The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

"The story of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the jacket, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about.

If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence.

Fences like this exist all over the world. We hope you never have to encounter such a fence."

Okay. Jeez. Wow. I'd been meaning to read this for a while, and it took a very short time to get through. That didn't make it any less powerful, though. From a reading viewpoint, it's very simple. It's from a child's point of view, though I don't want to say much more than that because if you know nothing about it in advance it makes the process of reading it even more impactful. Let's just say that the new outlook on the events of the book--that of a nine-year-old's--gives a hugely affecting process to the reader who can see what's actually happening. And warning, if you didn't guess: it's sad. Very sad. Prepare your emotions. I think this is a really incredible and awful book that everyone should read. Do it, and I'm sorry in advance. Get a copy at Kettleson, Sitka High, Blatchley, or Mt. Edgecumbe.