Normally, I would tell you the summary of this novel from the main character's voice. However, I find I can't do that this time. I was so disturbed by the ideals of this fictional community. People are not allowed to think or choose for themselves. They are not allowed to experience color, snow, cold or pain. Spouses don't choose each other, but they submit an application for a spouse. Once married, they don't even choose the children they will have. They are assigned one boy and one girl, and IF that child is imperfect, he/she is "released." That is simply a nice way of saying that the child is disposed of. When the older people no longer serve a useful purpose, they are "released." I felt so much compassion for The Receiver (Jonas). A boy of only 12 years is expected to bear all the feelings, hurts, memories, pleasantries, etc., of his entire community...of the entire world. Is this the only community left during this apocalyptic time? Are there really no others? What really is the harm of one being able to think, to choose, to believe for himself? What if this were you?
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