The Giver by Lois Lowry

Laura and Stepfanie's rating: 4 of 5 stars

Description:

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, 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.

I don't remember reading this book in school, so I decided to give it a try. Lois Lowry is an incredible story teller. Even though it was a relatively short story, I didn't feel like there was anything missing.

The story is told in such a way that you don't realize how different that world is until it is mentioned. I got to the part about (something I'm not going to mention because it would ruin it when you came to that part of the book; but it's totally awesome!) and it felt like a bomb had been dropped because I had no idea. Terrific writing!

If you haven't read this I suggest you do!

View all Laura's reviews

I first read this book in 7th grade; It was one of the only books I ever read during school ha ha. I really enjoy this book and all the imagery it presents.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Why Are Books So Offensive?

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor



My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book when I read it as a kid and again when I had to read it for an English class. The characters are interesting and I especially loved Cassie. She's a bit naive but I love her spirit. The troubles that the family has is sometimes heart breaking.

Going back to the previous post on the ALA's Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books of 2000-2009, this book was number 66. I really don't understand what makes this book so offensive.

I was wondering recently, what is it about books that make some people so upset? Libraries provide a service by having a variety of books available to the public. They aren't forcing people to read something. It is the reader's option. I was also wondering if movie rental places have people challenge the movies they have for rent? You aren't forced to watch something, it's your choice and you are charged for it.

So what makes a book the "bad guy"? I don't think it can be generalized. My best guess is that certain topics challenge the way people think and they don't like it. I, personally, like to be challenged. I want to be able to experience new things when I read a book, like walking through a doorway into another world. It's the only real magic we have.

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The Witches by Roald Dahl

The Witches by Roald Dahl


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of my favorite books as a kid and later, a favorite movie. It was first published in London in 1983. I read it in the 90's after watching the movie. Parts may have been a bit scary for me at the time (I was about 10) but I still remember how exciting this book was to me. A society of Witches that a kid/mouse sets out to expose? I couldn't have imagined anything better. I won't give away the ending for those who haven't yet read it, but it wasn't the happiest of endings. Still good but not the same as the movie. Overall, as a kid, it was quite magical (no pun intended).

I find it funny now that it is listed in the 1990- 1999 ALA's (American Library Association)Most Frequently Challenged Book list.

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_1999/index.cfm

I guess it isn't surprising seeing as Harry Potter is on the 2000-2009 list. People must not like witches or wizards. It amazes me what appears on these lists, but I'll talk about that another time. Tomorrow maybe? Maybe.

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