The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Dear Mr. Groff,
I just finished reading a terrific novel called The boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne. In my opinion, the book is terrific because it has meaning and depth. It is not a novel that someone would pick up for a simple read, or to waste some time. This novel is meant to show you how friendship can blossom through the most unusual, and even unsettling, circumstances.
A naive and young German boy named Bruno, manages to find an irrevocable friendship with a Jewish child named Shmuel. This was very unusual, as Bruno's father was a German commandment and Shmuel was locked away in an internment camp. Though both boys, during the time era they were in, would have been brain washed into believing the other was a monster, their innocence and naivety prevails to create a friendship of a lifetime.
This book makes me believe that anything is possible. It shows me that although there may be set barriers, they are not concrete. Finding a real and genuine friendship is hard, and if there is an opportunity to receive one, take it, because you never know when you will have another chance. Throughout my life I have been hurt, I have been walked on, and I have been emotionally bruised by those that I called "friends". I have also done my fair share of hurting others, for reasons that I, nor anyone who has also participated in the things that I have, should be proud of. I have looked away from those who have truly been there for me, supported me unconditionally, and loved me for who I am, all because of barriers that were placed between us.
During my early teenage years, I was invincible, or so I thought. I thought that I was popular, pretty, and didn't have to worry about never having friends. My beliefs made me a very conceited person, although I didn't see it at the time. I managed to find myself some new friends, who were like myself, in a lot of ways. Little did I know, they were just as shallow as I was. I began spending more of my time with them, and less time with my previous friends; friends who had been there for me since I began my early years of school. While my new friendships were being created, a new relationship took place as well. I found a boyfriend, who at the time, I thought was perfect. Although now I know that it was far from perfect, at the time I just didn't know what was "normal" or "expected" in a relationship, due to lack of experience.
With my friendships, and my relationship, I went along with whatever actions were presented to me, because I assumed that it would be the right thing to do. I assumed that they would know better than I, and I should just go along with it. While growing up, I realized that I had an opinion, and that my actions effected my own life. I could choose my own decisions, whether they go against the grain or with, and they had the power to make me happier than I had ever been. One of the biggest things in life, is learning how to blaze your own trail and create a story for yourself, without accepting the plot of another individuals story.
This book has only made me confirm my newly gained knowledge on the difference between conforming to a lifestyle, and creating a lifestyle.
Happy reading!!