Journal Entry 1 by carlissa from Miami, Florida USA on Friday, January 02, 2009

Synopsis (from Barnes & Noble)

Set in postwar Germany, The Reader is a provocative, morally challenging, and deeply moving novel about a young boy's erotic awakening in a clandestine love affair with a mysterious older woman. Falling ill on his way home from school, 15-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. For a time, the two become passionate lovers. Then, one day, Hanna disappears without a word. Years later, as a law student observing a trial in Germany, Michael recognizes his former lover on the stand, accused of a hideous crime. And as he watches Hanna refuse to defend herself against the charges, Michael gradually realizes that she may be guarding a secret more shameful than murder.

Los Angeles Times

A formally beautiful, disturbing and finally morally devastating novel. From the first page, [The Reader] enshares both heart and mind.

Biography

Bernhard Schlink was born in Germany in 1944. A professor of law at the University of Berlin and a practicing judge, he is also the author of several prize-winning crime novels. He lives in Bonn and Berlin.
---------
CD (from Audible.com)
 

Journal Entry 2 by carlissa from Miami, Florida USA on Tuesday, January 06, 2009

I will be starting a bookring for this book. The usual bookring rules will apply:

1. journal book when you receive it.
2. listen to book within a month.
3. journal again when you finish listening to the book and let us know what you thought of it.
4. mail book to next person (media mail is ok).

List of participants:

booklady331
NMReader
??
carlissa 

Journal Entry 3 by carlissa from Miami, Florida USA on Saturday, January 10, 2009

mailed to booklady331 yesterday. 

Journal Entry 4 by booklady331 from Cape Coral, Florida USA on Monday, January 12, 2009

arrived today. I will listen to it soon and send it off to the next person. Thank you carlissa for sharing. We share a number of books. :))) 

Journal Entry 5 by booklady331 from Cape Coral, Florida USA on Sunday, January 18, 2009

It really bothered me that the author was so graphic about the affair/rape/pedophilia of a 15 year old boy. Sex with a minor is ALWAYS wrong and disturbing. This is the reason for the rating of a 7. I know that I will not watch the movie. I almost stopped listening to the book, but since BC was making such a big deal about the book I decided to give the 2nd disc a try.

The topic of the Holocaust was addressed in a different way than normally. The children had to come to terms with the exposure of their parents' active or passive participation in the crimes of the Nazi regime. It appears that Bernhard Schlink, professor of law and practicing judge in Germany, has attempted to capture the struggles of his generation in confronting the past and the future in "The Reader". "Pointing at the guilty party did not free us from shame", the narrator contemplates, "but at least it overcame the suffering we went through on account of it".

Michael, the abused victim himself by Hanna Schmitz, recounts the most important stages in his life, starting with experiences long passed in his youth. His introspective reflections on his past conduct, questioning his conflicting emotions - his behaviour - add depth to the story. It becomes obvious, at least to this reader, that Hanna leaves Hanna devastated and scarred for life. Michael became one more of Hanna's victims. It reveals the affects of sexual abuse on an individual. Does the fact that Michael particpates willingly excuse Hanna? I say NO. If Michael was a girl and Hanna a man, would we be accepting of this relationship or book?

I was hit by the question that Hanna asked the judge, "What would you have done?" I think this is something we all ask ourselves. We want to say that we would have risked death and done what was right, but would we? 

Journal Entry 6 by booklady331 at By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, January 18, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (1/18/2009 UTC) at By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

off to the next person on the list. 

Journal Entry 7 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Monday, February 02, 2009

It has arrived. Looking forward to listening to it soon 

Journal Entry 8 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Thanks so much for including me. 

Journal Entry 9 by NMReader at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (3/17/2009 UTC) at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On its way home.

Delivery Confirmation # 03082040000073620595 

Journal Entry 10 by carlissa from Miami, Florida USA on Sunday, March 29, 2009

Just got back in town today and this was waiting for me! I saw the movie and I'm not sure if I want to listen to this book, but I will hold on to it in case I change my mind.