I've always known about The Holocaust and how thousands and thousands of people's lives were effected, but this book brings a new meaning to what I understand about The Holocaust. This book has made it all seem so much more realistic, and that people practically awaited their deaths for years. I personally wouldn't be able to handle the fact knowing that i would have to fight for my life one day and knowing that my chances of surviving was slim. The letter from Erika was very impacting to me, the way she described the massacre painted a vivid picture in my head that i can't get out. Her mother, brother and the love of her life died that day, how does one deal with that grief? I admire Gerda's courage in staying behind and going to the camp instead of leaving when she got the chance. I'm interested in knowing what is going to happen to her and her friends now that they have arrived in their new place and I can't wait to see how the snow boots come into the story.