Just finished reading The Giver and wow - my mind is officially blown. This isn't just some kids' book like I thought at first glance.

The whole 'perfect society' concept had me nodding along at first - no pain, no war, no tough decisions. Sign me up, right? But then as Jonas starts uncovering the truth... chills.

That moment when he realizes what 'release' actually means? I had to put the book down for a solid five minutes. The way Lowry builds this world so casually and then BAM hits you with the dark reality is masterful.

What got me most was the color thing. Imagining a world without color until Jonas starts seeing it? I looked around my room afterwards appreciating all the colors in a way I never had before.

Also can we talk about how creepy it is that everyone takes emotion-suppressing pills? Makes you think about all the ways we numb ourselves in real life too.

The ending left me with so many questions (no spoilers but... what really happened??). I've been bothering all my friends to read it so we can debate theories.

Honestly this should be required reading for everyone. It's short but packs more punch than most 500-page novels. 5/5 would have existential crisis again.