Book Club Friday: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

By: John Boyne

Pages: 215
Read: 2/15/13

"When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.

But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences."

{GoodReads}

I saw the movie that was based off of this book, probably about 3 years ago.  I recently learned that it was a book and immediately put it on my to-read list.  I do have to say, I think in this case (and it is super rare for me to say this), the movie was better and more powerful.  The ending of this story is absolutely tragic and I felt no emotion at the end of the book, but the movie had me crying every time I thought about it for days after I watched it (and normally if something sad happens, I cry even though I expect something bad).   I gave this book 3/5 stars simply because the story is still ok and the message is still powerful.  Though I do recommend that if you read the book, also watch the movie (damn, I can not believe I just said that)!

I gave this book a 3/5 on my GoodReads.