Friday, September 25, 2009

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne


Where in the world has the week gone?!?! It's like I blinked and Friday was here!! I have no idea where the time goes anymore!! I have all these books to review and my stack just keeps growing and growing! Instead of pulling one of those books off of my pile that I really should . . . one that has been sitting there for literally weeks or months . . . I have decided to write a review for one that I just finished a couple of days ago . . . one that has had a very large effect on me . . . one so AMAZING that I really do not know if I can effectively put my feelings into words . . . but I will give it a try . . .

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne tells the story of friendship between two little boys . . . both whom are nine years old . . . both whom were born on April 15th . . . both whom need a friend and just coincidentally, come upon each other one day. It was like the friendship was meant to be! With the media, many may have heard about this book . . . about what or who these boys truly are . . . but, I'm not going to share many details just in case you really don't know what the book is about. I won't even tell you the boys' names!!

What I will tell you is this . . . This book exemplifies the beauty of childhood friendship. It demonstrates the wonderful innocence of children. It even proves the ignorance that may exist in children about what is truly happening around them. It will make you smile, cry, and smile while you cry. It will stay with you long after you finish it. It will make you think about where we have been, where we currently are, and where we are headed. It is simply one of the most powerful books that I have ever read, and may be a good lesson for us as adults!

I listened to this book while commuting back and forth to work. At the end of the book, the author John Boyne was interviewed prior to the release in the United States. A conversation arose with the author about the debate as to if the book should be categorized as a young adult/teen read or one more housed in the adult fiction section. I absolutely loved his answer . . . he doesn't view it as a teen novel or one that should be read by only adults, but rather as a story. It is a story . . . one that I absolutely love . . . one that I will read with my children when they get older . . . one that I will recommend to everyone who is willing to read or listen!! :)

For more information on this book or the author, visit John Boyne's personal website.

Additional Reviews:
Lost in Books
Park Benches & Bookends

10 comments:

  1. This is one of those books I'm not sure I will be able to read. I DO know what it's about, and I have a feeling I would be bawling through most of it!

    Great review, by the way!

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  2. Wow...love that answer too. Great review!

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  3. Great reivew!

    I remember seeing the ads for the movie and it looked wonderful, but I didn't know that it was a book first. Like Stephanie, I'm not sure if I'll be able to read this. I have a tendency to bawl my eyes out with books like these. Yes, I am a giant marshmellow wuss. *L*

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  4. Sounds great - I have been wanting to read this one... maybe audio is the way to go

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  5. Stephanie . . . I was bawling! A little awkward when listening while sitting at a stoplight in heavy traffic! I didn't dare look to see if those in the cars next to me were watching!! :)

    J. Kaye . . . Isn't it great?!? It bothers me a lot of times that a book has to be labeled. It's just like labeling people and trying to "make" us fit into specific categories. Can't we just appreciate the uniqueness of every story?!?

    Alexia561 . . . I have not yet seen the movie, but I don't know if I could watch it. The book was amazing enough and I may just leave it at that!

    Sheila . . . I would definitely recommend it . . . audio or not!! Let me know if you end up reading it!!

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  6. Tif, that's exactly how I feel, but the majority of people want labels...people, places, things just can't just be.

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  7. I just finished Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli, set mostly in the Warsaw ghetto in WWII-I loved the book-I for sure I will read "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" soon-thanks for sharing your thoughts

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  8. J. Kaye . . . Yes, that is the unfortunate truth!

    mel u . . . I've read Stargirl by Spinelli before, but never Milkweed. I think I better add this one to the wish list!! :)

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  9. Striped Pajamas movie is based on a bestselling novel by Irish writer John Boyne.This movie is very interesting. I loved this movie.i watch The Boy In The Striped Pajamas movie from this website...

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  10. strike . . . I had heard that it was a movie. One of these days when I have the time, I will have to see about renting it!!

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