This is the year of reading "Books I can't believe I haven't read yet!" The Giver was on the list. 
 It's short, it's simple, it's chilling. I almost wanted more out of this story, just because it is so short. But I also think it makes its point in under 200 pages, and I definitely left me thinking. 
 Let me just say this: the writing is excellent. Not that it's beautiful or poetic, but that it's distant and formal at times, conveying just how cold and unfeeling this society is. The writing does double work at all times. 
 Anyways, super interesting concept and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. 
 PS I want there to be more books that I can slip into my back pocket and take with me everywhere.