Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birthmothers produce newchildren, who are assigned to appropriate family unites: one male, one female, to each. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. The community is a world without confli…

Where classic literature is concerned, the one irrefutable argument you'll hear time and time again in its defense is that it's their messages, the effortless way in which they tackle serious topics that makes them timeless and ubiquitous . If you think back, you're sure to remember at least one person (i…