The Giver by Lois Lowry

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Science Fiction; Utopia

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

This is a very different book, set in a Utopia society. Well at least that is what the community believes. There is one elder that holds the memories of the past. Almost like a grandfather type. It’s all about growing up. I think this is a great story for many different reasons. It opens your mind to why it may not be good to live in such a society. I got this book when I was in high school and when it had first come out. And have read it more times than I can count. I think that it should be a book you have to read at least once. The next book in this series is Gathering Blue.

Publisher: Laurel Leaf

ISBN: 0385732554

Pages: 208

Series: The Giver

Volume: 1

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fiction; Utopia

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Love. It kills you both when you have it and when you don’t. Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love – the deliria – blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

This story takes us to a time when the world is much changed. People do not love as they believe that it is a deadly disease. Lena is counting down till she is to have the cure. But as she approaches things begin to change. And then she meets Alex. This is a compelling tale one that you can’t stop reading. Lena is one of those characters that grows along with the story. Alex is a great character as well. I found this story to be beautifully written and one that I really loved reading. The utopia that is created in this book is beautifully but there are holes within it. The sequel to this book is Pandemonium.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061726826

Pages: 448

Series: Delirium

Volume: 1