I know what you're thinking: is Alise just now reading this book? No way! But yes, my dear friends, I am just now reading this. If I'm remembering correctly, THE GIVER was an option to read in my elementary school but since there were limited copies I chose WALK TWO MOONS instead. Anyway, it took me way too long to read this book, but I'm almost glad I'm reading it for the first time at the age I am now because I believe there are so many elements that would have flew over my head otherwise. *gazes into distance* I've aged so much. (Not really) 
 Simply put, this is a fascinating read. Not everyone will love it-some will hate it, but the thought and debate it inspires is undeniable. While the writing is incredibly simple and easily readable, there is just so much between the lines. 
 Ever wonder how you would describe the color red, feeling of love, or even snow to someone who has never been able to experience those things? The fact that Lowry can do all this with this style of writing in 200 pages is beyond amazing to me. Not only does it make you thankful for all the things we are able to experience through life, it makes you think about humanity and the world we live in too. 
 That's not to say the book is without flaws, because there were more than a few things that bothered me (view spoiler)[Like when all of the sudden the Giver was like "ZOMG I know how to fix this mess now, even though I didn't all my life!" And then Jonas just goes off with his plan-it was all kind of rushed and hectic. (hide spoiler)] but I felt like they were overshadowed by the idea of the novel as a whole. Still, I brought the book down to four stars because of this. 
 I think the absolute favorite thing of mine about this book is that it can be interpreted so many ways. Reviews vary all across the board and I can completely understand why. For example, with the ending, there is a lot of speculation about what happens (not so much anymore because of the last books) and so many people have different theories because it's a relatively open ending, which I adored. Yep, I actually liked an open ending for the first time in history. 
 If you keep hesitating on reading this one, I definitely say go for it-I'm glad I did!