Re: The Giver

["Sr. Amison" <mveronic@NYLINK.ORG>]

When I reviewed this book for "Voya", all I could think was "this HAS to be
the Newbery this year".  A book of this magnitude comes along only once in a
great while.  I look forward to fielding questions from the students into
whose hands I put the book.  It belongs right next to Orwell's "1984".
        It took a while before I realized that the citizens only see black
and white, no colors.  I, too, was totally involved in the book and could
NOT put it down--I read it cover to cover, then sat down and read it again
and again.  I think I've read it a dozen or more times.
The ending is not as pessimistic as some would have it, I think.  I think
that Jonas gets to "elsewhere" and that ride down the hill with Gabriel on
the sled from the very first memory was full circle.  The first memory was a
foreshadowing of the end.  Jonas does get out of the sameness--he does find
love and warmth and colors and music..and Gabriel, too.
        I wanted to give another side to the one presented recently so that
the discussions may flourish.
        pax from the flying nun, herself.  Sr.Mary Veronica
--
Sister Mary Veronica,CHS      "Give what you have to someone -
Xavier High School             it may be greater than you dare
New York City                  to think." -Beau's Book
212-924-7900    and  mveronic@nylink.org