Parallel Journeys

Excellent and important book. The story follows the journey of 2 very different Germans during WW2, a Jewish girl, and an aryan boy who grows up to become a Nazi soldier. The history and viewpoints were very insightful, and I learned some things about the war that I did not know. It is difficult to comprehend the suffering that was endured by the Jews of that time, but it is also enlightening to see that the German people suffered as well; albeit not to the degree that those who were sent to concentration camps/death camps....which not only included Jews, but Germans, Jehovah's Witnesses, gypsies and many elderly/handicapped people. I found it hard to read when the suffering was described, but I also found it impossible to put down. Well done. All students need to read this book. May we NEVER forget the horrors from WW2.

I would like to think that this horrible time is never forgotten so we will not repeat it. I fear it is already being left out of our history being taught today. Should be a required read for middle school and or high school with open discussion on how they interpret it and how it made them feel.

The only WW2 book I ever read was " diary of anne frank".... which is great for the point of view that it was, but this storyline is incredible...reading side by side the lives of a boy and girl caught up in all that.... I really liked getting a chance to be exposed to the boy's tale of growing up under the Nazi influence, I would normally of never read a book if it was just about him and Nazi youth etc, not my interest...I was more interested in the girls story of life in prison camps, but when they are put together it makes for a page turning read...I just cannot get over how she went from prison camps to American junior high school ! She is an amazing person to function normally in society... and the boy...I sympathize with him, that's all he was taught....

This is a good first read for people trying to wrap their minds around the Holocaust and WWII in the European theater. It follows the separate journeys of a Hitler Youth and a newlywed Jewish woman. The author ties the two journeys together with historical narration that helps the reader understand the events. At the end of the book, both the erstwhile Hitler Youth and the Jewish woman meet and work to educate the world about Hitler and his enactment of the Final Solution. The information covered in this book lays a foundation for WWII and the Holocaust.

2 amazing stories coming together and helping you get generations see what the Holocaust was like on both sides!!! I couldn’t put the book down!!

An excellent way for my 8 year old to gain insight into WWII in Europe. Anne Frank is the standard, but this takes the subject to the next level by enabling empathy and understanding of both sides of this terrible time through the eyes of children she could relate with. This book is truly a gift for anyone that would like to prepare their children with an understanding of what human beings are capable of doing to each other and how the terrible governments can evolve without being challenged.

My kids were required to read this book in school, so I thought I would read it to stay in context with what they are doing. I thought the book did a good job of explaining both sides of the story. Although graphic at times, I don't think it was overly macabre. After all, the subject is war, oppression, torture, and prison camps. It does discuss life before and after the war, as well. All in all, a good treatment of a subject that we should never take lightly and never forget.

Great value for price

This is, of course, a children's book, which I bought hoping my grandchildren will read. As such I think it is excellent, giving a clear picture of what it was really like during the war years from two very different perspectives. There are many books that show the horrors of this era from the perspective of the Jews or other persecuted groups - and it is important that we never forget these horrors. But it is also valuable, particularly for our young people, to look at the life of a young Hitler Youth boy, and understand just how easy it was for him to be totally brainwashed into idolising Hitler and equally blinded to the evil he was involved in.I consider this book to be valuable reading for an adult too. Naturally it is easy reading, but it is also clear and precise, and leaves you feeling you have seen at least a little into the minds of the very real people involved in this shameful period of history, and opens the way for you to look more deeply at these issues if you so desire.

dont buy this book unless you are 12 years old. sadly this book was on sale in the adult section. it is a child's book, should be in the children's or educational/schools section. i read the first page only, the style is not to an adults taste.

I enjoyed this novel which was thoughtfully written and had more depth than a number of books on similar themes.the author is gifted in creating believable characters and demonstrates an understanding of both male and female thought processes.

Great entertainment and very eye-opening.I bought this book for my father for Christmas. He had it read within a week and enjoyed it. He found he was feeling a little frustrated after realizing a lot that happened however he enjoyed every bit of it

very interseting