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Book Reviews of The Hiding PlaceBook Review: A true story of human compassion and love Summary: 5 Stars
This is my favorite book. I read it in 7th grade for English class and have re-read at least once a year, every year since. Believe me, that's a lot of times. It is the true story of Corrie ten Boom, a young woman during World War II. Her father was a watch repairman who owned the 100-year-old, family-run shop in the Netherlands. As devout Christians, they spent their lives living peacefully and simply.
When they saw the grave injustices being enacted upon their neighbors and friends, some Jewish and some not, the ten Boom family banded together to help as many as they could. In a way they lived by the premise of the poem, "And then they came for me..." Fighting for those who could not fight for themselves, the ten Boom family helped shelter as many as they could, until they were caught.
Being confined in the concentration camp only fortified Corrie and her sister Betsie's faith. They prayed all the time and fought off the desperation that tried so strongly to capture them. While not everyone made it out, some of the family did. You'll have to read the book to find out who though.
Needless to say, I have loved this book very well. Anything having to do with the Holocaust has always fascinated me and this book was no exception. Corrie ten Boom speaks plainly so as not to make anything sound better or worse than it really was. Her story is just one among thousands, but it stands out because of the way she tells the story. A truly inspiring read that I cannot compare to any other Holocaust memoir.
Book Review: classic: don't miss it! Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of my favorite books and, having recently reread it, I can assure you it is one of the best books out there about Holocaust rescuers. It is also a very fast read and suitable for children who are in middle-school and older. Finally, the author has a very spiritual perspective on her experiences, one that, in my opinion, transcends the Christian framework in which it is presented. Young people and adults alike will be moved by her capacity to forgive--in the end-- those who nearly killed her, and who did kill her friends. Plus this book is very gripping....there's a reason it was made into a feature film. In short: don't miss it! It is one of the most moving books you are likely to read ever. If you want more suggestions about Holocaust rescuer books see my Listmania list. There are some other good ones out there such as The Heart Has Reasons: Holocaust Rescuers and Their Stories of Courage which profiles other people like Corrie ten Boom who did similar things in Holland. There is also In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer which tells the story of a lady in Poland who did something similar to what Corrie did in Holland.
Book Review: Timeless Summary: 5 Stars
Reading through some of these reviews and I can see I'm not alone in my love for this book. I read it several years ago. I was so impressed with it, I bought and read all books authored by Corrie Ten Boom.
The Ten Boom family is one of the most inspirational Christian families in print. Her sister Betsie, was an absolute angel, not of this earth. I couldn't believe the faith of that woman. Her father was an oak of a man himself. Too kind on occasion to demand payment for fixing watches, his livelihood. Some people has commented this book should be required reading, I agree.
With the outbreak of World War Two all of Europe was thrust into dire circumstances. But in the hand of God, these ordinary unknown at the time Christians, did the impossible. We all need examples like this to see for ourselves what self sacrifice really looks like. This book helped me to understand the light true Christianity is capable of shining when darkness closes in. In my opinion one of the greatest stories ever told. The impression it left on me was pivotal in helping to humble me, right to the foot of the cross where Jesus Christ died for me.
Several miracles happen along the way, utterly astonishing! A "must read" for sure if any book deserves that title.
Book Review: A Timeless Read Summary: 5 Stars
When the topic of this book comes up among friends and acquaintances, the response is usually that someone read the book when they were a teen, and that they appreciated the story. It is great that young people are reading the book, but this piece deserves to be read by every thinking adult. In fact, I would argue that the older a soul is, the greater the appreciation will be for the content of the Ten Boom's story.
Oftentimes people reference this book in light of the ethical dilemmas raised concerning devout Christians lying to protect Jews. But the contributions this book makes to an outlook on religion, society, and life run much deeper than that interesting question. In a world where many are confused about the distinction between good and evil, that line is clear in the book. When we struggle to commit ourselves to causes greater than our own luxury and amusement, we read of a simple family that literally gave their lives for what was right and true. In a culture that is fairly fuzzy about its religious commitments, we know that the Ten Booms did amazing things out of love for their God.
This is a well-written book that has a lot to say, and deserves to be read no matter our age.
Book Review: Inspiring True Story Summary: 5 Stars
Set in Holland during WWII, this is the true story of sweet, devoutly religious family who defy their Nazi occupiers. Each member of the family contribute their part in helping the Jews of Holland hide or escape the Nazi round ups.
Corrie, a mild mannered spinster in her 50's becomes a leader in the Dutch resistance before she is caught and sent with her gentle sister to the notorious concentration camp, Ravensbrook. There they minister to the spiritual needs of their fellow prisoners. They never regret the choices they made to stand for what is right and just, even in the midst of physical and emotional suffering.
The heroism of this family and the strength of their unwavering Christian faith in the most evil environment imaginable, make it the most inspiring book I have ever read. I reread this book every couple of years because I want to remind myself that if I am ever faced with the moral dilemmas presented during WWII, I want to stand against evil with the strength and resolve shown by the Ten Boom family.
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