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 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.

Appreciative reading

I feel this book helps one appreciate the simple things in life. Love this book! I’m attach n read it every two years or so. This my 1st time doing it with audio and I appreciated even more.

disembodied music and spit swallowing ruin this

constant spit wallowing by the narrator and oddly timed music ruin this iteration of a decent book

Great book

Why the music it gets rid of the eerie feel of the book the giver