Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic。 Designated birthmothers produce new children， who is assigned to appropriate family units; one male， one female， to each。 Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs。 No one thinks to ask questions。 Everyone obeys。 Then community is a precisely choreographed world without conflict， inequality， divorce， unemployment， injustice。。 or choice。
Everyone is the same。
Except Jonas。
At the Ceremony of Twelve， the community's twelve-year-olds eagerly accept their predetermined Life Assignments。 But Jonas is chosen for something special。 He begins instruction in his life's work with a mysterious old man known only as The Giver。 Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings。 But when his own power is put to the test - when he must try to save someone he loves - he may not be ready。 Is it too soon？ Or too late？