I discovered Lois Lowry when I worked as a substitute teacher in my local K-8 school district. A substitute doesn’t do grading and administrative work like a regular teacher, so during my “down” time, I read whatever was around. Later, I made a conscious decision to keep reading Young Adult fiction, in order to know what my teenaged friends were enjoying. I categorize these books as fantasy because of their (unexplained) supernatural elements.
The Giver grabbed my attention.
The setting of The Giver is dystopian, a community where contentment is achieved by conformity and the suppression of emotions. The Giver is the first in a four book series. Son is the last, and I found it satisfying. It portrays personal growth and the (endless) battle between good and evil. Great plot! Half way through Son, I realized I had NO IDEA how the book would end.
An aspect of this book that I liked was its emphasis on preparation. If you are determined to do something difficult, can you prepare? Two contradictory scenarios play out. In one case, a young woman trains for years in order to surmount a physical/psychological challenge. Another teenager invests his time and effort in building a boat. Total failure. Soon after, he faces his enemy hastily and poorly prepared, but triumphs in a contest of wills.
Lois Lowry wrote more than forty books, some of which have been adapted to film or stage, and The Giver was made into an opera. (I can’t imagine this.) I look forward to reading her memoirs.
AMG Reading Journal 
I LOVED the audiobook for the Giver and always wanted to read more of her books… Thanks for giving me motivation 🙂
What is the opera? Would love to see a video…..!
The opera is called “The Giver” and the composer is Susan Kander. Premiered in 2012. Described as a chamber opera in one act, with emphasis on ensemble singing. There are excerpts on the composers web site.
The opera is called “The Giver”. Composer is Susan Kander. Excerpts on her web site. Described as a chamber opera in one act. Emphasis on vocal ensembles.
The opera is called “The Giver” and the composer is Susan Kander. Premiered in 2012. Described as a chamber opera in one act, with emphasis on ensemble singing. There are excerpts on the composers web site.
The opera is called “The Giver”. Composer is Susan Kander. Excerpts on her web site. Described as a chamber opera in one act. Emphasis on vocal ensembles.