The "spellbinding" (The New York Times) true story of a Jewish boy who became the darling of the Nazis When a Nazi death squad massacred his mother and fellow villagers; five-year-old Alex Kurzem escaped; hiding in the freezing Russian forest until he was picked up by a group of Latvian SS soldiers. Alex was able to hide his Jewish identity and win over the soldiers; becoming their mascot and an honorary "corporal" in the SS with his own uniform. But what began as a desperate bid for survival became a performance that delighted the highest ranks of the Nazi elite. And so a young Jewish boy ended up starring in a Nazi propaganda film. After sixty-three years of silence; Alex revealed his terrible secret to his son Mark. With his son's help; Alex retraced his past in search of answers and vindication. His story is at once a terrifying account of survival and its psychological cost as well as a brutally honest examination of identity; complicity; and memory.
#13171 in BooksColor: black John Howard Griffin 2010-10-20 2010-10-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.50 x .55 x 4.25l; .25 #File Name: 0451234219208 pagesBlack Like Me
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A true story that you wish wasn't true.By B. J. Hilla wonderful story-true. I read it years ago and reread it to remember. What it was like to be a black man and how he is treated is something Ithought about but this really lets you know of his experiences. I think it should be required reading in highschool.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Required reading....By Cassia2014I don't generally give 5 stars unless a book absolutely floors me. And this one did! The writer's journey was a brave one. Forthright and startlingly transparent; he recounted what must have been an uncomfortable set of racial experiences he would rather have not shared. From start to finish; this book was a true page-turner; without the usual fillers to make up for lapses in 'events.' There were no lapses. Every experience he described was a stand-alone piece of classic; 1950's sociological 'artwork;' nearly grotesque in its unvarnished honesty. This should be a must read for every middle-schooler. Its message is more timeless than anyone would've realized 50+ years later. Thanks; Mr. Griffith; you left us an true 'snapshot.'0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. owning this book in any size is fine with meBy Gigi CollinsThis is a really small book. However; owning this book in any size is fine with me. It is a great book that I read in high school many years ago. I learned a lot from it. I am glad I was asked to read it and I have never forgotten it. But; never owned it. Now I do; I am glad I bought this copy.
