So actually, there could be parents-of-the-parents-of-the-parents-of-the parents?

I don't set out to transmit a message. I don't write with a political point of view. There are no religious overtones. Looking back at my books, I can say, 'Oh, yes, it is there.' But it's not in my mind when I write.

Gathering Blue' was a separate book. I wanted to explore what a society might become after a catastrophic world event. Only at the end did I realize I could make it connect to 'The Giver.

There's much more. There's all that goes beyond – all ... that is Elsewhere – and all that goes back, and back, and back. I received all of those, when I was selected. And here in this room, all alone, I re-experience them again and again. It is how wisdom comes. And how we shape our future.

That's why they call you Seer. You see more than most.

It be better, I think, to climb out in search of something, instead of hating, what you're leaving.

Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come.