Benefits of Being a Nerd

It's truly amazing how much this book does with so few pages. The story is told very simply from a child-like perspective. It focuses on a nine year old named Bruno, and though it isn't told directly from his perspective, there is very little narrative distance. Hence, we are not trapped in Bruno's perspective, but travel seamlessly into his thoughts and emotions. 

This is a very innocent way to recount a small slice of the events that occurred in Europe during the Holocaust. Bruno has little to no understanding of what is going on when his father is promoted by Hitler and moved to what Bruno knows as "Out With." This not only creates a great deal of tension throughout the piece, but also tones down the drama and horror of the events that Bruno unwittingly witnesses. 

This is a really easy read, but it should not be taken lightly. It is very powerful, sad, beautiful and memorable. I can see myself reading this book again in the future. It is very very good and definitely worth picking up.

Bye!