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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
dark
inspiring
sad
Just incredible. Corrie and Betsie had an inspiring love for the Word of God. These two Christian sisters and their father sacrificed their lives to defend many Jews, “the apple of God’s eye”, during the Nazi invasion of Holland during WWII. While reading this biography, I felt convicted of my selfishness. They thanked God in all circumstances, even the flea infestation because they prevented the guards from breaking up their Bible studies with the other prisoners in the concentration camp. Betsie continually prayed for the German soldiers who persecuted her, inspired to teach them the Father’s love and forgiveness. There were so many accounts of God using unexpected, ordinary people to help, even with small things like the girl who would slip them a piece a newspaper to help insulate their clothing. Such a beautiful story of faith and God’s mercy. This definitely a book to reread.
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Two stars. That's the best I can do on a book that came highly recommended and that I read with relish as I had just been to Amsterdam and surrounding areas, visited the Museum of the Resistance and the old Jewish Synagogue referred to in the book. So why two stars?
I just didn't believe a lot of what I read. Here's what I do believe. I think Corrie, her sister Betsy, her father and other family members were courageous, passionate, religious, pro-active and bold. They did what many in Holland did, but what many chose not to do. They put their lives on the line to help with a very unpopular cause. They risked their necks to hide jews, feed them, comfort them and resist the authority of their German invaders. In that I find them commendable. The father figure was an admirable man, a man of principle who lived truly an exemplary life and imparted his teachings to not only his family, but all who surrounded him. A man of peace, but of strong determination. A man of immensely strong faith which he passed along to his children. So far, so good.
So what's my squabble? The book was written a full 25 years after the facts, and I think it shows. Corrie was in her late 70's when the book was written, and it was written by two people who weren't there. The narrative at times becomes too convenient, too sugar coated. There were no fights amongst the throngs of people living in the beje. I think the old saying that "time heals everything" clearly applies to this book, as it seems to be a bit whitewashed in the veil of faith in Jesus to solve all, in prayers that constantly come through and in the miracle of the never ending vitamins. Call me a sceptic, but I found the constant references to Jesus annoying. I most certainly think we all believe in God when in the trenches, but I don't believe in the Santa Claus God who gave to Corrie, but perhaps withheld from others who were praying just as hard. It came across as preachy and childish all these years later. So many people were hurt, humiliated, beaten, and brutally murdered -- and I am sure just about each and every one of them prayed to their Jesus as well.
To end on a positive note -- the faith that this family had, the true faith in doing the right thing -- is admirable; when Corrie wrote "released" in her jail cell to signify the death of (blank), she showed a deep and profound faith in that death is not the end, only a fresh start in a better place. Her fortitude and strength were truly remarkable.
I just didn't believe a lot of what I read. Here's what I do believe. I think Corrie, her sister Betsy, her father and other family members were courageous, passionate, religious, pro-active and bold. They did what many in Holland did, but what many chose not to do. They put their lives on the line to help with a very unpopular cause. They risked their necks to hide jews, feed them, comfort them and resist the authority of their German invaders. In that I find them commendable. The father figure was an admirable man, a man of principle who lived truly an exemplary life and imparted his teachings to not only his family, but all who surrounded him. A man of peace, but of strong determination. A man of immensely strong faith which he passed along to his children. So far, so good.
So what's my squabble? The book was written a full 25 years after the facts, and I think it shows. Corrie was in her late 70's when the book was written, and it was written by two people who weren't there. The narrative at times becomes too convenient, too sugar coated. There were no fights amongst the throngs of people living in the beje. I think the old saying that "time heals everything" clearly applies to this book, as it seems to be a bit whitewashed in the veil of faith in Jesus to solve all, in prayers that constantly come through and in the miracle of the never ending vitamins. Call me a sceptic, but I found the constant references to Jesus annoying. I most certainly think we all believe in God when in the trenches, but I don't believe in the Santa Claus God who gave to Corrie, but perhaps withheld from others who were praying just as hard. It came across as preachy and childish all these years later. So many people were hurt, humiliated, beaten, and brutally murdered -- and I am sure just about each and every one of them prayed to their Jesus as well.
To end on a positive note -- the faith that this family had, the true faith in doing the right thing -- is admirable; when Corrie wrote "released" in her jail cell to signify the death of (blank), she showed a deep and profound faith in that death is not the end, only a fresh start in a better place. Her fortitude and strength were truly remarkable.
I read this many times as a young person; it had quite the effect on me.
I can't think of anything to say about this book, other than I love it. Every single time I read it I learn more about myself and the ten Booms, not to mention getting a better insight into God's plan for us. It was interesting reading this at the same time I was watching "Shoah."
I can't think of anything to say about this book, other than I love it. Every single time I read it I learn more about myself and the ten Booms, not to mention getting a better insight into God's plan for us. It was interesting reading this at the same time I was watching "Shoah."
"Some knowledge is too heavy...you cannot bear it...your Father will carry it until you are able."
A true story that was very inspiring and remarkable. I love this story.
Brought to tears several times. I'm really thankful to read a book like this around New Year's, when I'm already evaluating my life and purpose here with the little time that I have.
I re-read this book this year, through audible. Loved the narrator and story. Still blows my mind how terrible the war was. Nice inspirational story!
Suffice it to say I will never look at fleas again.
I fell in love with Corrie for her strength, Betsie for her kindness, and Opa for his morals.
It is without a doubt, the most optimistic stories surrounding arguably the worst time in human history. So many tears...
I fell in love with Corrie for her strength, Betsie for her kindness, and Opa for his morals.
It is without a doubt, the most optimistic stories surrounding arguably the worst time in human history. So many tears...