When reading All But My Life, I must always remember that these are real events, with real people, and real lives. Gerda's story is very unfortunate but also teaches a lot of life lessons. During the first half of the book , it's obvious that she is a very strong individual. Her life is completely turned around when she and her family start to experience the effects of the war; and are stripped of their basic human rights. She deals with the many restrictions they face and the destruction going on around them. When her brother, Arthur, is forced to register for the war her family is completely horrified. Fearing for his life and not knowing what he would face was something that made them all feel so helpless. Before leaving Arthur said to Gerda, "Be strong, they will need you."(p.21) and he was right.Through it all, the separation of her brother, friends, and parents. She always remained strong.