Helpful Score: 9
I thought that it was an excellent book. Though it was a little slow in the beginning it caught my attention and was impossible to put down until I finished reading it. I loved the way the point of veiw was a nine year old boy. The innocense really made the story touching and sad. Its not a book to be easily forgotten.
Helpful Score: 8
I read this book with my 11-year-old son. Reading is not his favorite subject but this book held his interest from beginning to end. I would NOT classify it as a children's book and would recommend that if your child does read it, you read it 1st because they will have questions. Once we got to the end, he took it from me and read all the author's notes, interviews, etc. Its a good book but its not a book that you want to read if you are looking for something light and/or entertaining. Its a great book to open a dicussion with older children about the Holocaust. Hope this review helps!
Helpful Score: 6
This was the first book that we chose to read in our book club this year. It was absolutely amazing and the ending of the book is stunning. While this is a young adult novel it is a well written read for any adult interested in WW2 history. Honestly, one of the best books I've read this year!
Helpful Score: 6
A great book. We listened to it as a family. It is very poignant and it gives alot of things to discuss. I have to disagree with a few reviewers and say that it isn't that violent and the ending isn't in bad taste. I was very pleased that this book doesn't use bad language or bring vivid pictures that would be too tough for younger readers. To be honest, there are worse books about the holocaust that I had to edit for the purpose of my children. This wasn't one of them. Give it a chance. The author discusses all of the reviews he has gotten and plainly says that it isn't a historical fiction but just a novel bringing a different perspective. An excellent book for family reading and discussing.
Helpful Score: 4
I can't say too much because I don't want to ruin the book for anyone. I will say that although this subject matter is depressing and takes place during a horrible time in the world's history, this was a very, very good book. It kept me interested the whole time. It only takes a short time to read -- a few hours, really. This book touched me so much that I dreamt of it for the next few nights after finishing it. I highly recommend it. I saw the movie after reading the book, and it was also very good. If you are going to watch the movie, just make sure to read the book first. The movie follows the book, but they do add some things and take some other out.