Posted in The Giver

We’re nearly halfway through the book now. I think I might change it so that we read 3 chapters a day instead of two. Does that sound good to you? I know I'm itching to find out what happens. ;)

Discussion Notes

Well, we finally found out what Jonas's Assignment turned out to be! I expected that it might be something big. Of course, there probably wouldn't be a book written about him if he didn't experience something very unique. ;)

One of the most intruiging things about why he was chosen is his "Capacity to See Beyond." I suppose that's what the whole changing apple thing was. But what's the significance of that? What's so special about occasionally having the feeling that something has changed, but not knowing what it is? The whole thing is really confusing.

Also, I really want to find out about this girl that was wrongly chosen ten years ago. It seems that her failure caused huge waves, so the pressure on Jonas to succeed is much bigger.

The big thing that stood out to me was the 8th thing on Jonas's list--"You may lie."

   "Still, the final rule said...well, he wasn't quite ready to think about the final rule on the page."

   "He had never, within his memory, been tempted to lie. Asher did not lie. Lily did not lie. His parents did not lie. No one did. Unless...
   Now Jonas had a thought that he had never had before. This new thought was frightening. What if others--adults--had, upon becoming Twelves, received in their instructions the same terrifying sentence?" [emphasis mine]

It's a crazy thought. What if you had grown up in a place where you pretty much didn't even know what lying was? What would it be like if you suddenly discovered that there may be people out there that could lie? What would it be like if you were that person? It would feel so strange, and yes, "terrifying."

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think your reaction would have been if you were in Jonas's position?
2. Are there circumstances where it's okay to lie?
3. Why do you think that Jonas will have to be "alone" and "apart" in his training?

Let's go ahead and read three chapters tomorrow and Sunday. If it works out, we'll keep doing it until the book is finished.

Happy reading,
Sylvia