When I was 14 years old, in Junior High, I would have never ever have thought that in English class we would ever be given anything remotely interesting to read. Like most kids I found it utterly boring I did well, very well...but it was dry and like many others I questioned when in time will we ever have the need to decipher a poem or need to know the different types of poems there are (well unless one were going to end up in a career field that required that type of knowledge).
Mind you, English class is important nonetheless... learning grammar, how to write essays , punctuation, the development of good writing skills & reading skills...etc. All this knowledge comes in handy on a day to day basis of our lives. Do we need it? yes.. Do most of us appreciate it? probably not.
My feelings of great appreciation did come and thankfully right then in grade 9 English class. My teacher waltzed in the classroom one fine morning, and declared we were going to be reading a novel as a class & with it every student would be summarizing & writing their thoughts & opinions on it as assignments. At that moment, everyone breathed a heavy sigh thinking what awfully boring novel was going to torture us for the next month or two... I know most of cringed as we were told about this... rarely does it happen novels that are engrossing & captivating are given out as reading material in classes. But our teacher when onto explain quite seriously, this was not going to be easy for anyone to read...not due to a difficulty in the reading level but because the content was sensitive, very descriptive and also disturbing at times. I recall him saying its a true account of how cruel life can get.... I recall my his somber warning and my interest peaking about this novel.
The novel handed to us all was called "The Cage" by Ruth Minsky Sender. A novel, (which is a memoir of the author) is set in World War 2. It depicts the test of human spirit during harrowing time of the Holocaust. The story of Ruth Minsky Sender herself, who's family was separated from her in the concentration camps, her courage, determination, fearlessness ..her story of survival.
It's quite well written in depicting the environment of World War 2, specifically of the concentration camps.. the torture, victimization of Jewish people.There are many books on the Holocaust obviously, some which have way more content & information. This novel is a light read, meaning that its not a thick 800 page book... its 264 pages and its great for a beginner reader of all ages who is interested in the time of World War 2 & so on.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, its unforgettable & it will leave you appreciating your life, freedom & your family even more so. If you have a child (13+...you be the judge on their reading skills and maturity) I highly recommend this for all kids... this novel teaches great lessons in gratitude, freedom & survival and I cannot imagine any child not developing a good sense of empathy, compassion & humanity after reading this....because that is exactly what it developed further in me as a young teen, as my other classmates as well I'm sure.
Thank you everyone for lasting through this review & recommendation! If you haven't already, pick up this book at your local bookstore, you may have to order it in however its inexpensive and only costs around $10.00.
To my grade 9 English teacher Mr. Clish.....thank you from the bottom of my heart for trying to teach us kids some good wholesome values in a time where the only thing that is taught is the layed out curriculum. For always believing in me, supporting me, and cheering me on no matter what. I don't know if you'll read this post...or where you are. Wherever you are today, I hope you are safe, happy and life is treating you great. Just know you had a hand in shaping me into the human being I am today....and for that I will always have deep appreciation for you & forever indebted. Thank you.....
Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com
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