5/10.The autobiographical reminiscences of a young Jewish girl coming of age during World War II describes her life in hiding from the Nazis. Historically significant but not a great book. ( )

Made me cry. Totally worth reading! ~Rachel (Fall 2009)

Also selected by Amanda, Fall 2009

a journey of emotions. from love to pure hatred. i agree with anne frank paper is more patient than people ( )

This is the definitive edition of the famous diary, complete with a number of entries that Otto Frank had edited out before the first publication in 1947. These entries relate to Anne's growing sexuality and a large number of very unflattering and insulting remarks about most of the adults in the Annexe, including her mother Edith. It is understandable that Otto removed these at the time, to honour the memory of the dead, but also right that these have now been re-instated. Anne's writing talent and capacity for emotional reflection come across deeply here, especially in the latter part of the two year period of hiding - the last 6 months of this period takes up the second half of the book. This enhanced version has an even greater emotional impact than the original. One feels and suffers with Anne in her moments of heart-thumping terror when noises are heard downstairs, her moments of despairing frustration at the ceaseless bickering over food, and, yes, the moments of private joy when she marvels at the beauty of nature in the world outside her place of captivity. There are some marvellously inspiring quotes on the latter, showing how even in the depths of the appalling situation she was in, she was able to find peace and tranquillity in God's creation. By the end I felt I knew Anne as well or better than I do members of my own family. That is what makes the misery of the last seven months of her life all the more poignant and tragic. This is what bring the Holocaust to life in a more direct and human way that a book about the Holocaust or the camps overall, vital though such books are for a proper historical understanding. Should be read by everyone in all creed and nationalities as a symbol of the strength of the human spirit. ( )

A friend from school, Jane Anne, reminded me we were assigned this book to read in middle school. I had forgotten I'd read it. Aaron read it in 7th grade I think. He also visited The Anne Frank House in Holland in the spring of 2009 with his friend Timo's family. After I began rereading it I remembered having read it in the past. It certainly had much greater meaning to me upon rereading it. While at times Anne was the typical over-dramatic teen she was also, at times, mature beyond her years. How heart-breaking that many, including her and her family and friends, died at the hands of such great evil. ( )