Jonas lives in a perfect society. Nothing to fear. Nothing to worry about. No problems of any kind. In other words, a perfect Utopia.

As Jonas approaches his ceremony of 12, he begins to become apprehensive about what is going to happen next.

At Evening Meal, he decides to talk to his parents about it.

"Mother? Father? The Ceremony of Twelve is approaching and I'm concerned I will not get the assignment I want". Jonas said apprehensively

"Jonas," Father replied reassuringly, "The Elders are very careful with their selections. I am certain you will get the assignment that is right for you and the Community."

The next day, Father informs the family that he must bring home a newborn because he and the other Nurturers are concerned that he is not growing as fast as the others.

"Hey Jonas!" his sister Lily yelled. "Baby Gabe has weird eyes like you!"

Jonas noticed that Gabe had the same pale eyes he did. However, making fun of others was subject to chastisement in the community and Jonas knew that Lily would have to learn that soon.

Thinking about chastisement made Jonas recall an incident from his past. Jonas had been playing and noticed that the apple he was holding began to "change". He couldn't explain it, but noticed that it wasn't the same. He took the apple home to study. Again, at home, for a brief moment, it "changed" again.

As he was studying it, a loud voice came over the speaker and reminded all that food must not be taken home for hoarding. When his parents heard this, they looked and he realized that if he did it again, he would be chastised.

Today was the day! Jonas got to his Ceremony of Twelve. All of the other ages had gone their their ceremonies and now it was his turn. His friends received their assignments and now it was his turn. However, the Elder did not call his name. In fact, he was skipped over altogether. Jonas was confused.

..However, there was a reason for the skip. The Elder was saving Jonas last because Jonas received the greatest and rarest assignment of all: Receiver of Memory.

The crowd cheered and chanted his name. Jonas looked at the crowd and told them, "Thank you. I do not know what is in store for me, but I do feel that I see things differently and I am excited about the future."

Jonas! Jonas! Jonas!

On Jonas' first day of his assignment, he meets the Giver.

"Jonas, you are about to receive memories from many years ago, generations and generations back", The Giver tells him.

"Will it hurt?" Jonas responds nervously

The Giver, trying to build his trust, tells him, l"Lay down and I will begin the memory process."

Jonas begins to receive memories and begins to learn about snow, sledding, sunshine, and sunburns.

"What.." Jonas began to ask confusingly, "what just happened? How did you do that?

"You received your first of many memories. These memories are not mine, but of generations and generations back. Please, we do not have time for chit-chat. We have much to do!", responded the Giver.