The Berlin Boxing Club

This book has intrigue and action cloaked in the fear and injustice of Nazi Germany. Interesting and appealing characters, both real and fictional, keep the reader rapt.

The Berlin Boxing Club will be a classic. "Not all Germans are the same. It is only politics. It will pass." Every time Karl tries to talk to an adult about what is happening in his neighborhood in Berlin in 1934 that is what they say. Even his Jewish parents. Karl decides if he can become the greatest young boxer in Germany, it will change people's impressions of Jews. Max Schmeling is a family friend, and he arranges for Karl to train at his gym. Since no one at the gym knows Karl is Jewish, he continues to compete even after Hitler enacts the Nuremberg Race Laws. As things go from difficult to desperate to dangerous, many Jews, including Karl's parents, still say, "It will pass." By the time of Kristallnacht in 1938, Karl's father has lost his art gallery, the family has been forced to sell off all of their possessions so there is no money to escape, and most of their friends have already emigrated or been arrested. Teens will be engaged by Karl's determination and harrowing experiences. Some will be enthralled by the detailed descriptions of boxing training and fights. Adults will be dismayed at how naive Karl's parents are even as their family and friends are being arrested. The Berlin Boxing Club takes the reader to heart of Berlin in the 30's and into the lives of Karl, his family and his family's friends.

A very disturbing,dark and anguishing story placed in the historical context of Nazi Germany in the thirties of the last century, the time shortly before the outbreak of war, probably the years from 1936 to 1938. It tells the story, strictly from within Germany, and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew in Germany during that time, shortly before, during and after the "Kristallnacht". How did it feel to be a Jewish youngster (religious or not at all) who went to school with Nazis and not Nazis (but how to know who is and who is not ?!), and other Jews and wanted to be - as everybody - liked by his peers, who had the dream of becoming a Junior Boxing Champion, and the good luck to have the talent necessary to achieve that goal, and besides to be trained by the Heavyweight World Champion Max Schmeling, icon of German and Arian supremacy? What did it mean to be a German, not necessarily a Nazi, trying to just "muddle through" or even an anti-Nazi? How did the climate (of collective paranoia and hate) that permeated every aspect of daily life, feel on either side?Very well written, tansmits masterfully the climate one would assume reigned in those days.

This novel surprised me. I will admit that I am one of the few who did not fall in love with The Book Thief. I loved the use of Death as a narrator, but the story did not captivate me as much as I would have liked. This story did captivate me. I found myself entranced by this wolrld, living in the fear and determination. Karl was a relatable character, showing strengths and flaws. He was real. His situation with bullies is timeless. His struggle with accepting himself for who he is can be compared to many other types of situations. His desire to grow stronger, be better, and find courage makes him endearing. Though I was not a teen during WW2, I see much of myself in Karl. I recommend this highly. This novel deserves a film adaptation. It is incredible.

This book drew me in as books based in Nazi Germany usually do. As in that I finished it the same day I got it. I picked this book up at around 4:00 PM and finished it at around 10:00 PM. This was not because this book was an easy read, it was that i couldnt put it down. The characters are so unique and realistic that i was believing that the story was true untill i looked at the back of the book where it has a great authors note that gives any information that you may request.

A page turner that reaches the reader on several levels.

I normally hate to read books and in class assignments drive me nuts. Our teacher was very entertaining and she told us each which book she recommends of the 5. I was recommended this one and the first itme in 10 years I actually finished a book without having to use sparknotes.I don't want to spoil the story so I rather keep my mouth shut on whats going to happenYou can read the back cover intro and see if you like it but I suggest it

I love Holocaust books, but this one takes place in the 30's prior to WWII. It's a great way to see what was taking place prior to the Holocaust and how things led up to the Holocaust

Great book I couldn't put it down and read it in six and a bit hours very unusual for me but I really couldn't put it down.A book that would interest all not just boxing fans. A book that shows just how cruel, shameful and disgusting Nazism is.

My 13 year old son (who never reads) had to read a book about life in Nazi Germany for a school project. Couldn't find one in the library that interested him so looked on Amazon and found this one. It took a while to be delivered but when it got here my son started reading, and he couldn't put it down. He absolutely loved it.

Very good condition, as described

Share now dips into a fascinating boxing story to tell the tale of how two kids survive the Nazi crackdown on Jews prior to WWII. This is an interesting novel, but it seems a little rushed at times. The story is good and the conflict believable, but the characters just never seem to come alive as much as their distinctive qualities require them to.

Good read