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.

Sometimes I wish they'd ask for my wisdom more often - there are so many things I could tell them; things I wish they would change. But they don't want change. Life here is so orderly, so predictable - so painless. It's what they've chosen.

I'm not terribly conversant with children's literature in general. I tend to read books for adults, being an adult.

I tend not to think about audience when I'm writing. Many people who read "The Giver" now have their own kids who are reading it. Even from the beginning, the book attracted an audience beyond a child audience.

Because of fear, they made shelter and found food and grew things. For the same reason, weapons were stored, waiting.

-a whole world can lie before someone, if love is there when one wakes.

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