The Giver Audiobook By Lois Lowry cover art

The Giver

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The Giver

By: Lois Lowry
Narrated by: Ron Rifkin
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Lois Lowry’s The Giver is the quintessential dystopian novel, followed by its remarkable companions, Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.©1993 Lois Lowry; (P)1993 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint Of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Accolades & Awards

Series Essentials
Newbery Medal
1994
Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Newbery Medal Science Fiction & Fantasy Series Essentials Social & Life Skills Dystopian Fiction Science Fiction Suspenseful Fantasy Feel-Good

Critic reviews

"A powerful and provacative novel.”
-- The New York Times

Featured Article: The 10 Best Dystopian Audiobooks with Unsettling Alternate Realities


Though the dystopian genre focuses on the world’s degeneration, these fantastical, exploratory, and poignant titles often have the power to reveal something significant about the world listeners live in now. No matter the dystopia conjured in a selection, their creators enable us to explore human nature and safely reflect on our own reality. Here are the 10 best dystopian audiobooks to transport, unsettle, and perhaps even inspire.

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Thought-provoking Dystopia • Captivating World-building • Pleasant Voice • Compassionate Protagonist • Emotional Impact

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What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I liked Ron Rifkin as The Giver but not as Jonas, a little too whiny at times with his voice.

Any additional comments?

The book was amazing at bringing you along for the ride, the most sad part was Jonas seeing what the 'release' was. Really good character development and would recommend to anyone. As with others, the cheesy music was really bad and sometimes made it tough to hear the story.

Excellent story that unfolds before your eyes

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I found this book in the library one day, and couldn't put it down. The Giver is a fascinating story, and Lowry draws you in. Even though the wold is completely foriegn, you understand it completely, and it doesn't confuse you. Soon after finishing it, I devoured the two sequels. Lowry is a wonderful author, and I completely recomend all of her books, especially this one.

Absolutely Fabulous

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I loved the performance because when I started reading the book for school I couldn’t get into it and had trouble actually reading it and than I came on here and listened to it and I actually liked it a lot. Didn’t love the music was distracting and didn’t under stand the end.

Made it much easier to get into the book

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I loved the story and the narration was great. I just disliked the periodic music.

Why the music?

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Good book and plot
Scary at times but good over all
I need 4 more words and done

Good story and plot

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