoking. If complete societal control and conformity can be achieved is it worth the cost?

The end was a huge let down

What an intriguing story! Sadly, the storyline left me wanting to know so much more. So many loose ends I would have liked to see tied up. It felt rushed. However, it held my interest.

An eye opener

This is a world where things seem to be perfect. Sometimes things are not the way they seem to be. As you read you may start to see things that resemble what life is being guided to.

great book!

great book, but the back ground music ruins the story. there is no need for music every 10 mins

Great Read

Loved this book, great read for young chapter book readers, feeding growing, thoughtful, analytical minds.

Excellent

Recommended to me by my 13 year old grandson. Loved it! Wish I had read it sooner when he had first recommended it.