I Like It More Than Crime And Punishment (Rachael Marks)

         Since we were given the group lecture points for the story I assumed from the beginning that Hanna was a Nazi (and that she would be having some kinky sex). The book did not exactly meet my expectations when I was presented with this knowledge. I did not expect for it to be so down to Earth and so heart wrenching, but then it is a book with a Holacaust theme and those always have to be like that.
         As I have said before, this book has had a bad effect on me (thus making it very challenging to read). It really just never strayed from giving me those bad feelings. Not only the fact that it made me uncomfortable, there was the element of suicide and the harsh features of the Holacaust. It is hard to call this book a "pleasant read." But I still hold to the argument that this is not a bad book. It is just a difficult one. It remained to be beautifully written and I can definitely find it would be invigerating for someone with more strength than me.
         I am glad that I got to read it, even though it was a big challenge. Even though it exposed me to thoughts and emotions I did not want, I find it inspiring to be reading a book that can do that to me. If a book physically pains you, is it right to call it a bad book? I do not think so. In my opinion it takes skill to make your readers feel. So even though this took a load of effort to get through I will still say the book selection this year was supurb (except for Crime and Punishment, I just hate that bullshit).