The Story of the Trapp Family Singers

Rating:
Summary: An uplifting story of a family who loved God and one another
Review: This is simply one the most uplifting books I have ever read! I adore the movie "The Sound of Music" but this book is even more amazing. The von Trapp family went from immense wealth to poverty in a very short time, but throughout their trials they never lost their faith that God would provide. I was also impressed that they were so easily able to recognize the evil around them (Hitler, etc.) for what it was. My favorite part of the book is when Georg gathers his family together and tells them, "Children, we have a choice now: do we want to keep the material goods we still have. . .our friends, and all the things we are fond of?--then we shall have to give up the spiritual goods: our faith and honor. We can't have both any more." The family chooses to relinquish their wealth and retain their honor. This is the best example I know of a family that stuck together through thick and thin.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and inspiring
Review: This was a very enjoyable book about the Von Trapp family. It was fascinating to find out how many things in the film, The Sound of Music, actually happened, as well as how many things were different. Maria Von Trapp also shares the role faith had in sustaining the family through some very difficult times. I recommend this to all who would enjoy a relaxing and positive book. The second half of the book does lag in spots, but the overall reading experience makes the book worthwhile and fun reading for ambitious upper elementary students through adults.

Rating:
Summary: The film is just the beginning
Review: When I started this book I expected to discover that the film is very different from the reality of the Trapp family. I was surprised to find that much of the film is accurate. Notable changes/omissions in the film are the children's names, the date of Georg and Maria's marriage, dealings with Hitler and the Nazis, the family's devout religious practices, and the "escape" from Austria. Much of the book deals with the Trapp family's struggles and triumphs in America. In its Biography of the family, A & E tv implies that Maria paints a rosy picture in this book and glosses over some of the darker chapters in the family's life. I did not find that to be the case. I feel that Maria tells her story, warts and all. You will love learning about Georg's first wife, the true story of leaving Austria, Maria's effort at grasping English, the fascinating religious rituals, and the recurring reality of how music truly saved their lives.