This book has been on my “Books to Read” list for a long time. I have been familiar with Corrie’s story from the film adaptation of her book, but I was reintroduced to it through an episode of the kids cartoon series “Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith” a few years ago. Through the corresponding documentary that came with this episode, I was drawn into the story of Corrie’s life and knew that I wanted to eventually read her book. In fact, I listened to two different audiobook versions in less than a month’s time. I have now come to admire Corrie and her family more than I already had and believe anyone that reads her story will too ~ Bethel
​In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom tells the story of her life and how it led her to becoming part of the underground resistance to the Nazis in Holland in World War II, which eventually led to imprisonment at a concentration camp. She shares many stories that helped shape her life, including helping to care for her elderly aunts who lived her family, how she fell in love with a young man only to have her heart broken when he showed up with her fiancée, and even being Holland’s first licensed female watchmaker. All of this set the stage for when the Nazis invaded Holland and their family felt compelled to do something to help people who were in need. Corrie eventually turned their house/watch shop into the center of a ring for the underground resistance and a hiding place for Jews that had nowhere else to go. They even build a secret room into Corrie’s own bedroom. Corrie, her sister Bestie, and their father Casper continued their work until they, along with many members of their underground ring, were arrested. While many of the members were eventually released Corrie ultimately lost her father and her sister Bestie through their imprisonment and Corrie herself would endure one prison and two concentration camps over the span of 10 months. She served others even while she was in prison herself and quickly started to serve and help others not long after her release, helping many find healing and restoration. Through everything that Corrie went through, she was not afraid or ashamed of the God she loved so dearly, knowing that remaining in His will was the only true “hiding place.”
​This book is compelling and inspiring, as you will be moved the lives of Corrie, Bestie, Casper, and other members of their family. If you like the original film, enjoy World War II stories, or appreciate inspiring autobiographies, this is definitely a book worth reading. Get your copy today.
Teen Rating. This book is great story, but does contain a lot on intense content, especially at it relates to Corrie’s experiences in prison and the concentration camps. If you are concerned about your teen reading it, you should either read it yourself first or consider giving them the Young Reader’s Edition of the book. Personal Rating. Despite the difficult content, this is a story would reading. I think this is a book every Christian should read.