I feel it's almost too soon after finishing to give my opinions and feelings on this book. I will certainly be thinking about this book for a long time still. 
 In the beginning, the book comes across as simplistic and childish, which is much the same as the community where Jonas lives. The book is very vague on what event, if any, occurred to force the government (or elders) to create (or deconstruct) this world. It's not a new story; eliminate choice and variety in order to live in peace, with no overpopulation, starvation or war. The new aspect of the story, was The Giver. He holds all the memories of generations past, including emotions. The conflict begins when Jonas begins training to be the next Receiver of memories, and realizes the extent of life that he, and everyone else in the community, has been missing out on. 
 I read the final page, and felt goosebumps raise on my arms. I sat there, tingling, with the finished book still open on my lap, trying to analyze what I felt, but it was nothing tangible. This would be a great book to read with a group, or in school, to allow the reader a chance to discuss and organize their thoughts and feelings.