Before the Blood Tribunal

Quick reading style. Very informative. I thought the insight brought from this book was exceptional. The fact that history could repeat itself is a bit frightening but things happening in today's world make it seem more plausible. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand true historical fact, firsthand.

This book is a biographical account by Rudi Wobbe, who was one of three LDS youth growing up in nazi Germany. These three boys have found their own way to stand up to Hitler's regime by listening to BBC radio broadcast and typing up and distributing leaflets with information about the true course of the war in working class neighborhoods. They are caught and have to live with the consequences of their actions. I liked the personal, immediate nature of the story told from a view of a boy in his early teens. Rudi describes his youth and growing up in Germany in years leading up to the war and then the changes that take place in his life once the war starts. His religious beliefs as well as personal convictions drive him and his friends to conspire against Hitler. The fact that these young boys found courage to stand up for what they believe in face of grave danger is encouraging and inspiring. Their courage to make choices in face of grave consequences is very refreshing. Following the moral compass in difficult situations can be a great challenge for many. But these three boys did it and it brought out the best in them. What was also interesting, and this is something I wasn't aware of until I read this book, is how much dislike and resistance there was among German people against Hitler and the Nazis. Growing up and learning about the Nazi Germany, I always had the impression that the vast majority of Germans fell for it and followed Hitler. However, this book sheds a different light on this and I very much appreciate that perspective. The simple acts of the three boys, thought they may seem insignificant in the great scheme of things, are truly inspiring. Their heroism is admirable. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone.

By now, thankfully, the history of the Holocaust and its destruction of 6 million Jews by the Nazi war machine is widely known. Less well known is the fact that there were German nationals who opposed Hitler's regime, and who were subjected to equally brutal treatment. This book tells the true story of three brash teenagers -- only 15 years old at the beginning -- who dared to speak out against the Nazis by typing up leaflets and distributing them. They were caught, tried, and convicted. Their punishments ranged from death by the guillotine for the author and typist of the leaflets, to multi-year prison sentences. In a touching and very moving way one of the survivors tells his story of those events, the years of imprisonment, and, finally his return to normalcy after the war. In my opinion, it would be well for every teenager to read this book. It gives an understanding that war isn't fun, bravery can be painful, and the indomintable spirit can survive.