Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
I dragged my feet on reading this because of the subject matter. It's the story of the ten Boom family's resistance to the Nazis in Holland. Though some of the situations are about as bad as can be imagined, it's not a graphic book, and it leaves one feeling more capable of doing good things in this life. I was afraid I would feel despair and horror and sickness reading another book about the Holocaust, but I felt inspired (as well as a little horrified and a little sick). It's a good book to remember when one is thinking about complaining. Nope. Not a thing to complain about here.
I learned so much from this book. How hatred can be overcome with love and grace. How the Word is more powerful than the bleakest and most dire of circumstances. How compassion knows no color or race or religion. This is a fantastic story.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
One of my favourite historical novels. Very fast paced, heart-wrenching and inspiring.
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12256101
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12256101
I ... am ... so ... glad ... that ... I ... read ... this. What's funny is that I don't even remember how it ended up on my reading list. The book is more than three decades old, and apparently it has sold millions of copies, and it's only one of many, many books about Corrie ten Boom (although the co-authors do a wonderful job of making the book feel like it is exclusively her voice).
So many thoughts: Initially, holocaust literature is never truly leisure reading, and much of this book shows Nazi Germany (and much of humanity) at its absolute worst. Be prepared. As WWII and the holocaust increasingly seems like ancient history (as fewer survivors remain), it's easier and easier to think of it as an epic, global, and macro event. But the best holocaust literature is always individual, personal, and micro. Corrie ten Boom's story is most remarkable in that she was not a persecuted minority, her story revolves around her accidental involvement (and ultimate success) in Holland's underground of benevolent humans determined to protect and shelter Jews against Nazi persecution. The most compelling aspect of her story was how "normal" if not tranquil and serene her life was before she took this risky plunge and how extraordinary and transformative it became afterward.
One word of warning. The last thing that many holocaust readers expect is a book deeply grounded in Christian faith and spirituality. But, ultimately, that faith is the source and purpose of ten Boom's remarkable story. This may be the most significant book about forgiveness that I've ever read (not that I fully embrace it, but it's difficult not to respect it).
As an aside, I've only been to Holland's Haarlem once (on a day trip from the Hague), and it's fixed in my mind as a tranquil yet vibrant, highly civilized river town dominated by bicycles. I'm glad I was not there during the Nazi occupation.
So many thoughts: Initially, holocaust literature is never truly leisure reading, and much of this book shows Nazi Germany (and much of humanity) at its absolute worst. Be prepared. As WWII and the holocaust increasingly seems like ancient history (as fewer survivors remain), it's easier and easier to think of it as an epic, global, and macro event. But the best holocaust literature is always individual, personal, and micro. Corrie ten Boom's story is most remarkable in that she was not a persecuted minority, her story revolves around her accidental involvement (and ultimate success) in Holland's underground of benevolent humans determined to protect and shelter Jews against Nazi persecution. The most compelling aspect of her story was how "normal" if not tranquil and serene her life was before she took this risky plunge and how extraordinary and transformative it became afterward.
One word of warning. The last thing that many holocaust readers expect is a book deeply grounded in Christian faith and spirituality. But, ultimately, that faith is the source and purpose of ten Boom's remarkable story. This may be the most significant book about forgiveness that I've ever read (not that I fully embrace it, but it's difficult not to respect it).
As an aside, I've only been to Holland's Haarlem once (on a day trip from the Hague), and it's fixed in my mind as a tranquil yet vibrant, highly civilized river town dominated by bicycles. I'm glad I was not there during the Nazi occupation.
This book may not be the most literary, but it is amazing for what it is the story of. Corrie Ten Boom and her family hid Jews during WWII, and they were caught. The Jews were not. Her father died in prison, her sister died in the camps, but they never lost their faith in God. They never regretted what they had done.
Wow. I mean, just, w.o.w. I listened to this audiobook on our summer vacation because my son also needed to listen to it for summer honor's homework. A boring Christian lady in Holland until the onset of WW2, Corrie Ten Boom then displays the most amazing courage and ministry of Jesus during the war years. Yes, you will cry. But you'll also be amazed at her faith, courage, and the way she answers the cynical questions of "where was God?" during the Holocaust. Everyone of faith should read this book.
I read this book in high school about 19 years ago and it still resonates with me today. This was my first introduction into true accounts of survival during the Holocaust and it remains one of my favorites even after reading dozens of others. The writing is poignant but to the point, emotional yet action driven. This book drove me to tears many times but is so worth the emotional journey. You never feel as though Corrie ten Boom is a victim. She is in the traditional sense but she never let the tragedy unfolding around her change her fundamental attitude of hope and forgiveness. She was a bastion of strength for many and showed a fortitude in the face of danger that is truly inspiring. She was a hope for humanity in a time when humanity seemed hopeless and devoid of feelings. There are some books you read for fun then forget and there are others you read that stay with you and change your entire outlook on empathy, compassion and courage. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a very long time.