“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
Chapter 1
Jonas, an Eleven in his community, feels apprehensive about the upcoming Ceremony of Twelve, where he will receive his lifelong Assignment. His family unit discusses their feelings during the nightly ritual of sharing emotions. Jonas recalls a time when a pilot mistakenly flew over the community and was “released”—a term shrouded in mystery.
Chapter 2
Jonas’s parents comfort him about the Ceremony, explaining how Assignments are carefully chosen by the Elders. They recount their own Ceremonies, and his father, a Nurturer, shares concerns about a struggling newborn, Gabriel. The community’s rules against rudeness and precision of language are emphasized.
Chapter 3
Jonas notices that Gabriel has pale eyes like his own—a rarity in the community. He plays with an apple and briefly sees it “change,” though he doesn’t understand why. His mother, a Justice official, discusses punishment for repeat offenders.
Chapter 4
Jonas volunteers at the House of the Old with his friend Fiona. He bathes an elderly woman, Larissa, who mentions “release” as a joyful occasion. Jonas learns about the Ceremony of Loss and the community’s controlled way of life.
Chapter 5
The family shares dreams, which are required to be reported. Jonas has a dream about wanting Fiona, prompting his parents to give him a pill for “Stirrings”—hormonal impulses that must be suppressed.
Chapter 6
The Ceremony of Twelve begins. Jonas watches as his peers receive their Assignments, but he is skipped. Finally, he is named the new Receiver of Memory, the most respected and mysterious role in the community.
Chapter 7
The Chief Elder explains that Jonas has been chosen for his intelligence, integrity, courage, and “Capacity to See Beyond.” She warns him of the pain and isolation the role entails. Jonas feels both honored and afraid.
Chapter 8
Jonas meets the current Receiver, an old man who calls himself The Giver. He tells Jonas that he will transmit memories of the past—both joyful and painful—to prepare him for advising the Elders.
Chapter 9
Jonas reads his new rules: he may lie, he cannot share his training, and he cannot take medication for pain. He feels uneasy but begins his journey to The Giver’s dwelling.
Chapter 10
The Giver explains his role and gives Jonas his first memory—a thrilling sled ride in the snow. Jonas has never experienced snow, hills, or color before, as the community eliminated them for “Sameness.”
Chapter 11
Jonas receives more memories, including sunshine and sunburn. He starts to see flashes of color in his daily life, realizing his community sees only in black and white. The Giver explains that color was sacrificed for uniformity.
Chapter 12
Jonas asks why the community gave up differences like color and weather. The Giver explains that eliminating choice prevented conflict. Jonas struggles with the idea that people don’t truly experience life.
Chapter 13
The Giver shares painful memories, including warfare and starvation. Jonas is overwhelmed but begins to question his society’s principles. He learns that The Giver bears the burden of all painful memories alone.
Chapter 14
Jonas receives a memory of a brutal elephant hunt and feels deep grief. He starts to see his father’s role in “releasing” infants as disturbing rather than compassionate.
Chapter 15
The Giver transfers a memory of war, leaving Jonas in agony. He realizes his community’s peace comes at the cost of true emotion and experience.
Chapter 16
Jonas experiences love in a family memory and asks The Giver if he loves him. The Giver says love is obsolete. Jonas stops taking his Stirrings pills, rejecting emotional suppression.
Chapter 17
Jonas tries to share his new perceptions with his friend Asher, who doesn’t understand. He watches his father “release” a twin infant and is horrified to learn it means euthanasia.
Chapter 18
Jonas asks The Giver about release. The Giver shows him a recording of his father killing the twin. They discuss the previous Receiver-in-training, Rosemary, who chose release after being overwhelmed by painful memories.
Chapter 19
Jonas and The Giver devise a plan: Jonas will escape to “Elsewhere,” releasing the memories back to the people. They hope this will force the community to feel and remember.
Chapter 20
Jonas flees with Gabriel, evading search planes by using memories of cold to hide their heat signatures. They endure hunger and exhaustion as they travel toward freedom.
Chapter 21
Jonas and Gabriel reach a snowy landscape. Using his memories, Jonas keeps them alive. He hears music and sees lights ahead, believing he has found Elsewhere.
Chapter 22
Jonas and Gabriel struggle through harsh weather, but Jonas clings to hope. He transmits happy memories to Gabriel to keep him warm.
Chapter 23
Jonas sleds down a hill toward a welcoming village, filled with warmth and light. He hears singing and believes he has reached a place where memories—and true life—are cherished.
Key Ideas
- The cost of a painless society is the loss of true emotion and individuality.
- Memory is essential for human experience, both joy and suffering.
- Suppressing differences leads to a controlled but lifeless existence.
- Choice and risk are necessary for meaningful relationships.
- True wisdom comes from understanding both pleasure and pain.
Who should read this book?
- Readers who enjoy thought-provoking dystopian fiction.
- Young adults exploring themes of identity and societal norms.
- Those interested in philosophical questions about memory and emotion.
- Fans of introspective, character-driven narratives.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The Giver (Film) | Starring Jeff Bridges and Brenton Thwaites. |
| 2017 | Stage Play | Adapted by Eric Coble for theatrical performance. |