THE STORY

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The story starts when Jonas, the main character, a boy at the age of 12, is anxiously awaiting his job assignment at the Ceremony of 12 (which is where it

will be decided what he will do for the rest of his life). His community

is unlike any of which we live in today, it is a place where everything is

seemingly perfect, it is a place where everyone is the same, acts the

same and does the same things. But somehow, Jonas finds himself on

the outside as he is chosen to become the ‘Receiver of Memory’ when

the ceremony finally comes around. It is a job that nobody knows

much about, it is honored and feared in the community. 
As Jonas receives more knowledge about the past, a past that nobody knows about, one that is well hidden by the community leaders, he experiences more emotions than he had ever felt in his life. New memories come, some wonderful and others horribly gruesome. Also as he learns more about the past, he becomes more aware of his community and how many flaws are being covered up. Jonas has to go against his family, his friends and the place he was taught not to disturb or question to gain freedom and individuality, and make a final escape.

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Chapter Summaries