Friday, January 21, 2011

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

I think you could debate if this is or isn't a children's book; I bought my copy in the adult section of the book store.  No matter how you define it, this is an amazing book.  I loved reading the diary, it let you really experience Anne's life.  I have read other books that address the Holocaust: Number the Stars and Boy in the Stripped Pajamas, but this book was different, way more personal, you felt the experience of being in hiding and her trying to grow up.  I knew that Anne's life was going to end but as I read it I didn't want it to be true, I  wanted the diary to go on and for Anne to go on. Reading Anne's diary now was very powerful because I am keeping a journal this year as my New Year's resolution.  I hope the world I am writing about this year is better than the world Anne lived in, but, is it?

Rating:*****

7 comments:

  1. The great religions of the world all have at their heart the simple wish that we all learn to love each other. While my religion is not one of creed or dogma, I share your yearning for a world in which every child can go on to realize their dreams. You are lucky in some ways that you have learned so early to be in your dream each day. A life like yours provides a sense of wonder not only for you but for all who know you.

    At the same time your early wisdom is a burden. You understand that our lives do not ultimately go on as we individually know them, but that more broadly life does go on. You also understand that people can act in ways that limit the sweetness of life and that we all share a responsibility to protect goodness each day.

    Just as your courage, wit and wisdom expand through those you know or who find your blog, Anne's words continue to touch the souls of the good people who read them today. So in a way your wish that Anne go on was realized as you were reading.

    As for the world today, I think it has become possible to hear so much about evil from moment to moment that one might become discouraged. However, when you feel that way, take a moment to think about what your father and your mother do for the world each day and think about the gifts of service shared with you by teachers and your medical team each week. And think (just for a moment because we don't want you getting too full of yourself) about how many lives you have enriched and you will find that ultimately the world today, just as the world then, is a very good place.

    As Grandma says, "Life is Good."

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can still remember reading this book. Many moons ago..

    ReplyDelete
  3. P.S. My mother and father lived through the Holocaust. I remember my mother saying that she was worried about the life her children would have- worried about the world they would be in. I think that is a common fear- no matter what time period you live in.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think I will remeber this book forever and ever and read it again, and again and again.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an extraordinary experience to read this book at your age. I feel ashamed that I still haven't read it at my (very much older) age. I of course know what it is about, but everyone I know who has read it has found it so moving that I really want to read it too. I share your hope that our world is better than Anne's, but am not sure either.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is truly my all time favorite book. (Sometimes I say that about other books, too, though.) But I feel Anne has influenced me at many levels. Because of her I ask lots of questions about how complicated the world is. Because of her I write historical fiction. She is a role model for being real and honest. She was a fabulous writer! I reread this book every so often and read it again last summer.

    I agree that Anne will stay with you for a long time. And that is a good thing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Louise, if you do read it, I am sure you will love it! Joyce, I think that Anne will end up being one of my role models. I am finally making myself keep a journal (I have tried and failed many times) and find it a lot like Anne's diary.

    ReplyDelete