The Diary of a Young Girl
discussion
Anyone else hate this Diary
Maria wrote: "And Leslie troll has never showed her face again - fighting your own shadow is not fun, is it? "Sounds to me like " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4UwUd... "
Trixie wrote: "I too, admit to a curiosity about this thread, in a rubber-necking sort of way. So here's the thing.....I was about Anne's age when I read this and I had no idea about my family history; one day..."
Trixie, sadly, I don't believe your dad's story is unique for the time and place. It's one of the reasons I personally oppose things like prayer in school (the religion of a child in a public school is nobody's business). Things have changed a lot, obviously, since then. And I hope the clock doesn't turn back in this respect.
I think a lot of people already said why they liked it (myself included). I also think that it might not be the best idea to ask this new question now, when you are still busy, since I'm not sure you'll have time to read everything, think things through and reply in your daily half an hour of internet, no matter how short everyone keeps it. Because you will be expected to reply to the posts and compare and contrast the opinions presented with your own, you know?
Anamika wrote: "I would like to ask you this question:Why do you like the diary?"Fair enough:
The thing is, that you know people lived in hiding back then. But you never get details. What did they have to worry about? Where did they get food/clothing and so on? How do people in this situation choose a hiding place?
Anne's diary answers those questions first hand and shows to the reader so many more problems Anne had to face in that time.
Daniel wrote: "Anamika wrote: "I would like to ask you this question:Why do you like the diary?"Fair enough:
The thing is, that you know people lived in hiding back then. But you never get details. What did the..."
Well said. This is not a novel. It is actually more of a historical document, which has been published for everyone to read. I guess her family agreed that breaching her privacy was necessary to let people know what really happened.
Denise wrote: "Trixie wrote: "I too, admit to a curiosity about this thread, in a rubber-necking sort of way. So here's the thing.....I was about Anne's age when I read this and I had no idea about my family h..." Whoa! People die everyday, and still the loss of a loved one is painful. The fact that stories happen often, does not make the loss of a loved one less meaningful or painful. Prayers or no prayers, religion is still a source of discrimination-- ask you Muslim neighbor. Or your Jehova's witness friend…
Hiiii guys
Of course that if something happens often, that doesn't make it right and doesn't make the pain go away. But I think religion on its own account is neither good nor bad. It is about the way people present and use it. Saying that religion is bad is like when someone stab somebody with a knife and you blame it on the knife. Of course, you could say that if there were no knifes, it wouldn't have happened at all but then people would have find some other weapon or just use their bare hands.If there was no religion, the cruel people would just find out some other excuse to do what they do. Presented in a right way the religion could be something really good. It has helped a lot of people to find an inner peace.
Anamika wrote: "Well if I'm able to read 116 posts in that time,I probably can read your reasons for liking the diary too."You are priceless; I am convinced, more than ever, that you are more than one person.
@ Denise: My father's story is very similar to Trixie's father. I remember as a child going with my dad when he went to his tailor to have a suit made; there was this little elderly man with numbers written on his arm. My curiosity got the better of me so I asked my Dad why his tailor kept Dad's measurements on his arm (!) - that was when I was told the significance of the permanent tattoo. I was not, however, told of my father's Jewish heritage, or his treatment at the hands of so-called civilised English people until I was much older.
Because Jewishness is both a race and a religion you cannot eradicate it - you can give up the religion - which my father eventually did, but he is still Jewish. You can adopt the Jewish faith without being a Jew - I seem to remember Elizabeth Taylor and Sammy Davis Jnr both adopting the faith. I am partially Jewish, from my father, but I am not religious at all; the lack of faith does not stop me having that bit of Jewishness.
Religion, as Mae says, is very much a source of discrimination. When I lived in Canada I was a parent volunteer in our local school, and although religion wasn't taught, and there was no religious assembly in the mornings, the Jehova's Witness children had to stand in the corridor when the National Anthem was sung, and a short passage from the bible was read...they were often the focus of other Christian childrens' taunts. Shame when you think about what Religion is supposed to do - it does the exact opposite.....but that's another topic isn't it. Just thought I'd get that in in case I'm accused of going Off-Topic....lol.
From the comments, it's clear that everyone understands this basic rule of society which you do not: ONE MUST NOT QUESTION OR FAIL TO LIKE ANYTHING RELATED TO HOW EVIL THE NAZIS WERE BECAUSE DOING SO MAKES YOU A BAD PERSON WHO KICKS PUPPIES.In fact, in just my saying that, I'm sure there will be people who think I like Nazis or some silly thing.
I didn't enjoy the book either. But to be fair, I almost never enjoy a book I am forced to read, so my personal take doesn't have a lot to do with the book itself.
Joodith wrote: Off topic? ;-)
IMHO, it's more about learning to accept differences than ignoring them, but in public schools, I really don't see the place for religion b/c of things like this and the pain it inflicts on those of minority faiths.
OK. Back on topic.
Daniel wrote: "From the comments, it's clear that everyone understands this basic rule of society which you do not: ONE MUST NOT QUESTION OR FAIL TO LIKE ANYTHING RELATED TO HOW EVIL THE NAZIS WERE BECAUSE DOING..."Daniel, I personally do not equate support for Nazism with one's enjoyment (or lack thereof) of Anne Frank's diary.
Well, that's a pretty generic thing to say. Did you actually read any of the comments?
Denise wrote: "Joodith wrote: Off topic? ;-)
IMHO, it's more about learning to accept differences than ignoring them, but in public schools, I really don't see the place for religion b/c of things like this a..."
You would have to read right through the thread to understand my tongue in cheek comment ;)
I'll answer Anamika's latest question, since I never did... I enjoyed reading the diary because I'm interested in history and Anne Frank's personal thoughts she recorded were during an important and tragic historical set of events. Seeing them through the eyes of an adolescent was very interesting to me.
(that being said, note I did rate it 3 stars, not 4 or 5. I liked it but didn't love it)
Denise wrote: "Daniel wrote: "From the comments, it's clear that everyone understands this basic rule of society which you do not: ONE MUST NOT QUESTION OR FAIL TO LIKE ANYTHING RELATED TO HOW EVIL THE NAZIS WER..." No Daniel, its not that you can't "question of not like anything" against the evil nazis. Its about the diary… to some of us, it is not just any book. Its real life accounts, of something almost unreal. Its the sacrifice of a father and a family to publish a girls most private thoughts. Its an all encompassing historical document. That is why i didn't feel your original comment was out of order. I understand not liking the style or the act of reading it. But you did recognize its importance. that is entirely different to Hating. Unless of course its just a "whatever' sort of hating ( or teenage thing), like was implied at some point in this thread.
In answer to the latest question that Anamika posed, i can say that i´ve read it in 2 different ages in my life and that i´ve taken 2 different experiences out of that.My first read was at 14 /15 and i didn´t thought it boring at all, because i could relate to Anne - the diary-style of writting got to me, and i could see it before my own eyes how she felt things. History mattered to me, but the thing i was more centered, at that time, was her personnal experiences of love, and conflict towards her mother, mostly because they were confined in the same space 24/7 and there was nowhere else to be at.
I read the 2nd time at 33 and it was different - i thought it boring at times, but was more attentive to the historical events that took place within the course of the diary, because i could not relate to the teenager that she was anymore, but was more focused on the other part that the diary brings us: a view of what happened throughout the occuped countries, what thousands of Annes had to go through, the day-to-day struggle and pressure of not being found,not get the people that helped them found out and be in prison.
That,in my opinion is what people (or most of them) get out of this diary: not the precious writting, because it is not there - it was not written to be published - but a reconstruction of a most horrific time and events, told in first hand.
Let's not do this child's homework for her, ok? I'm beginning to suspect that's what this all is.
Probably true, Elizabeth. But since Anamika has asked a reasonable question at last, I suppose we should answer it.
I just stumbled upon this thread today and I scanned it for any reason behind the OP's strong feelings against this book. I must say I'm intrigued how the collective desire to hear a specific answer has kept people here, forming groups and starting side conversations as if this were an actual physical place.As to the OP's questions, I read Anne Frank's diary once over a decade ago when I was a little younger than Anne. I enjoyed it because I found Anne's life prior to her time in the annex amusing. At the time, it was a novelty to me that her life would have followed such a normal pattern until she went into hiding. Reading about real everyday people helped me understand the historical situation.I also found Anne to be an entertaining, if not a particularly gifted writer.
Daniel wrote: "Well, that's a pretty generic thing to say. Did you actually read any of the comments?"Was that addressed to me?
I was attempting to respond to the concern you expressed. Perhaps I was being too subtle.
The idea that people will think you "like Nazis or some silly thing" because you didn't enjoy a book you were forced to read in school is absurd.
If someone (not you) announces that they hate a book but are unwilling to give a reason such as, say, they were forced to read it in school, people might react differently, but it still isn't a reason to believe that that person "like(s) Nazis or some silly thing."
If that person promises to explain on July 2 why she couldn't give the reason(s) she hated that book perhaps the morbidly curious, such as myself, are hanging around to see what she has to say.
So to answer your question, yes, I have read the thread. Perhaps I have missed a post or two among the 825, but I have read the thread. Perhaps you missed my response to Anamika's question when she said she simply wanted to know if anyone else shared her opinion. I wouldn't expect you to have noticed it among so many.
Anamika wrote: "I've been asked the reason why I hate it but unfortunately cannot do it now but I would like to ask you this question:Why do you like the diary?Please try and explain in short.I won't be able to re..."While there is a lot of in-fighting and cattiness in the book, the careful reader also sees Anne grow and mature from a 13-year-old to a 15-year-old, learning from her mistakes and looking toward the future.
It is, in part, a view of what happens when so many people are kept in close quarters for long periods of time.
For these reasons I enjoyed the book, even though it was not always "fun."
I think the only reason Anamika has decided to ask, at this late stage, why people like this diary is because she has still not figured out why she said she hated it - it's almost an act of self-defence, a distraction, maybe even defiance. You know when someone says, for example "I hate that film" and can't say why after being asked several times - they then turn the tables and say "....well alright then, why do you like it?".Anamika will probably combine all the answers she's been given here, select random bits from here and there, then jumble them all together in the hope that her final answer is acceptable. I wouldn't be surprised if, when 2nd July arrives, she still can't, or won't, answer.
In the weeks this thread has been running she has been visiting it often enough to have posted an answer to our questions, and to ask her own.
This is now all fiddle-dee-dee nonsense. My theory about her being more than one person still stands.
Denise wrote:Was that addressed to me?
No :-) That was addressed to the other Daniel. The guy claiming that you can't dislike anything anti-Nazi without being called a Nazi.
I was writing at the same time as you, Denise, so I thought my comment would pop up right below his.
Denise wrote:
I was attempting to respond to the concern you expressed. Perhaps..."
I did not express those concerns and I do not think, that they have anything to do with this group. Yes, my name is Daniel, but I did not write that comment :-D.
I would like to see Daniel find one comment, where Anamika is named a Nazi.
Anamika wrote: "I asked the question to keep you engaged.And partially for my research.Joodith could you please explain to me the being two people concept.I didn't quite get it.
I don't believe in religion.Whet..."
Hi Anamika - looking back at all of your comments on here I can see that your use of language differs from comment to comment as if two (or maybe more) people are writing them. For instance, this latest comment from you - the structure is very lucid and articulate - quite different from earlier comments. There is a certain inconsistency to them - and this is what leads me to suspect that "Anamika" is not one person. Of course there is no way to prove it.....is there.
Anamika wrote: "This 'Anamika' is only one person because no one else other than me(And members of Goodreads) know about this discussion.SO your theory is wrong."Okay that's fine - I don't mind being told I'm wrong. But I am intrigued at how your use of language has changed so much over the course of a couple of weeks. Another interesting aspect to the mysterious Anamika ;)
Anamika wrote: "Would you mind telling me:Does it sound good or bad?"I don't want to say that it was "bad" before - it wasn't; I'm sure I'm right in saying that we understood what you were saying - but now, in your more recent comments you sound very different - clearer, more confident and articulate - so yes, better.
I had suggested, way way back that perhaps English was not your first language - in other words, not the language you had grown up with. All I can say is, that if that is true, your command of English is much better than my command of your language - whatever it is. I speak only English and the small bit of French I learned at school a long, long time ago. I have a great deal of respect for people who manage to use different languages as well as their own.
Just popping in to see if this nonsense has came to an end yet. I see it has not. Your days are numbered annemeeka
Carrie wrote: "Just popping in to see if this nonsense has came to an end yet. I see it has not. Your days are numbered annemeeka"ohkayyyyyy
Oh look. Annemicka's little toadie Belle is still lingering around too....
What the hell is wrong with u?
I'm not Anamika's toad and you shouldn't just go around throwing insults like that. If you bothered to read the comments, you might've seen that I have disagreed with Anamika and you can just pop right back out thank you very much :(
And the dead horse is ressusscitated and beaten again to death...Very glad that you finally assume something and give an explanation for something, like the question you posed - why did we liked it? - I confess that it didn´t cross my mind that was made in order for us not to fidle our thumbs and talk about something else, helping you in the process...well what´s donne, it´s donne, although i now regret having said anything, because, quite frankly, you don´t need for us to do you HW for you - i have a kid of my own, where i have to really help doing that - i could pass on the hassle, thank you.
And yes, Joodith is right: your comments don´t add up, in terms of language and tone, hence the 2 person theory.
@Ruby: Enjoyed the comment very much. Thankye. Made my day.
do you realize you seem anti-semitic to the other people? (i give up, to me!)
Wait, who does?I can't detect anything anti-semitic. Please give a specific thing that ticked you off.
Ruby wrote: "@Carrie.Really? That's what you're going with? Wow, toad was the first thing that came to mind?? Damn, i have never even talked to you and you already seem strange... Okay, don't mean to be rude, ..."
Put down your vampire book, pick up a dictionary and look up the word toadie. You are Bell's toadie.
Toads? I thought we were doing yet another CPR to the horse....damn, i hate to be late to the party!
The book has a slight touch of wry that mean that if you change your perspective for an adult to a common teenager you might find it amusing but if you change see it with the perspective of an adult then you will be annoyed and disenchanted.
Damn. I think calling her a toadie was an incorrect (and ineffective) insult but accusing her of reading unintelligent literature? Check your comment before you wreck your comment.
I just want to know who Dasha who is accusing of being anti Semitic.
Or 'seeming' to be.
Olivia wrote: "Damn. I think calling her a toadie was an incorrect (and ineffective) insult but accusing her of reading unintelligent literature? Check your comment before you wreck your comment."haha. i know. if you're going to insult someone, at least do it good.
message 746:
by
Belle ~carry on my wayward son~
(last edited Jul 01, 2014 04:03AM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Carrie wrote: "Ruby wrote: "@Carrie.Really? That's what you're going with? Wow, toad was the first thing that came to mind?? Damn, i have never even talked to you and you already seem strange... Okay, don't mean..."
First, my name is Belle. And while it doesn't have a "major impact" on me (because I don't care what trolls like you think), I would prefer if you don't spell my name wrong JUST to look extra menacing or whatever. You clearly know how to spell my name, but you chose to spell it wrong the second time.
"Oh look. Annemicka's little toadie Belle is still lingering around too...."
just saying, that's really lame. And second, toad is probably the dumbest insult I have ever heard so give yourself a pat on the back for that one. Bravo, you called me and Ruby a toad. You take the prize for that little bit of genius. And me disagreeing with you, doesn't make me anybody's "toad". It was just a bit extreme saying that ANAMIKA'S days were limited (and I'm pretty sure you know how to spell that too but you're trying to annoy her and look ingnorant.) Actually, you make it harder for yourself because Anamika's name is 7 letters and you spelled it "Annemicka" and then "annemeeka" and you spelled it with 9 and the way you spelled it is really just sad). so yeah, i think you are as ridiculous as your comments.
No I did not hate this diary, it was about a very young, brave, ordinary girl who went through a horrendous time in history. It was real, true, how could you hate it?Hating it before you even read it, coloured your view before you even began!
If you are doing research on books you have to have an open mind I think, and when you make wild comments about a book like this, it is bound to bring bad comments to your door. And getting annoyed at people who do not agree with you isn't the way to go.
I imagine you must be fairly young, obviously all the reading you supposedly do hasn't taught you very much I'm afraid. Such a pity.
It makes me sad, that people do not get a Gummie Bears reference. I loved that show as a kid.
Daniel wrote: "It makes me sad, that people do not get a Gummie Bears reference. I loved that show as a kid."what reference???
yeah, whatever Anamika, ppl are stupid sometimes :)
all discussions on this book
|
post a new topic
Born a Soldier: The Times and Life of Larry Thorne (other topics)
Mannerheim: President, Soldier, Spy (other topics)
The Winter War (other topics)
The Quiet American (other topics)
More...
Books mentioned in this topic
The Diary of Mary Berg: Growing up in the Warsaw Ghetto (other topics)Born a Soldier: The Times and Life of Larry Thorne (other topics)
Mannerheim: President, Soldier, Spy (other topics)
The Winter War (other topics)
The Quiet American (other topics)
More...
That said, this isn't a piece of literature - I think it's been over-sold in that regard. It's a diary and a document of a moment in history. Personally, I love it for that reason - not Anne's choice of adjectives or her narrative voice.
Also, you can't 'literally' hate anything. Literally is only applicable when something can exist in a literal or metaphorical state. You mean 'really'.