The Reader

Rating:
Summary: disappointing
Review: Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I was disappointed by this book. It might have worked better for me as a short story.

Rating:
Summary: Superb; new breath of life for a difficult subject.
Review: Schlink's management of the holocaust theme in my opinon deserves attention. It's a short book which focuses sharply on the interaction between the narrator and a war criminal. The theme almost creeps up unawares, especially to the reader unused to the subject matter. However, I get the feeling that Schlink felt the need to prefigure more than strictly necessary; I believe that it's a first novel, so minor technical flaws where the character-structure of the novel becomes clearly visible at a first reading are entirely forgivable. However, I don't intend to suggest that Schlink fails in his duty to ask and enquire about our intentions to the characters by making them at all obvious - it's more the fact that his (strong) technique shows through. The section of the novel that deals with the Holocaust does so entirely effectively, dealing in quick order with questions raised on all levels about Germany's and everyone else's responsibility.

Rating:
Summary: An insightful look at how our actions can mold our spirit
Review: It makes you think about your life, choices you have made, decisions you have to live with. These decisions sometimes get in the way of your "flight for happiness". It also has a way of showing how to rebuild your wings to "flY" again if you have the desire!

Rating:
Summary: A TERRIFIC WEEKEND GETAWAY
Review: I THINK THIS IS A BOOK EVERYONE SHOULD READ. IT TAKES ONLY A COUPLE OF DAYS TO COMPLETE, HOWEVER IT WILL KEEP YOU THINKING FOR WEEKS. FOR ME IT WAS A NICE BREAK FROM MORE INVOLVED READING.I'VE SENT ONE TO AL MY FRIENDS

Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I identified with the "kids" relationship with Hanna. Great story. Anticipated yet surprise ending. Once I started I didn't put the book down until I finished. Worth reading again.

Rating:
Summary: Well Written
Review: Highly unlikely. One could tell from the very beginning that this women could not read. I find it suspect that she kept her job. I know this can happen, but a conductor? Also, how strong she was througout the trial, how strong she was in learning to read and be a responsible leader in prison. And then, having gained a semblance of self-assurance, she killed herself....

Rating:
Summary: well written, absorbing and entertaining
Review: I enjoyed the book immensely. It was a good solid read and I didn't put it down until I was finished.

Rating:
Summary: POWERFUL
Review: This was a great read. It was slow going at first but twists itself into a completely different tale. A very powerful ending! It is definitely one of my favorite books. I'm still thinking of the ending. It's a great book to discuss with your friends.

Rating:
Summary: great plane or beach read
Review: i finished this book in about a day and a half. it is very simple at times, and complex at others. it seemed to be about 4 or 5 different things, as if the author sat down to write about only one and then got off track. it is no masterpiece, but i enjoyed it nonetheless. it has a very "what would i have done?" feel to it, although it is not "morally devastating" as one reviewer stated. it is very real, and that's what makes it powerful in its own way. the other reviewers are right, it is not about the holocaust. it is about a love forever written on two lover's bodies and minds, and trying to forget to only relive the past. it is about guilt, passion, confusion, and something not quite sorrow or regret or acceptance or understanding...if that's the way you want to take it. it is not that deep because it is so short, but it has those basic elements. _The Reader_ also has some interesting twists, which catches you off guard. not boring as some reviewers claim. i do recommend.

Rating:
Summary: An eye-opening tale of love and morality
Review: The novel focuses on the events of post-war Germany through the eyes of Michael Berg, who did not experience the holocaust first hand but must deal with the consequences of Hanna's actions. This is a compelling novel that everyone should read to understand what it was like growing up during the time period after WWII and learning how to deal with the knowledge of the atrocities of war.