The Giver by Lois Lowry
I just finished my first book of the new year -- for the Newbery reading challenge. I chose "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. It is a children's dystopian novel. It is my understanding that this book is given to youngsters in approximately the 5th grade to read. I have never believed in book banning and I don't believe in censorship -- I never really stopped my children from reading whatever they wanted but if a teacher told me that my 5th grader was required to read this book, I would be challenging the teacher for sure. At age 11, I would not have been able to handle this -- no wonder a large proportion of our children are depressed if this is what they are reading.
I have read adult dystopian novels like "Anthem" and "The Handmaid's Tale" -- even "The Lottery" and they have always been disturbing and depressing. I was hoping this one would be different. While it had a relatively positive ending it was just yucky - well written but yucky.
If a person was looking for this type of book, I would recommend it -- it is well written but for me -- I am moving on to my next Aunt Dimity novel.
2 comments:
I'm with you on all of the above. Nancy T. Atherton is a top favourite any day and belongs to both of the challenges you're in with me! :-) I certainly agree there's a difference between censorship, for the purpose of controling a nation's information, versus objecting what your child reads. I have observed myself that some genres are just not for me; at least in literary form. I don't care how well-written or avant-garde they are. Enjoyment is the decider, isn't it!? I tried Ray Bradbury science fiction and found it BLEAK.
The bizarre thing is that television and film-wise, I am a Trekkie! I find the visual forms positive, even uplifting, and hilarious. I wonder if that's what the actor contributes, versus the scenario only. One might consider the grimmest elements of "Lord Of The Rings" / "Hobbit" dystopian and yet on screen it is magical and grand. I can read fantasy with pleasure, I can watch science fiction but your warning about dystopia will be heeded.
Carolyn -- I like reading a variety of books but these weird dystopian things just disturb me. I don't think I will be reading anymore of them.
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