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 read

What did you love best about The Giver?

I love the fact that Jonas escaped from that community and took baby Gabe with him.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Giver?

When Jonas escaped.

What does Ron Rifkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice is so animated. Listening to him makes you feel like your literally watching a movie. I can picture the characters and the events.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, some of the events were disheartening and brought tears to my eyes.

Any additional comments?

I really loved this book and am going to read the other 3.

Great book

I saw the movie, The Giver, which is why I wanted to know the book. Like the movie, I was really disappointed in the end. Hopefully the next book will be be better.

Wonderful with just one annoyance

Would you listen to The Giver again? Why?

Absolutely! The story is great, even though it's considered a "Young Adult" book (I think I first read it in like 6th grade). The narration is good, pace is decent.

What other book might you compare The Giver to and why?

Not sure, honestly. It's fairly unique

Which character – as performed by Ron Rifkin – was your favorite?

The Giver (title character). The narrator's voice is slightly too deep to convincingly portray children. Rifkin portrays the heaviness of the character very well

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several; there's a reason I've read/listened to this one multiple times. But I don't give spoilers!

Any additional comments?

The only annoying/disconcerting thing I noticed about this title was the addition of minor background music. It's supposed to add weight to magical/dramatic moments, but I found it distracting. Made me think another app started making noise for some reason. I would have rather not had that. But even with that, very worth it

Great story

Slightly sad. Must read. If you like interesting and award winning books, read The Giver.

Like an episode of the twilight zone.

Thought-provoking at first but ludicrous upon reflection. Rifkin's narration is fine, unpolished but still engrossing.

Narrator ruined it

What did you like best about The Giver? What did you like least?

The story was great! You'll like it if you like dystopian type books.

How could the performance have been better?

The performance was awful! He made these weird mouth noises and he read it to make Jonas seem like a whiny 3 year old. And I have no clue who thought putting terrible mom-related piano music to the important parts would be a good idea. I was too distracted by the awful music to listen to the story. The performance and music were not good.

Any additional comments?

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. BUY THE PRINT VERSION. ITS SO MUCH BETTER. I DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE GAVE THIS GOOD REVIEWS, RON RIFKIN RUINED IT.

Wonderfully written! Pulls at your heartstrings

I read this book in middle school 18 years ago. It was the first chapter book I can remember reading and it had such a profound impact that I began to read more, realizing that I loved to read and lose myself in great stories. I did not remember much of the details when I downloaded this purchase, but listening to it now puts me in awe all over again!
This story of a 12 year old boy in an alternate world tugs at your heartstrings and reminds the reader to cherish even the smallest of memories. In a world of sameness, with no color or pain, Jonas finds the courage to give back to the people what they lost so long ago... Love.
Great book for 5th grade to adults!

great story, weird there was a music track

a thought provoking story, fast read and enjoyable. there were random portions of music track that were distracting, though

Amazing book

I absolutely loved this book and is a must have to have it on audible because the voice is soothing and amazing I finished it in a week over time and I love the story.

Good book; not great quality

This recording would have been better without the music! It was too loud and there wasn’t a need for it.