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.

The whole world had changed. Only the fairy tales remained the same. "And they lived happily ever after.

Early on I came to realize something, and it came from the mail I received from kids. That is, kids at that pivotal age, 12, 13 or 14, they're still deeply affected by what they read, some are changed by what they read, books can change the way they feel about the world in general. I don't think that's true of adults as much.

The community of the Giver had achieved at such great price. A community without danger or pain. But also, a community without music, color or art. And books.

There was just a moment when things weren't quite the same, weren't quite as they had always been through the long friendship

It's just that... without the memories it's all meaningless.

Even trained for years as they all had been in precision of language, what words could you use which would give another the experience of sunshine?