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

I really wish they hadn’t added the music, although it doesn’t happen often, it made it hard to listen and hear what was being read. Overall this is a fantastic story/classic!

Love this classic

The background music coming in and out was distracting from an otherwise excellent reading. I wish it could be deleted or optional.

Same as everyone else, why the music?

There was one or two times where the music seemed appropriate and added a little effect, but more often than not it was just unnecessary and went on too long.

Incredible Story

I give the story 5 stars! I could not get enough of it! If I were to change anything, it would be the music. It often felt out of place and almost seemed to take away from the story in some places. I think the narration and message hold up well without any additional elements. Or else, they should be complemented by different music. I loved it nonetheless!

Great Read for all ages

This book was amazing. My son was reading it for his English class so we decided to listen together. I recommend this book to people of all ages.

Great story, Good narration, horribly cheesy music

I teach this book to my seventh graders. I love this book, and it is well received by my students. The bad part about this performance is the random, cheesy music. Yes, it is meant to highlight important parts, but as a listener, I was distracted as were my students.

Excellent!

A must read/listen. This book will leaving on the edge of your seat asking for more.

Great book but…

This is a great book I really enjoyed listening to it. But every now and again there was this weird music that was really distracting. I don’t get it. What’s the music for the story holds itself it didn’t need any added surplus it was kind of weird.

Wonderful book and a great performance.

i have never left a review before but i just loved this book. I loved the story but I wished it was a longer book.

it's a really good book I would recommend it

it's a really good book I would recommend it. it's worth the one credit that it costs.