Tag: Challenge

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

~ Jennifer @ The Relentless Reader ~ 34 Comments

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
Publisher: Vintage
Publication Date: 1997 (United States)
Categories: Literary, Historical Fiction
Source: My own copy

Description:

Hailed for its coiled eroticism and the moral claims it makes upon the reader, this mesmerizing novel is a story of love and secrets, horror and compassion, unfolding against the haunted landscape of postwar Germany.

When he falls ill on his way home from school, fifteen-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover—then she inexplicably disappears. When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student, and she is on trial for a hideous crime. As he watches her refuse to defend her innocence, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.

My Thoughts:

I watched the movie before I read the book. That is never a smart move but it was especially dimwitted in this case. In my defense I didn’t know the movie was based on a book. How did I not know that?  

The big secret wasn’t so secret. I already knew the big reveal. It didn’t ruin the book for me but I did read it from a different perspective since I knew what was coming.

I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more conflicted about a book. The relationship between Michael and Hanna is wrong in every way and yet there is something beautiful about it. Hanna’s past actions cannot be excused and yet I felt pity for her. 

This slim volume is packed with big messages. There isn’t much more that I can say without laying out a bunch of spoilers. I don’t want to do that. If you haven’t read this you should. Take a bit of advice? Don’t see the movie first. 




Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & Reading Whatever the F*ck I Want

~ Jennifer @ The Relentless Reader ~ 45 Comments
Source
Did you all have an amazing holiday season? I hope so!

This year I signed up for The Book Blogger Holiday Card Exchange hosted by Leeswammes’ Blog & Stiletto Storytime.

Cruddy iPhone pic
It was so nice to find cards (and bookmarks and bookplates!) in my mailbox from some of the coolest bloggers around! Thanks so much to Laura from Devouring Texts, Chris from Chrisbookarma, Trish from Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity, & Laura from The Scarlet Letter. You know what I usually receive in my snail mail box? Bills. Credit card offers. Christmas cards are a lot more fun!
Hey look! Another cruddy iPhone photo!
I also participated in a Secret Santa Exchange from The Broke and the Bookish. Thanks so much to Krysta for the books and the goodies. Unfortunately she doesn’t have a blog and I don’t know how to find and thank her! If anyone knows my Secret Santa please pass on the word. Books and chocolate! Is there anything better? Nope. (Krysta, if you’re reading this: THANK YOU!)
Hot damn you guys! It’s 2013! Resolutions? I’ve never been good at those. I usually don’t bother making any because I hate to set myself up for failure at the beginning of a shiny new year. However, I do have a reading philosophy for 2013: 
This will be The Year of Reading Whatever The F*ck I Want. 
I did sign up for one challenge. I broke down before the stinking year even began. It is a TBR pile challenge so I don’t think it counts! (Certain people might not agree. But those people are not the boss of me!) Other than that one? No more challenges. No no no. I’m going to read what I feel like, when I feel like it. I mean it! Check out the post, grab the button. Read whatever the fuck you want. 
Go forth readers! Go forth and have an ass kickin’ 2013. Read a lot, love a lot, surround yourself with beautiful things and beautiful people. You deserve it.