A friend's daughter was required to read this book for school, and the mom was so struck by it she gave it to me. It is haunting, compelling, hard to put down. A lot to think about. This book should make us question where we are going and also make us take a hard look at the past. This current weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday was an excellent time to read this. As the book addresses much about memories, both painful and pleasurable, this is an opportune time to reflect on our beliefs, actions towards others, and what we want for our children. An outstanding book, The Giver is wonderful for young people and adults. This book will stay with me, as some other books in my life have done, constantly challenging me to think and feel when I recall the story. Top-notch!