I believe this may be a fairly controversial book-- with opinions on either side of the star-metric rating. And I think the criticism it receives is fair and worth listening to.

However, my opinion is one that sees a narrative that is worthwhile, immersive, imaginative, clever--and above all: thought-provoking.

The ending itself may leave you unsettled or hopeful, and that alone shows the type of person you are. Do you see the cup half full-- or half empty? Or perhaps the line in between where you drift back and forth? It's an ambiguous ending that allows the reader to interpret it for themselves, and the answers born for it are intriguing and elicit so much discussion and introspection.

A major theme in this book is choice.

To choose, to choose the colors to wear, the feelings to feel, and the pain to inflict or emote. Choice is stripped away from protagonist and world, illustrating its true power and its necessity. Yes, a world without pain, without suffering is ideal. I want that too. But in this world of The Giver, taking that away comes at a cost. It takes everything. Individuality, heritage, personality-- uniqueness. Our young protagonist, Jonas, decides he wants a choice. He sees the consequence in dulling the hurt, and instead wants to feel-- to harness it along with his agency. To feel anger at what's been taken-- what has been hidden-- and free himself and others from it. And decides the next step he takes on his own.

An incredibly thoughtful narrative, not free from faults, but filled with feeling. And for that, I give it 5/5.