Just by looking at the cover of the book, I perceived The Giver to be about anold man living his life to the fullest by giving. I thought I would take a long time to finish this boring book. Therefore, I dreaded reading The Giver. However, The Giver has taught me to be more appreciative of what I have now. The love and happiness which people in the world long for while I take them for granted. I really enjoyed reading the book.

Initially, I was so amazed and intrigued by the way the community could live life in such an orderly way. I wondered how great it would be for us to live in this kind of community, just peace and no war. As I continued reading, I felt otherwise. If we were to live in such a utopian community, we will not have any freedom! No freedom of words, no freedom of choice! We will be living a monotonous, routine life which is utterly boring! I believe many people, as well as myself, LOVE freedom! It will feel more like ‘our life’ if we get to make our own choices and decisions. In a utopian community, where the council members decide how the life of the people should be, it does not feel like ‘our life’! Everyone is doing the same thing every single day. What is the point of living if we are just like robots? This system takes away the joy, the creativity of the community and it does not give the people a chance to express themselves. I felt sympathetic towards the community members in the book.

I was very surprised that the people did not know about colours and love! Colours make our life more enjoyable and fun! I cannot imagine myself living a life without knowing what colours are. Love between friends or family plays an important role in our lives. It encourages us to know that there are people loving us whenever we feel sad or lonely. Love makes the world go round. Love makes the world an even better place to live in. My heart ached for Jonas when his parents just laughed and dismissed the question he asked them. “Do you love me?” It is such sad thing that nobody loves you. After reading this part of the book, I learnt to appreciate the love that I receive from my family and friends and I also learn to love my family and friends more. I need them as they are important to me.

Precision of words. This utopian community is so different compared to Singapore! In today’s society, majority of us do not bother about our language and we even created a new ‘species’ of language! Singlish! We, Singaporeans, make it so unique that we are well known for this aspect. This is one example where people are allowed to express themselves creatively which brings joy to their lives! How fun it is to live such an interesting life! I myself am a very bad tempered person. I strongly feel that I am not suitable to live in a utopian community as whenever I get frustrated, I will just lash out at the person and stomp away. How am I supposed to keep my cool and say “I apologize”. It is an almost-impossible thing for me to do. The utopian community is just too strict for me.

I pitied Jonas as he had to suffer alone during his training. He had to learn the real meaning of pain, war, and death. Jonas could not share his feelings with his friends and he was lonely. He also could not play with his friends as he knew more to the game of war. It was such a sad period of time for him.

I admired Jonas for his bravery when he escaped from the community, which is against the rules. I am sure many of us, including me, do not have the bravery to do such a courageous thing. I do not even dare to break the school rules! How could I possibly dare to break the law! I also admire Jonas for he showered love and concern towards baby Gabe despite living in a community without love. As they journeyed in search for love and happiness, I felt worried as they were ravenous and dehydrating. We can never know how they feel like because in Singapore, we have plenty of food to eat! Ha-ha. I was thinking how can two young souls fend for themselves? Needless to say, I HEAVED a sigh of relief when both of them managed to find the place, Elsewhere, where love and happiness is. I was so excited and happy for them when they were on the sleigh as something new and good awaits them! However, I was quite disappointed in the ending as it was kind of ambiguous. I was expecting more. (:

Hence, The Giver was a exciting and inspiring book. AND I LOVE IT!

P.S When I read about baby Gabe, I long for a brother even more! He is just too cute!

SMILE!

GLADI