Stones from the River

Rating:
Summary: Really good, but not my kind of book.
Review: I read this book just recently. I liked the book overall. It was a really neat story and shows a differnet perspective on WWII. On the other hand, I enjoy books to do something, have action.This book is definately not an adventure book, which I didn't expect. I have emense reaspect for Mrs. Hegi, she wrote a great book, but it just wasn't the type I enjoy really well.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutly wonderful story!
Review: This is one of the best stories I've read about life in Nazi Germany while combining it with the story of an extraordinary woman. The detail used to develop the odd characters is wonderful and leaves you saddened and elated along with them. This book gives some of the best examples I've ever read about the details of how the Nazi's creeped into people's lives, taking away one freedom at a time until there is nothing left as well as showing how ordinary people either resisted or embraced Nazism. Fabulous book!

Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK WAS THE BOMB
Review: When my 9th grade English teacher made us read this book, I was seriously dreading it! It looked so boring. But to my shock, I loved it. I felt for Trudi. She must had a rough life, but went on! I loved this book. I feel I could tottally relate to all the characters in a way. There was alot of symbolism, the birds, the stones, and the river. Thanks! I loved this book!

Rating:
Summary: On my top 10 list of all time!
Review: This book really put me there! Such a heart wrenching story, unfortunately so true to life.

Rating:
Summary: Memorable, haunting, beautiful
Review: This book has stayed with me since I read it last year. I couldn't put it down. I didn't find it dull at all! It's been a long time since a book has touched me this way.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've read....left a lasting impression
Review: Simply put, I loved this story and the character of Trudi Montag. It was interesting to read a novel which takes place during World War II from the perspective of the people in a small German town. Although this is a novel, there is no doubt there is truth in the characters described. I went and bought her book Floating in My Mother's Palm in order to read more about these same characters.

Rating:
Summary: Hegi does a craftsmanlike job.
Review: This book has a great deal to offer. Readers gain new perspectives on life in Hitler's Germany. It becomes plain how difficult it was to dissent and how easy it was for Jews to miscalculate the threat to their lives. Although it can be read on a literal level, this is not a light book. It is filled with devices, images, and symbols. Readers should prepare to be absorbed by a challenging piece of literature.

Rating:
Summary: First book I couldn't finish
Review: In all the books I have ever read, I have never decided not to finish one. I decided not to finish this one because it was becoming a chore to read it everyday. I got about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way through, and I really tried to care about he characters, but then I realized that if I never read another word, I couldn't care less what happens in the rest of the book!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent; profound look at the human condition
Review: I read Stones from the River almost a year ago, and it is still resonating with me. After reading other reviews, most of which I agree with wholeheartedly, I felt compelled to voice my opinion, and response. Those few people who did not enjoy this book clearly did not understand the statement Ms. Hegi was making. Comments about self-pity and lack of compassion for a dwarf are offensive; the book beautifully chronicles the human condition in wartime Germany. I hope for those of you who "didn't care" about Trudi Montag that you never find yourself faced with persecution; Trudi Montag wasn't just short, nor was it just about Germany in the 30's and 40's. Ms. Hegi is speaking about greater themes that affect the entire human race; Trudi is judged BECAUSE she was born with physical deformity, and because she was born into Nazi Germany--this book could have spoken about someone in Africa, born blind. It is a universal message, highlighted by the atrocities of war. Comments calling the book "retarded" have obviously come from someone who has missed the beauty and depth of this piece, and doesn't grasp the insight behind this examination of the human spirit.

Rating:
Summary: Did not expect to enjoy it - BUT I could not put it down
Review: Although it started a bit slow, as story progressed it was a wonderful read. Such a well-written book with lots of symbolism. I will read more of this author.