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)

Would have been a solid 5

Would have been a solid 5 stars if not for the truly messed up ending

Glad the next book has a different narrator!

Story is wonderful. It took me awhile to listen though because I'd get so irritated with the smacking and swallowing sounds the narrator made with every sentence. He had a nice voice but maybe needed some water!!

Love, love, love this book!

Any additional comments?

I have read this book so many times, but i purchased the audiobook for my classroom to have whole-class listening times. Middle school students enjoy the story and there are so many topics to discuss as a result. As relevant today as ever. If you have not read this, or it has been a while, do yourself a favor an revisit this classic novel for any age.

Stop the random musical interludes.

The story was okay. The random musical interludes were annoying. The narrator's attempt at making different and childish voices was annoying. I wish narrators would stop doing voices.

loved it

I loved the book, I wasn't sure I would after seeing the preview of the movie.

Interesing!

"The Giver" was a very interesting book! My nose was stuck in it! It would probably be better for older kids, because of wording and some events that younger children won't understand! It had some very catchy views and I really enjoyed it... Very powerful wording and was very riveting! I think that readers of all genres would love this!

Fantastic book! Really makes you think.

Would you listen to The Giver again? Why?

I would listen again, I am sure I would catch much more the second time around, especially now that I know the direction the story will take.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Giver, himself, because he seems to know most of the secrets.

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

Mr. Rifkin does a great job.

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

I think when Jonas first comforts Gabe and you realize that he is giving him memories.

Any additional comments?

I am still confused about the ending. I read that the author did not intend it to mean that two boys died but that is certainly the way I understood it. Oh, but I so wanted them to make it! This is a great book and brings up many concepts from individuality to religion. And while I enjoyed it, myself, I just can't wait to share it with my 11 year old granddaughter.

This book didn't need music.

One star for the performance, but it's not the narrator's fault. I don't have any other way to rate my displeasure with the background music that was at once completely unnecessary and wholly inappropriate.

Fantastic book. Mediocre production

The books is wonderful. The narrator Ron Rifkin is not to my tastes. He is high pitched, nasally, and makes Jonas quite effeminate sounding. The music that seems to randomly appear adds no value and is terribly distracting. I really recommend the read, but wish their was a better recording.

Childhood Favorite

This production of The Giver curbed all of my childhood nostalgia. As a teacher now, I am playing this for my students as we read and study the novel.