Re-read ... I have two reads recorded here, 9/2020 and 10/2012. I did go on and read the follow-up books in the Quartet (Gathering Blue was good, didn't love Messenger, but adored Son, as it brought all the stories together). I had listened to the audio before and again, I did NOT like it. This read was the audio and the Kindle copy, a re-read after reading the graphic novel adaptation, which I thought was superb.

My original questions (below) still stand ... 

Original Review/Audio (2)
I have this listed as the hardcover, but I really listened to the audiobook (but here on GoodReads, that doesn't count the pages, thus my fudging of the edition/presentation). I had read this before, about eight years ago. I went on to read the three sequels and adored how everything came together in the end. Time for a re-read of those too.

My 9th grader needs to read a dystopian ... so I recommended this, and that's what prompted my re-read at this time. I was able to grab the Kindle copy, and the audio book from the library. I thought about suggesting my son try the audiobook, UNTIL I listened to it. NO. This presentation was super annoying. The narration was just okay, but the MUSIC. It was awful! Just stop, stop, stop!

I like audiobooks because I can multi-task. Listen while I accomplish other things. This was just under five hours, so a quick listen and done (I did stick it out, despite the annoying music). I had remembered everything pretty well. I recall seeing the movie and not caring for it, and how they changed things.  I'm anxious for my son to read it, so we can have a little discussion about it (I'm sure he's excited about that too ... not!) 

My questions in my first review still stand ...

Original Review (1) 
I'd seen the many good reviews, and as I do love a good dystopian tale, I put this on hold at the library. It was a quick and easy read, one that compelled me to continue. Unlike some of the other popular dystopian titles out there (Hunger Games, Divergent), this starts out so calm and simple, such an organized community, none of the unrest or unhappiness or revolution present in other such reads. And yet the horror is there ...

As I read the book, I really enjoyed it. I found myself mentioning aspects to my teenage boys, wondering if something might catch their interest enough to want to read it for themselves. I wasn't totally satisfied with the ending (as we don't really know what happened), and as I looked back on the book, while I still think of it favorably and think it made some important points, I can't help but wonder at the implausibility of so much of the story. 

HOW does one pass on a "memory" (to Jonas, from Jonas to Gabriel)? How has color (while still there, seen by Jonas and the old Receiver) been eliminated? If there is no "sex" or even "stirrings" how is the sperm procured (to inseminate the birthmothers)and are records kept of the "birthfathers" to keep the gene pool diluted? How are "released" bodies disposed of, while still keeping the entire community in the dark as to what "release" actually is? I also wondered how the process (from the Giver to the Receiver) had ever worked, as it failed two times in a row (with Rosemary and Jonas). 

I must admit there is some appeal to an orderly "release" rather than growing SO old and decrepit. I know it's a slippery slope, but to think of a gathering and celebration of life, then "release" before sickness and true old age compromise the body ... there is some appeal to that. 

I guess it's just one of those "suspension of disbelief" books, don't look and examine the details too closely and enjoy the story and take what wisdom it imparts ...