Click here to purchase The Reader by: Bernhard Schlink
The Reader

By: Bernhard Schlink

1995; 218 pages

Rating: 3.5

"The Reader" is the book I chose for my local book club this month. I thought it would be fun to watch the movie together and then discuss the book. It was.

However, when I started reading the book, I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. And I was pretty concerned that I had bought the book for my 18 year old sister-in-law to read as well. For those who don't know already, the first half of the book is pretty graphic and uncomfortable (at least to me). The story of a sexual relationship with any 15 year old makes me uncomfortable.

Anyway, the second half while still slightly unnerving, was very interesting. I loved discussing with the group how the two halves came together and what actions were influenced by what.

As far as how it is as a book, it is very German. What I mean is it's direct, to the point, without much (if any) fluff. And the ending is what you make of it. It is up to interpretation rather than being entirely spelled out for you.

The Reader is definitely a great book for discussion. But, make sure it's an adult crowd first. It definitely provided some good food-for-thought.