From Novel To Cinema, The Giver Comes To Life — Delilah’s Reflections

When books are made into movies, there is always a reason to be skeptical with how it turns out compared to the book.

However, with the all-star cast The Giver plans to have in its movie, there's no reason it should be any less than great.

What would it be like if we all lived in a world of sameness? If we all lived in a so-called utopian society where we were all happy only because we didn't know better? If we lived in a safe community with no danger but also no differences, no choices, no history, no emotional depth, and even worse - no love?

In 1993, author Lois Lowry gave us a peek into that kind of society when she released her book The Giver. The novel follows Jonas who lives in a society where there is no pain or strife due to community rules that have forced no differences and no choices among the population. And the memories of life before "the sameness" have been eradicated entirely so everyone lives together in ignorant bliss.

When Jonas meets the "Giver" - a man who stores all the past memories of the time before the sameness - he begins to understand all that his seemingly blissful community lacks: a life full of love, differences, choices and knowledge, but also the chaos and pain that comes with it. And Jonas is faced with the dilemma of how to use his newfound power in knowledge.

This intriguing story is coming to life in movie theaters everywhere...featuring Academy Award Winners Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges who lead an all-star cast that includes Katie Holmes and Taylor Swift.  You can expect great things from Walden Media which has produced a number of great literary adaptations for film like Chronicles of Narnia, Holes, Charlotte's Web, Bridge to Terabithia and so many others.

I recommend you get started on the book now before it comes out in theaters. In fact, The Giver is often assigned as summer reading for middle school teenagers, so your older kids might enjoy it too. Then you can reward them with a movie date and lots of popcorn after you've both wrapped up the novel. I can't wait to take my kids to see this one!

Are YOU looking forward to seeing this movie when it comes out in theaters? Comment below!

Rachel Specht contributed to this post