The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini

Summary:

A story of fathers and sons, friendship and betrayal, and the casualties of fate.

1970’s Afghanistan: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

In One Word: Tragic (causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow)

Plot:

I must admit, this story drew me in much more than I expected. I knew that many people loved this book, but it didn’t sound like something I’d enjoy, I expected it to consist of a historical/war-based plot, but that’s not all I got. I loved this story, but it feels wrong to say that, because it’s shocking and terrifying and like I said, tragic. I had no idea what this book was about before I read it (I know, where have I been...), but I’m glad, because that meant I could go into it with no expectations. I definitely didn’t expect it to be this engaging. I thought the writing was good, and the plot stayed interesting throughout while still giving you some moments of quiet amidst the chaos. I don’t like books that force you to read one shocking thing after another, and this one wasn’t like that.

Characters:

The characters in this book are the reason I subtracted one star from my rating, I would’ve given it five stars except I really didn’t like the main character. And I think that was the point, but the contrast between Amir and Hassan was a little unrealistic to me. Amir is selfish and a coward while Hassan can do no wrong. I did think that Amir’s character was more relatable, he is flawed (extremely flawed), but he knows it and resents himself for it. I also thought the relationship between him and his father was very interesting. However, while I understand why the author decided to make his character so imperfect, I didn’t like that I found some of his actions completely abhorrent and stupid. I did care about the characters, and I wanted Amir to realise what the right thing to do is, and in the end he does, but for most of the book I didn’t like him at all.

Who should read this:

16+, there is language, violence and sexual content (sometimes violent sexual content) in this book, and while it’s never described very graphically it is very disturbing. If you’re sensitive to things like that, you might want to skip this book. However, if you enjoy books that are not just a light read with a happy ending and will possibly make you cry and shock you at the same time, then definitely give this one a go.

My rating:

Not since ‘The Book Thief’ has a book drawn me in like this one did. I didn’t think this book was perfect, but overall I couldn’t put it down. 4/5

Quote:

“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...”

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled Hosseini

Summary:

Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who is thirty years her senior. Nearly two decades later, in a climate of growing unrest, tragedy strikes fifteen-year-old Laila, who must leave her home and join Mariam’s unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other, their friendship to grow as deep as the bond between sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter.

With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women’s endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end it is love that triumphs over death and destruction.

In One Word: Moving

Plot:

I must admit that this review may be influenced a little by the book I previously read, which was ‘Noughts and Crosses’ by Malorie Blackman. Both these books are very emotional and also shocking, because you realise that most of these hardships really happened to people somewhere in history. However, the problem with reading these two as close together as I did is that one felt much more real to me than the other. I could identify with the situation of racism in the previous book much more than this one, but I’m going to try to not let that influence this review too much, although it might have an effect on my overall feeling about this book. 

Okay, that being said in an extremely long paragraph, lets continue with this book’s plot. I read this book in one day, literally. This is always a good sign in my opinion, since it means it was engaging at least. I enjoyed this story, I found it easier to read than ‘the Kite Runner’, but I also didn’t find it as emotional. Hosseini’s writing is wonderful, and like many of the blurbs say: he’s a natural storyteller, so there are no complaints there. I like books with more than one point of view, even when it’s not a first-person narrative like this one, since I like seeing how the different characters respond to different events.

Characters:

Just like with the plot, I didn’t connect as much to this book’s characters as I did to 'the Kite-Runner’s', which is strange since this one focuses on women instead of men (I'm a female, if my choices in literature hasn't clued you into that yet...I also have a review for 'the Little Mermaid' on here, so this shouldn't be a surprise...). That doesn’t mean that I didn’t like these characters or don’t think they are well-written. On the contrary, both the main characters and most of the minor ones are very well-rounded and relatable. I didn’t, however, have a favourite character, or one that I really fell in love with. If I had to choose one it would be Tajir, just because I’m a sucker for the romantic heroes.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence, which is quite disturbing, as well as some sexual content. There was not any language that I can recall. If you like emotional books with good characters that is well-written, but easy to read or if you’re interested in the history of Afghanistan, but want something a little more personal then I definitely suggest any of Khaled Hosseini’s books. However, if you want something happy or light then this is not for you.

My rating:

Like I said, I read this book in a day, and I didn’t get bored once. However, there wasn’t that extreme emotional connection that I usually look for in a book like this. 4/5

Quote:

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs. Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”

Fallen

Lia Mills

Summary:

Spring 1915, Dublin.

Katie Crilly – a young woman trying to find her place in a restrictive society – gets the news she dreaded: her beloved twin brother, Liam, has been killed on the Western Front.

A year later, when Dublin is suddenly engulfed by the violence of the Easter Rising, Katie finds herself torn between her loyalty to the cause her brother died for, her instinctive Irish patriotism, and her love for her city and its people. Taking refuge in the home of friends, she meets Hubie Wilson, a comrade of Liam’s from the Front. There unfolds a remarkable encounter between two young people, both wounded and both trying to imagine a new life. As the world Katie knows is turned upside down by insurrection, previously unimaginable things suddenly seem possible.

In One Word: Moving

Plot:

First of all, let me just mention that I was sent this book for free through goodreads’ 'first reads' program, but that will not affect my review in any way. I must admit that this story was a little generic in my opinion. There was no moment where I was like ‘WOW’ or anything. However, the writing is really good, and the book has almost a classic feel to it. I liked the story, I thought it was touching and it wasn’t a boring plot, but I just wanted something a little more original out of this book. I also would’ve liked just a couple lighter moments, since it does get a little depressing, I do however realise that this subject matter doesn’t really lend itself to light-heartedness. One thing I really liked about this book is the way it shows every aspect of the war, as well as all the different opinions on war, without judging any one viewpoint as ‘the right one’, but rather giving the reader the oppurtunity to decide for themselves what to believe. I also like the subject matter, I don't think the Easter Rising is something that's been written about in this form all that much, but I would've liked the actual story (apart from the historical aspect) to have a little more originality.

Characters:

I liked the characters, but I didn’t love them. Liam was probably my favourite, even though we didn’t get to see a whole lot of him in the book. I didn’t feel like there was enough chemistry between the characters. I liked the relationship between Hubie and Katie well enough, but it wasn’t as magical as I would’ve expected after reading the summary. However, this is not neccesarily a bad thing, as it gave the book a more realisitic feel instead of being just another romantic, idealistic love story. However, I really like romantic and idealistic, so this wasn’t my favourite couple ever.

Who should read this:

14+, there is quite a bit of violence, language and sexual content. This is a story about war, so if that’s not your thing, then why are you even thinking about reading it? If you like romantic, historical novels then you’ll probably enjoy this one.

My rating:

While I really liked the writing and the feel of this book, the story was a little generic and I didn’t connect as well with the characters as I would’ve liked. 3/5

Quote:

“My mind couldn't fit itself around the shape of his absence.”

Burning Bright

Tracy Chevalier

Summary:

London 1792. The Kellaways move from familiar rural Dorset to the tumult of a cramped, unforgiving city.

Against the backdrop of a city jittery over the increasingly bloody French Revolution, a surprising bond forms between Jem, the youngest Kellaway boy, and streetwise Londoner Maggie Butterfield. Their friendship takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in the life of their neighbour, the printer, poet and radical, William Blake. He is a guiding spirit as Jem and Maggie navigate the unpredictable, exhilarating passage from innocence to experience. Their journey influences one of Blake’s most entrancing works.

In One Word: Atmospheric

Plot:

I must admit, I didn’t love this storyline, but I only realised that afterwards, when I really started to think about it. The writing is so good that I almost didn’t notice that the plot was a little mediocre. I love writing like this, that stays simple, but is still rich enough to create atmosphere. The ending was a little inconclusive to me, I would’ve liked to know what happens next, but I know some people might like the ending as it is. Some parts were also a little predictable. I loved the setting and the historical aspect of the book, but I felt like the story could’ve been better.

Characters:

I liked the characters, especially Jem and Maggie, as well as William Blake. I didn’t like Blake because he was written about accurately (we didn’t know him, we don’t know what would be accurate), but just as a character in a story, who happens to be based on a real person. Jem and Maggie have great chemistry, and they’re great opposites (but still similar...this is  a reference....read the book). However, I wasn’t emotionally connected to the characters.

Who should read this:

13+, there is some sexual content, although no language that I can remember. The violence is also very mild. The story might not interest younger readers. If you’ve read ‘the Girl with the Pearl Earring’ and liked it, you might like this one as well. If you want something with an incredible story and characters I don’t suggest this.

My rating:

I loved the writing, liked the characters, and didn’t notice that I didn’t really like the story until I finished the book. So 3/5.

Quote:

This is not exactly a quote, but more an idea that fascinated me when I read about it in this book: ‘Opposites all have something in common’. 

The Book Thief

Summary:

While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

Plot:

Since I already read this book, I can’t really say much about the plot. One of the great things about this movie is that it didn’t chánge or add anything in the story, it only left some parts out (which is completely understandable). The movie isn’t extremely fast-paced, and knowing what happens at the end made it a little boring to watch, but that is only because I already knew the story, not because I thought it was a bad movie. I liked that they kept a little of the narration by ‘Death’, which was one of the things I liked best about the book.

Characters:

I loved the acting, especially the younger actors, they were really great and seemed to understand the essence of the characters very well. Rudy was my favourite character in the book, and I really liked his portrayal in the movie as well. Liesel is a wonderful character, and Hans and Rosa are both interesting and funny. Overall the characters weren’t exactly as I imagined them, but they were very well handled.

Cinematography:

Beautiful. The colours and lighting create mood and atmosphere, and there wasn’t one scene where I didn’t notice how gorgeous the overall look of the movie was.

Who should watch this:

PG-13, obviously, since this is a WW2 movie, there is a lot of violence. The violence is not extremely graphic, but it is intense and quite scary. If you enjoyed the book then I suggest watching this. If you haven’t read the book, don’t watch it quite yet...GO READ IT! RIGHT NOW!

My rating:

I was not sure how people could make a movie out of this book, but somehow they managed it. It wasn’t nearly as good as the book, but it was a really great movie. 5/5

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak

Summary:

-There is a small fact-

You are going to die.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

-Some important information-

This novel is narrated by Death.

it’s a small story, about:

a girl

an accordionist

some fanatical Germans

a Jewish fist fighter

and quite a lot of thievery.

-Another thing you should know-

Death will visit the book thief three times.

Plot:

Some books play with your mind, this one plays with your heart. It’s also the kind of book that you want to start over when you reach the last few pages because you just don’t want it to end, or you know you won’t be able to handle the end.It’s brutally honest, but never becomes gory or overly graphic. I think it’s great that the story centres on a German family instead of a Jewish one. The writing is incredible, the author creates pictures and describes things in a way that captures you completely. He plays with words and breaks language rules, without which this story would have been entirely too sad to read. Every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter of this book needs to be savoured. This is not a happy book, but it’s a beautiful one. And one thought kept popping into my head while I read: “everybody dies sometime, and maybe that's okay”.

Characters:

You absolutely fall in love with the characters in this book. Even the ones you don’t really like all the time. Death, the narrator, is shown in such a strangely positive way that you actually sympathise with him instead of the human characters. Liesel is incredible and you root for her from the very first page. I also fell in love with Rudy, Liesel’s best friend. None of the characters were perfect and all of them were relatable. You felt for every character, even the ones who did the wrong thing.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for the dark themes (the book is narrated by Death...) and some language. If you like historical fiction, but want something different this is absolutely the one for you. I would actually recommend this to anyone and everyone. If you’re looking for a book that will capture your mind, heart and imagination you don’t need to look any further. However, if you’re looking for a quick, light or happy read this is definitely not the one for you. Just because this is YA, does not mean adults can't enjoy it too, trust me.

My rating:

I usually walk away from books that were over-hyped feeling extremely dissapointed. This was not the case with ‘the Book Thief’. It’s everything I want in a novel, emotional, original and well-written. This book has all the ingredients to become a classic. I will definitely be rereading it, because I feel like this is one of those books you can get something new from with every read. 5/5

Quote:

Almost every sentence in this book is quotable, but this one sums up the book pretty well for me:

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right”-Liesel.

Changeling

Philippa Gregory

Order of Darkness #1

Summary:

The year is 1453 and all signs point to it being the end of the world.

Accused of heresy and expelled from this monastery, handsome seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is recruited by a mysterious stranger to record the end of times across Europe. Commanded by sealed orders, Luca is sent to map the fears of Christendom, and to travel to the very frontier of good and evil.

Seventeen-year-old Isolde, a Lady Abbess, is trapped in a nunnery to prevent her claiming her rich inheritance. As the nuns in her care are driven mad by strange visions, walking in their sleep, and showing bleeding wounds, Luca is sent to investigate and all the evidence points to Isolde’s criminal guilt. Outside in the yard they are building a pyre to burn her for witchcraft.

Forced to face the greatest fears of the medieval world-dark magic, werewolves, madness-Luca and Isolde embark on a search for truth, their own destinies, and even love as they take the unknown ways to the real historical figure that defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness.

Plot:

This is a very interesting and original story. I like the author’s use of the different era and find the way culture and society worked back then very interesting. There were moments in this book that made me smile and others that were pretty horrifying, all in a pretty good balance making it an engaging and entertaining read. The writing was good and descriptive, but easy to read and understand. Although some parts of the story don’t really make sense I have to assume that all will be explained in the sequels.

Characters:

I like the characters in this book, I feel like they are interesting and unique, but still relatable enough. However, I didn’t love any of them. My favourite is probably Freize, who is Luca’s friend/servant and a very funny character with a kind heart and a way of charming everyone. He feels the most alive to me. I like the romances and the way the characters connect, and the villains are interesting and slightly unusual. The characters were definitely very well handled.

Who should read this:

12+, mainly for the violence, which is not extremely graphic, but quite disturbing. I didn’t notice any language. I don’t think everyone will like this book, some might find its themes strange and might not like the way religion is portrayed in the story. So I definitely recommend caution as far as that goes. However if you want a good YA book that is set in a different era and has plenty of suspense and adventure you might like this one.

My rating:

While I enjoyed this book, I don’t know if I really loved it. There wasn’t anything wrong with it in my opinion as far as writing etc. goes, but it’s just not my favourite type of book, especially since I didn’t really connect with the characters. 3/5

Quote:

Luca realized that she was a thing of horror, a beautiful thing of horror, the worst thing between heaven and hell: a fallen angel

An Act of Love

Alan Gibbons

Summary:

Seven-year-old Chris and Imran are sworn blood brothers.

Ten years on they are treading separate paths. The spectre of terrorism has wrecked their friendship. It has changed their lives and could even end them.

A story of two ordinary boys growing up in an extraordinary time - our time. A time of terror, when atrocities don’t just happen in TV reports about people in far away places.

Rioting, fighting, maiming and killing are happening here, on our doorstep.

Plot:

This is a very good story. It offers perspectives from all walks of life, religions and races on the same events, and teaches a simple lesson: that we’re all human. It has its tense moments, moments that make you smile, and some that are pretty sad. There is some mystery, and you’re not always sure which of the characters to trust, but it never gets confusing. The writing is simple, yet beautiful and very realistic.

Characters:

This is probably the best part of the book. I really enjoyed reading about the two main characters. They grew up together, but because of their different beliefs grow apart. However, once you get to the end of the book you realise that, even though they weren’t exactly speaking to one another, their stories still share similarities and parallels. All the characters are flawed, but they’re all pretty relatable.

Who should read this:

13+, this story is about war, so obviously there are some violent scenes. There’s very little sexual content, but some language. If you like historical fiction, but want something that’s easy to read this is a good choice. If you’re looking for a happy story, this is not the one for you.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t bored once, I liked the characters and I feel like this is a better-than-average piece of fiction. The only reason I won’t add this to my favourites is because it’s not my favourite genre or type of story. 4/5

Quote:

‘What breaks inside the child that makes the man so flawed?’

Hadassah: One Night with the King

Tommy Tenney

Summary:

Bestselling author Tommy Tenney expands the extraordinary story of Esther like no novelist has done before. Both a thriller and a Jewish woman's memoir, Hadassah takes readers to ancient Persia (now known as Iran), into the inner sanctum of the palace and back out into the war zones of battle and political intrigue. This gripping drama of a simple peasant girl chosen over many more qualified candidates to become Esther, Queen of Persia, captures the imagination and fires the emotions of men and women alike.

Plot:

This is an intriguing story, even for someone who knows the basics of it. It started off a little confusing, as there were two characters with the same name, but living in different times. It was a little hard to decide in what time-zone the story was being told, but it soon got easier as you started understanding what the author was doing. The story itself isn’t a new one, but based on the bible-book Esther. It had just enough historical content to make it authentic, but enough personal looks into the character’s thoughts & feelings to save it from being boring. The historical parts are also very well-written and exciting.

Characters:

It’s fascinating to see those well-known yet slightly vague characters come to life. While I don’t know how accurate the descriptions of these characters are, they are relatable, imperfect and yet they have a regal air about them that make them stand out.

Who should read this:

(16+) Mainly for very violent scenes, but also for quite a bit of sexual content (which is not extremely graphic, but implied and mentioned frequently throughout the book). If you enjoy historical, Christian fiction, this is definitely something I would recommend for you. This isn’t a light read, but it’s not hard.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. The violence was a little much for me, but I know it was necessary. The writing style was better than I expected and I wasn’t bored once...4/5

Quote:

I knew then that being chosen Queen was the only way my life – or his – would ever be made right. Beyond that, it was in YHWH’s hands.

Invictus

Summary:

The inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country. Newly-elected president Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

Plot: 
A truly inspiring film about Nelson Mandela played by Morgan Freeman (who else?), including some of the most epic and nerve wrecking rugby matches in world cup history. This is an incredible story that will make any South African proud of their heritage. This story is about equality, forgiveness and being the greatest you can be.

Characters:

As they were based on real people, the characters in this movie are very much flawed, even Mandela isn’t shown as being perfect. I think the characters in this movie were very well handled, although the ‘rugby players’ didn’t look much like rugby players at all. The acting was good, Morgan was absolute perfection as Mandela, Matt Damon's (as Francois Pienaar) accent was also spot on.

Cinematography:

Good, it is quite interesting in fact. Much of the movie is shot almost like an excerpt from TV news, making it seem more authentic. The more undocumented events were shot very well. The costumes etc. were all very well done. None of this ever distracts from the story, it only adds to it.

Who should watch this:

(PG L) the only mature content is the language. Anyone who is South African or who is interested in South African history should watch this movie. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to be inspired, or who really likes rugby.

My rating:

I really liked this movie. It kept me interested. 4/5

Quote:
Brenda Mazibuko: You're risking your political capital, you're risking your future as our leader.
Nelson Mandela: The day I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead.

First Among Equals

Jeffrey Archer

Summary: 
In the 1960's four ambitious new MPs take their seats at Westminster. Over three decades they share the turbulent passions of the race for power with their wives and families, men and women caught up in a dramatic game for the highest stakes of all. But only one man can gain the ultimate goal - the office of Prime Minister.

Plot: 
This is essentially a political story, which usually means I'm bored and I don't understand. While most of the happenings in this story didn't make any sense to me whatsoever, it still didn't bore me, which is really weird. I think this is a very good story, mainly because of Archer's track record and also because it didn't bore me, but I really can't say much about it as i had no idea what was happening most of the time.

Characters:
As I've said before, Archer's characters are never his main focus. In this novel, however, they are very important. This story revolves around different male characters with one shared political goal.  I really liked some of them, while others weren't as likable. I did find it a little hard to remember which wife fitted with which husband and which man fitted with which past, but it didn't really bother me. Archer manages to remind you in some way without sounding like he is repeating himself.

Who should read this:
13+, like I said before, I didn't understand this book, so if you want to know exactly what's going on, don't read this. Fans of politically motivated novels, as well as historical fiction should like this. There is very mild mature content.

My rating:
I think I might read this book again, just to see if I understand it better. It wasn't boring, but I didn't get it. 3/5

Les Misérables

Summary:
Prisoner 24601, known as Jean Valjean, is released from prison and breaks parole to create a new life for himself while evading the grip of the persistent Inspector Javert. Set post-revolutionary France, the story reaches resolution against the background of the June Rebellion.

During the French Revolution, convict Jean Valjean is released on parole by prison guard Javert after serving a nineteen-year sentence. He is offered food and shelter by the Bishop of Digne, but later steals the Bishop's silver dishes after everyone is asleep. He is caught by the authorities, but the Bishop states that he gave the convict the silver and demands that Valjean be set free. Ashamed of his crimes against the generous holy man, Valjean breaks his parole and vows to start a new honest life under a new identity

Plot:

This was a very good story, a bit violent for my taste, but I get that it was necessary. It was heartfelt, and although it was quite long it didn’t bore me at all. The romance was great, although a little Romeo and Julietesque (not a word, I know...), and I loved Jean Valjean’s whole story. The music was fantastic, the acting superb.

Characters:

Wonderful! Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is a marvelous character, he is caring and humble, but not perfect. Fontine (Anne Hathaway, who totally deserved that Oscar!) is also a great character, you can feel her every emotion. Javert (Russel Crowe) is the ‘bad guy’, but he truly believes everything he does is right, his character fascinated me personally. Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) is a pretty, innocent girl who falls in love for the first time, a wonderful contrast to most of the others, she is like a ray of sunshine the darkness of the rest of the film. Also the child Cosette (Isabelle Allen) was incredibly cute, and what a wonderful little actress! Marius Pontmercy (Eddie Redmayne) is Cosette’s love interest, as well as Éponine’s (Samantha Barks), he is a revolutionary, who sides with the poor people, although he comes from a wealthy family. I personally think Éponine was my favorite character, she was the most relatable for me. Then there is the Thénardiers (Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen) a pair of thieving innkeepers who were intended to provide some humor in this otherwise tragic tale. They were funny at times, although the humor was quite crude.

Cinematography:

Beautiful, stunning! This is a photographic masterpiece. The darkness that could be seen throughout the movie, and the lights at the end made the atmosphere in this movie so much more intense. The costumes and make-up were very well done as well. The singing were a little off-key at times, but considering the fact that the actors were singing live in many parts, this is completely understandable.

Who should watch this:

(PG13), there is quite a lot of mature content especially violence and crude humor. I’m not sure what I would compare this with, only know that it’s going to make you cry, so if you don’t like that you won’t like this.

My rating:

I really liked this movie, it was just a very well-made film, with wonderful acting and a good storyline. Like I said before, I’m not a huge fan of violent movies, but it was necessary. I’m also not a fan of crude humor, so that part bothered me a little…3/5

Quote:
I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living!

Sorry this was such a long review, it seems that the length of my reviews depend on the length of the book/movie!

The Hiding Place

Corrie ten Boom

Summary:
As the Nazi madness swept across Europe, a quiet

watchmakers family risked everything for the sake of others, and for the sake of Christ. Shadowed by danger and threat of discovery, they offered shelter to persecuted Jews. Then a trap brought the family’s arrest. Could God’s love shine through even in Ravensbruck? Corrie ten Boom’s personal story is an inspiration to millions.

Plot:

This is an incredible story, beautifully written that will have you crying over the tragedy and joy that comes with living. There are moments of terror, horror over what people can do to each other and moments of humor and happiness reminding us that there is always a silver lining. The story had me hooked from page one. Honestly incredible.

Characters:

The characters in this book are vibrantly human. Some not so likable, but we’re always reminded that, no matter how it may look, no person is ever completely and utterly evil. Corrie is a wonderful narrator, as the perfect example of a completely ordinary person. She’s by no means perfect and you find yourself experiencing her pain and joy throughout the book.

Who should read this?

13+, the violence and horror of the concentration camp may be too much for younger readers. Also not for very sensitive readers, the descriptions aren’t very graphic, but this book is extremely emotional. If you like books that make you cry, this is the one for you!

My rating: 
This was an amazingly written story that I couldn’t put down, definitely one  I will read again…I give it a 5/5

Quote:
“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”