The Reader

Rating:
Summary: very different story line provokes thinking
Review: I bought this book because it is an Oprah book and it was on the bestseller's list. I am glad I did. The story line is like none I have ever read before. It made me think what I would have done in the subject's shoes. It was worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: beautifull and haunting - highly recommended.
Review: I read quite a lot about the Holocaust, most of it is, understandably, from the victims' perspective. I found it eerie and fascinating to read an account of the Holocaust atrocities, from a post-war German author. The book takes a grip on you, causing you to think about the story and it's meaning weeks after reading it. From a literary point of view, too, the book is compelling - the language is austerely beautiful, the way the sentances are strung together makes the prose seem like stark poetry at times... I recommend the book highly, and was very saddened to find that some readers gave this superb literary accomplishment 1 star - I hope (and assume) most of them didn't read the book. You should.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent read... disturbing yet provocative.
Review: I picked this book up not realizing it was one of Oprah's book club picks. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down. Mr. Schlink's writing style is unique and refreshing. His perspective and presentation of the story is detached and without judgement. The tale allows the reader to draw his/her own conclusion on the subject and it is intellectually provoking. I look forward to more titles from Mr. Schlink. He is unique. I recommend the book highly!

Rating:
Summary: One of the better books I have read in a while.
Review: A rare book that I will remember for a long time. I can rarely tolerate fiction, but I found this author's writing very effective and haunting. The book is a quick read but worth the time. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Too close to reality for fiction
Review: Schlink spoke so movingly, the story so close to his heart, I felt that this read must be more reality than fiction. Ending the only way possible, sustaining the continuum of pain throughout.

Rating:
Summary: horrible book, avoid it
Review: did you expect a book oprah told you to read to be good? probably not... here is another case of a book picked by her that is very _bad_. would have given it a zero rating, but there is no option to do so.

Rating:
Summary: This book is a 360 degree view of the meaning of love.
Review: I started the book expecting one type of story and found myself puzzling very different questions by the time I completed it. Get yourself a dialogue group to ponder its many deep issues.

Rating:
Summary: a very deep love story, that held your interest thoughout
Review: I thought the book was very well written and loved how the title fit the book so well. This book held your interest a do not want to put down book that made you believe you knew the characters. very deep meaning to this book. A must read.

Rating:
Summary: Oprah is a hack.
Review: I haven't read this book yet, but I never will because it's on Oprah's Book club. All these books ride on the success of Oprah's name. They all stink. We need to stop reading these retarded books and giving Oprah all this power. I might have to start my own book club. So there.

Rating:
Summary: Vivid, Seductive
Review: The Reader, by Bernard Schlink, is a powerful tale of love, friendship and secrets. I was amazed on how Schlink was able to evoke imagery and range of depth in such a succinct fashion, while not sacrificing believability and humanity in the characters; I was sad to say good bye.