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The Berlin Boxing Club
Sydney Taylor Award-winning novel Berlin Boxing Club is loosely inspired by the true story of boxer Max Schmeling's experiences following Kristallnacht.
Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew. But the bullies at his school in Nazi-era Berlin, don't care that Karl has never been in a synagogue or that his family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by attacks on a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth.
So when Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German national hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons, A skilled cartoonist, Karl has never had an interest in boxing, but now it seems like the perfect chance to reinvent himself.
But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: protector of his family. And as Max's fame forces him to associate with Hitler and other Nazi elites, Karl begins to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his dream of boxing greatness with his obligation to keep his family out of harm's way?
Includes an author's note and sources page detailing the factual inspirations behind the novel.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.
Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew. But the bullies at his school in Nazi-era Berlin, don't care that Karl has never been in a synagogue or that his family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by attacks on a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth.
So when Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German national hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons, A skilled cartoonist, Karl has never had an interest in boxing, but now it seems like the perfect chance to reinvent himself.
But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: protector of his family. And as Max's fame forces him to associate with Hitler and other Nazi elites, Karl begins to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his dream of boxing greatness with his obligation to keep his family out of harm's way?
Includes an author's note and sources page detailing the factual inspirations behind the novel.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2011
292 people are currently reading
10362 people want to read
About the author
Robert Sharenow
6 books32 followersRobert Sharenow is an award-winning writer and television producer. His first novel, My Mother the Cheerleader, was chosen as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, and a VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers.
He is also an Emmy Award-winning television producer and serves as senior vice president of nonfiction and alternative programming for A&E Network and Bio Channel. He lives in New York with his wife, their two daughters, and their dog, Lucy.
He is also an Emmy Award-winning television producer and serves as senior vice president of nonfiction and alternative programming for A&E Network and Bio Channel. He lives in New York with his wife, their two daughters, and their dog, Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 862 reviews
July 22, 2012
Have you ever read a book that you knew had to be shared, not just with a friend or family member, but with the multitudes. The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow should be read by all teenage boys.
The characters are so complex and real; their hardships become ours. Through boxing, under the tutelage of the German national hero, Max Schmeling, fourteen year-old Karl Stern discovers himself. Unexpected encounters with people from his father’s past, sheds new light on the man who raised him, but never shared the horrors he witnessed. Karl becomes a man during one of the darkest times in World History and his dreams, desires and heartaches are laid bare to the reader. Unfairness takes on new meaning under Nazi oppression.
I’ll be looking for other titles by Sharenow and this book will most likely be donated to the local public school library. It’s a worthy read both for the story and the historical significance.
Fourteen-year-old Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew. But to the bullies at his school in Nazi era Berlin, it doesn't matter that Karl has never set foot in a synagogue or that his family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by relentless attacks on a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth to everyone around him.Future generations should be made aware of the historical events this book imparts. The story itself brings the events to life with clarity. Using universal dilemmas of youth, such as being bullied and finding your first love, Sharenow compounds their effects using the backdrop of Germany adopting Nazism.
So when Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German national hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons, Karl sees it as the perfect chance to reinvent himself. A skilled cartoonist, Karl has never had an interest in boxing, but as Max becomes the mentor Karl never had, Karl soon finds both his boxing skills and his art flourishing.
But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: protector of his family. Karl longs to ask his new mentor for help, but with Max's fame growing, he is forced to associate with Hitler and other Nazi elites, leaving Karl to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his dream of boxing greatness with his obligation to keep his family out of harm's way?
The characters are so complex and real; their hardships become ours. Through boxing, under the tutelage of the German national hero, Max Schmeling, fourteen year-old Karl Stern discovers himself. Unexpected encounters with people from his father’s past, sheds new light on the man who raised him, but never shared the horrors he witnessed. Karl becomes a man during one of the darkest times in World History and his dreams, desires and heartaches are laid bare to the reader. Unfairness takes on new meaning under Nazi oppression.
I’ll be looking for other titles by Sharenow and this book will most likely be donated to the local public school library. It’s a worthy read both for the story and the historical significance.
February 3, 2018
5 Stars
I really love this book more than what I thought I would. I have learned many things from just reading this book. This book has been on my want to read list for awhile now and I am glad that I finally had a chance to able to read this book. I loved everything about this book. I loved that how it was so informational but it was base on how the old days was. I would recommend this book to anyone. I would for sure read this book again.
I really love this book more than what I thought I would. I have learned many things from just reading this book. This book has been on my want to read list for awhile now and I am glad that I finally had a chance to able to read this book. I loved everything about this book. I loved that how it was so informational but it was base on how the old days was. I would recommend this book to anyone. I would for sure read this book again.
April 14, 2025
Second read. I definitely enjoyed this book more the first time I read it. The second time around, all I can think about are all of the people who were not lucky to have an art dealer as a father or a rich, influential boxer as a mentor. Had this family not be privy to these conveniences, they would have died a terrible death, like the millions of Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. At least Hildy and Karl made it out... at least they did.
November 5, 2015
I liked the book's insight but, I couldn't feel the characters emotions. It was like reading an (autobiography) but mostly like reading a textbook of a story.
The author has real potential but, rather than "showing" us, the readers, he continues to "tell" us what happens, where the MC is, and I did like the story altogether but, I could've liked it more.
I found one or two grammar mistakes. "Our selves" should've been "ourselves" in one sentence and there was another that needed a capitalized letter. I don't really care about grammar as long as it isn't too noticeable so I didn't really care.
While the story was good, Jewish boxer, war insight, and persecution, I just couldn't connect with the character.
4/5 outstanding but not quite there stars.
I am in no way an editor. :)
The author has real potential but, rather than "showing" us, the readers, he continues to "tell" us what happens, where the MC is, and I did like the story altogether but, I could've liked it more.
I found one or two grammar mistakes. "Our selves" should've been "ourselves" in one sentence and there was another that needed a capitalized letter. I don't really care about grammar as long as it isn't too noticeable so I didn't really care.
While the story was good, Jewish boxer, war insight, and persecution, I just couldn't connect with the character.
4/5 outstanding but not quite there stars.
I am in no way an editor. :)
May 11, 2015
There are layers to the pure and utter crap that this book contains.
Seriously, I was left in utter shock of the sheer crappery that is this book.
But hey, I'm fair. Let's start with the positives:
+ Boxing.
+ The book respectfully portrays the art of boxing.
+ People die.
- Actually I'm wrong. No one dies in this book. Death is only in mention and not actually shown in-detail. Another reason why this book is crap.
- The main character is a fedora-wearing brony that probably has a neckbeard.
- In another words, he's an Atheist stereotype.
- No I'm not kidding, in-fact, the very first chapter starts with him thinking about how much he doesn't like his fellow Jews for being religious. He even makes remarks that are borderline positive regarding Hitler's dislike for Jews.
- Also found in the first chapter, are child Nazis that beat the crap out of the protagonist because they somehow know he's a Jew.
Even though there was no indication whatsoever that the protagonist is Jewish. He's not religious and it's even mentioned that he looks NOTHING like a Jew!
So unless these punk kids decided to extensively dig through historical records to determine one random student's heritage, it's very unlikely they had any idea that this dude's a Jew.
- The romance in this book is totally fake and embarrassing.
- Seriously Anakin Skywalker thinks this romance is bad.
- It's as bad as Twilight.
+ Okay maybe not that bad.
- The book tries to portray real people, such as Max Schmeling, with fictional traits and personal relationships that the writer completely BS'd for the sake of "Historical accuracy".
- I say "tries" because the writing is so bad it's not even publishable.
- And yet somehow it got published.
- Seriously I think the editor was drunk or something because this is so bad I don't think anyone would let it pass.
- Oh so you don't believe me? Here's a snippet of this crap:
“The Nazis had broken our windows and torn apart our furniture, but they had not destroyed our selves.”
"But they had not destroyed our selves"? What the heck does that mean?
But it's not just the grammar. In-fact, the grammar is usually fine. The problem lies in the book's emotion or the lack thereof.
I'm not an author, but I'm also not an idiot. The main goal of any author is to convey emotion through words.
That's why authors tell stories, as opposed to simply writing stories.
Robert Sharenow wrote everything he wanted to write, but he didn't tell us anything.
And as a result, none of the emotion was conveyed.
Here's another example:
"I didn’t really consider myself Jewish. Raised by an atheist father and an agnostic mother, I grew up in a secular household. I had absolutely no religious background or education."
All he does is state facts. He doesn't tell us anything about how the protagonist feels. Which is okay to do every now and then, but the entire book is that way; just stating facts.
And as a result, there is no creative edge to what any of the characters do or feel. It's as if the entire book is written in statements.
And this is the part where I'm a little nice to this book:
+ To be fair, the author handles the evolution of the protagonist very well. He does indeed change from a fedora-wearing brony with a nickbeard into an actual fighter.
And that was cool to see.
If I actually gave a crap.
1.1 / 10
Seriously, I was left in utter shock of the sheer crappery that is this book.
But hey, I'm fair. Let's start with the positives:
+ Boxing.
+ The book respectfully portrays the art of boxing.
- Actually I'm wrong. No one dies in this book. Death is only in mention and not actually shown in-detail. Another reason why this book is crap.
- The main character is a fedora-wearing brony that probably has a neckbeard.
- In another words, he's an Atheist stereotype.
- No I'm not kidding, in-fact, the very first chapter starts with him thinking about how much he doesn't like his fellow Jews for being religious. He even makes remarks that are borderline positive regarding Hitler's dislike for Jews.
- Also found in the first chapter, are child Nazis that beat the crap out of the protagonist because they somehow know he's a Jew.
Even though there was no indication whatsoever that the protagonist is Jewish. He's not religious and it's even mentioned that he looks NOTHING like a Jew!
So unless these punk kids decided to extensively dig through historical records to determine one random student's heritage, it's very unlikely they had any idea that this dude's a Jew.
- The romance in this book is totally fake and embarrassing.
- Seriously Anakin Skywalker thinks this romance is bad.
- It's as bad as Twilight.
+ Okay maybe not that bad.
- The book tries to portray real people, such as Max Schmeling, with fictional traits and personal relationships that the writer completely BS'd for the sake of "Historical accuracy".
- I say "tries" because the writing is so bad it's not even publishable.
- And yet somehow it got published.
- Seriously I think the editor was drunk or something because this is so bad I don't think anyone would let it pass.
- Oh so you don't believe me? Here's a snippet of this crap:
“The Nazis had broken our windows and torn apart our furniture, but they had not destroyed our selves.”
"But they had not destroyed our selves"? What the heck does that mean?
But it's not just the grammar. In-fact, the grammar is usually fine. The problem lies in the book's emotion or the lack thereof.
I'm not an author, but I'm also not an idiot. The main goal of any author is to convey emotion through words.
That's why authors tell stories, as opposed to simply writing stories.
Robert Sharenow wrote everything he wanted to write, but he didn't tell us anything.
And as a result, none of the emotion was conveyed.
Here's another example:
"I didn’t really consider myself Jewish. Raised by an atheist father and an agnostic mother, I grew up in a secular household. I had absolutely no religious background or education."
All he does is state facts. He doesn't tell us anything about how the protagonist feels. Which is okay to do every now and then, but the entire book is that way; just stating facts.
And as a result, there is no creative edge to what any of the characters do or feel. It's as if the entire book is written in statements.
And this is the part where I'm a little nice to this book:
+ To be fair, the author handles the evolution of the protagonist very well. He does indeed change from a fedora-wearing brony with a nickbeard into an actual fighter.
And that was cool to see.
If I actually gave a crap.
1.1 / 10
May 13, 2018
Karl Stern is a typical thirteen year old living in Berlin in 1934. He enjoys school, acting as big brother to his little sister Hildy, drawing cartoons, and seeing his new girlfriend, Greta. His upper middle class family is Jewish in name only. His father is an art dealer, and Karl often helps out at gallery showings.
Karl’s father is a friend of the German national hero, boxer Max Schmeling. At a gallery show, Max offers to give Karl boxing lessons in exchange for a painting. Karl jumps at the chance and begins training. But as the Nazis’ power strengthens, their lives slowly begin to change. Life becomes more and more difficult and dangerous. As danger builds to a breaking point, Karl’s relationship with his mentor and hero is ultimately put to the test.
Author Robert Sharenow’s beautifully written coming of age novel is hard to put down. As the tension builds, friendships and loyalty are tested. Fear and suspicion are palpable. Sharenow’s characters - both real and fictional are unforgettable. Taut and realistic, this novel will stay with you long after you finish reading. Older teens as well as adults who are interested in reading about life in Germany during World War II would find this novel well worth reading.
Karl’s father is a friend of the German national hero, boxer Max Schmeling. At a gallery show, Max offers to give Karl boxing lessons in exchange for a painting. Karl jumps at the chance and begins training. But as the Nazis’ power strengthens, their lives slowly begin to change. Life becomes more and more difficult and dangerous. As danger builds to a breaking point, Karl’s relationship with his mentor and hero is ultimately put to the test.
Author Robert Sharenow’s beautifully written coming of age novel is hard to put down. As the tension builds, friendships and loyalty are tested. Fear and suspicion are palpable. Sharenow’s characters - both real and fictional are unforgettable. Taut and realistic, this novel will stay with you long after you finish reading. Older teens as well as adults who are interested in reading about life in Germany during World War II would find this novel well worth reading.
February 3, 2017
This book broke my heart into little pieces...
" Would not you be interested in carrying an apple or, perhaps, some eggs? They are fresh from my cousin's farm.
I noticed how his coat was frayed. His eyes were damp and yellow, betraying his despair as he waited for my answer.
"Sure, I'll bring an apple."
"How about one for your sister?" Just a few more cents.
I hesitated. In fact, I did not have the extra cents to spend, but Herr Greenberg seemed to need them even more than we did.
"All right," I agreed, picking another apple out of the basket."
" Would not you be interested in carrying an apple or, perhaps, some eggs? They are fresh from my cousin's farm.
I noticed how his coat was frayed. His eyes were damp and yellow, betraying his despair as he waited for my answer.
"Sure, I'll bring an apple."
"How about one for your sister?" Just a few more cents.
I hesitated. In fact, I did not have the extra cents to spend, but Herr Greenberg seemed to need them even more than we did.
"All right," I agreed, picking another apple out of the basket."
December 25, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed.
May 18, 2015
While I usually really enjoy historical fiction, especially World War II era, this book was a huge letdown. Poor writing, 2 dimensional characters...I rolled my eyes any number of times. There are many books about this era that would be better worth your time. I do, however, find myself more interested in the boxing world, Max Schmeling, and Joe Louis. A non-fiction book, or even a more concise fictional book, would interest me. But I don't see myself reaching for any other books by this author anytime in the future. The writing was almost painful.
The best kind of books are the ones that tell you just enough and let you reach a conclusion, and an emotional connection, on your own. This book did the exact opposite of that by telling much more than it cared to show. The flippant remarks about the main character wanting to get into a girls pants, followed by the most painful case of insta-"I want to make out with you all the time but our relationship is annoying and unbelievable and will last about 10 pages even though it's set up like a big emotional struggle within the story" I have ever seen occurred. The characters had no communication skills throughout the entire story, and if I read the words "solar plexus" one more time I will puke. There were few likeable things about this novel, at least not enough to warrant more than 2 stars. The premise for the book was promising, but executed poorly.
The best kind of books are the ones that tell you just enough and let you reach a conclusion, and an emotional connection, on your own. This book did the exact opposite of that by telling much more than it cared to show. The flippant remarks about the main character wanting to get into a girls pants, followed by the most painful case of insta-"I want to make out with you all the time but our relationship is annoying and unbelievable and will last about 10 pages even though it's set up like a big emotional struggle within the story" I have ever seen occurred. The characters had no communication skills throughout the entire story, and if I read the words "solar plexus" one more time I will puke. There were few likeable things about this novel, at least not enough to warrant more than 2 stars. The premise for the book was promising, but executed poorly.
February 12, 2025
Very good, I now know a lot more about boxing.
February 1, 2021
Like another review that I read said I believe this book should not just be read by people who come across it I believe it should be read by all teenage boys. This book tells the tale of Karl Stern a teenage boy in Nazi occupied Germany. Karl has so much character and realizes so much throughout this novel. Please read this.
August 19, 2025
Karl Stern, a 14-year-old boy lives in Nazi-era Berlin in the years preceding the Holocaust and World War II. His Jewish family includes his father, an art dealer, mother and a younger sister. Karl faces bullying, beatings, and humiliation from other students at school because of his reli¬gion, despite his family's status as non-practicing Jews. Max Schmeling, Germany's champion boxer strikes a deal with his father to give Karl private box¬ing lessons in exchange for a portrait of himself by artist George Grosz instead of paying for the painting. His father reluctantly accepts the barter in spite of his dire financial situation. Max assigns Karl a rigorous training schedule and guides him to become a competent boxer. Karl gradually gets stronger physically and earns the respect of his fellow club members. He aims to become the next German Youth Boxing Champion. Karl’s family is terrorized and forced out of their apartment during Kristallnacht; the night of anti-Semitic violence organized by the Nazis. Karl is promptly eliminated from the boxing competition after his Jewish origin is revealed amidst the tournament. As Nazi atrocities against the Jews intensify, Max assists Karl and his sister in escaping to their relatives in America following their father's arrest by the Gestapo and their mother remaining behind to search for him. The tale is narrated by Karl, an aspiring cartoonist and features his own illustrations, portraits, and cartoons throughout the book. ‘The Berlin Boxing Club’ is a brilliantly written historical novel that intermixes both fiction and real facts. It tells a compelling story of friendships, loyalty, sorrow and victory. The characters are inspirational, well-defined and convey a powerful message of faith and hope. UNFORGETTABLE AND PHENOMENAL.
July 10, 2013
Great Book!! It should be read by all teenage guys. Not exacty a girl book, but that doesnt mean girls cant read it. That being said there were a few issues with the book.
VIOLENT CONTENT
This book is set at the beginning of World War II and it is about boxing so you can expect some violence. Karl is beat up a few times. Bowing matches are held, sometimes on the radio, blow by blow. Kristallnact happens at the end, during which screams are heard and some boys break into Karls house, break things and seriously injure his father and knocks out Karl.
SEXUAL CONTENT
Karl secretly meets with a girl for a while, occasionally kissing. The landlord trys to seduce her and threatens to reveal their relationship. Karls pulls his naked unconcious mother from the bathtub.
Karl's father prints fliers for homosexual balls, hosted by the "Countess". Karl is at first appaled by his fathers accociation with these people, but grow more "comfortable" in a way around them(he delivers the fliers) During one of the visits, the Countess(she is really a man)emerges from the bedroom where his boyfriend waits for him.
Some boys want to know if Karl is Jewsish, so they take off his pants. ect.
OTHER STUFF
Karl trys beer and likes it. a**,p*** b******, d****, are used a few times, and s*** is used once. Name calling is common in the boxing club, nothing worse than "bucket head" or so.
Even with all that it was a really good book. Issues that guys face today such as parenting, girls, and school are faced by Karl as well.
VIOLENT CONTENT
This book is set at the beginning of World War II and it is about boxing so you can expect some violence. Karl is beat up a few times. Bowing matches are held, sometimes on the radio, blow by blow. Kristallnact happens at the end, during which screams are heard and some boys break into Karls house, break things and seriously injure his father and knocks out Karl.
SEXUAL CONTENT
Karl secretly meets with a girl for a while, occasionally kissing. The landlord trys to seduce her and threatens to reveal their relationship. Karls pulls his naked unconcious mother from the bathtub.
Karl's father prints fliers for homosexual balls, hosted by the "Countess". Karl is at first appaled by his fathers accociation with these people, but grow more "comfortable" in a way around them(he delivers the fliers) During one of the visits, the Countess(she is really a man)emerges from the bedroom where his boyfriend waits for him.
Some boys want to know if Karl is Jewsish, so they take off his pants. ect.
OTHER STUFF
Karl trys beer and likes it. a**,p*** b******, d****, are used a few times, and s*** is used once. Name calling is common in the boxing club, nothing worse than "bucket head" or so.
Even with all that it was a really good book. Issues that guys face today such as parenting, girls, and school are faced by Karl as well.
December 21, 2019
I read this book for the ATY 2019 Reading Challenge Wk 10: A book containing a historical figure
That historical figure was Max Schmeling. Max had considerable cachet in Germany, but when he went to America and beat Joe Louis he proved that Aryans were to best humans on earth. The book is told from the point of view of a young Jewish German and follows the rise of Nazism through the events of Kristallnacht. Karl's father was a well-known dealer in the German art world before Hitler. He had been a war hero for Germany during WWI. He had lots of friends from all walks of life and social strata. These friends included Max Schmeling. Max takes Karl into his tutelage at the Berlin Boxing Club, where he trained when he was not on the road. Karl became a very good boxer. He was not Jewish in appearance so he managed to avoid being targeted, but his family did not. He had classmates who were also aware of his status and enjoyed tormenting him. His progress in the boxing world came to an abrupt halt when his tormentors unveiled him during a tournament. Max was able to offer his family sanctuary after Kristallnacht and was instrumental in saving Karl and his sister. Of course, this is a historical novel based on many actual events, but Max is the only non-fictional person in the story. The reality of Nazism and the story of German Jews is realistically portraited. It chills one's blood to read of the horrors of the times.
That historical figure was Max Schmeling. Max had considerable cachet in Germany, but when he went to America and beat Joe Louis he proved that Aryans were to best humans on earth. The book is told from the point of view of a young Jewish German and follows the rise of Nazism through the events of Kristallnacht. Karl's father was a well-known dealer in the German art world before Hitler. He had been a war hero for Germany during WWI. He had lots of friends from all walks of life and social strata. These friends included Max Schmeling. Max takes Karl into his tutelage at the Berlin Boxing Club, where he trained when he was not on the road. Karl became a very good boxer. He was not Jewish in appearance so he managed to avoid being targeted, but his family did not. He had classmates who were also aware of his status and enjoyed tormenting him. His progress in the boxing world came to an abrupt halt when his tormentors unveiled him during a tournament. Max was able to offer his family sanctuary after Kristallnacht and was instrumental in saving Karl and his sister. Of course, this is a historical novel based on many actual events, but Max is the only non-fictional person in the story. The reality of Nazism and the story of German Jews is realistically portraited. It chills one's blood to read of the horrors of the times.
November 20, 2014
I bought this book at a middle school book fair. It is young adult, historical fiction based loosely on the true story of Max Schmeling, a boxing star in Nazi Germany. After a defeat to Joe Louis and after harboring two Jewish children in his apartment, Hitler was not happy with him any longer, and Max was forcibly drafted into the German paratroopers where he was wounded in combat.
But this story is not about him. It is about Karl Stern, a young boy bullied at his school in Nazi Berlin, even though he is a non-practicing Jew. When Max Schmeling makes a deal with Karl's father, a painting for boxing lessons, Karl has a chance to reinvent himself from skinny boy to muscular young man, growing and maturing along the way. As Nazi violence against the Jews begins to escalate, Karl begins to take on a larger role in protecting his family.
There are interesting things about this story that are different than other WWII-era historical books: Karl, though a Jew, would have loved to have joined Nazi Youth. He doesn't like that his father and his sister look like traditional Jews. And Max, though not a Nazi, never stood against it either.
This is a different kind of WWII story about a Jewish family. Very good and very enlightening in a different sort of way.
But this story is not about him. It is about Karl Stern, a young boy bullied at his school in Nazi Berlin, even though he is a non-practicing Jew. When Max Schmeling makes a deal with Karl's father, a painting for boxing lessons, Karl has a chance to reinvent himself from skinny boy to muscular young man, growing and maturing along the way. As Nazi violence against the Jews begins to escalate, Karl begins to take on a larger role in protecting his family.
There are interesting things about this story that are different than other WWII-era historical books: Karl, though a Jew, would have loved to have joined Nazi Youth. He doesn't like that his father and his sister look like traditional Jews. And Max, though not a Nazi, never stood against it either.
This is a different kind of WWII story about a Jewish family. Very good and very enlightening in a different sort of way.
November 18, 2022
Loved it! I have been so lucky that many of the book I have read for summer break have been so good. This book was super easy reading; the plot just sucked me in. I like how this is a Holocaust book that dealt with topics not much visited: the main character, Karl is a talented artist, his dad an art dealer, his mom suffers from depression, and he looks nothing like a Jew while is younger sister totally fits the outer mold. All of these elements make for an interesting story.
Furthermore, one of my favorite parts of the book was the introduction of a gay male figure who becomes a hero for Karl. Hitler also targeted homosexuals in his attempt to destroy those who didn't fit his ideal. This is a part of the Holocaust not often taught or discussed. Here is a subplot that confronts this little-visited reality.
Karl and his family live in Berlin in the 1930's. The events of the novel lead up to Krystalnacht. I enjoyed how Karl is vulnerable to attack and makes his way despite it. I rooted for him throughout. It is a mix of hard and soft: boxing and art, humanity and Nazism. It is a gem.
Furthermore, one of my favorite parts of the book was the introduction of a gay male figure who becomes a hero for Karl. Hitler also targeted homosexuals in his attempt to destroy those who didn't fit his ideal. This is a part of the Holocaust not often taught or discussed. Here is a subplot that confronts this little-visited reality.
Karl and his family live in Berlin in the 1930's. The events of the novel lead up to Krystalnacht. I enjoyed how Karl is vulnerable to attack and makes his way despite it. I rooted for him throughout. It is a mix of hard and soft: boxing and art, humanity and Nazism. It is a gem.
October 17, 2016
This book was highly enjoyable because it was unique and inspirational. There are so many books out there that are the typical all-the-same Holocaust stories (not that I don't love them), but this went a step forward. It was unique that there was something else going on in the characters life, which brought an exciting and unique aspect to the book. The story brought a lot of inspiration and hope because when times seemed to be so rough for Karl, he persevered and kept his dream alive that Max would fulfill his promise of teaching him to box.
This book also accurately represented how hard life for Jewish during this time was. In many parts of the book Karl couldn't be himself or do what he wanted to do because of his religion. At some parts of the book, he was even physically bullied for this. I interpreted Karl as someone who wanted to be himself, but his religion wouldn't let him do this. So, he used his love of boxing to push his constraints of his religion aside and embrace who he really was.
This book also accurately represented how hard life for Jewish during this time was. In many parts of the book Karl couldn't be himself or do what he wanted to do because of his religion. At some parts of the book, he was even physically bullied for this. I interpreted Karl as someone who wanted to be himself, but his religion wouldn't let him do this. So, he used his love of boxing to push his constraints of his religion aside and embrace who he really was.
May 18, 2016
Hands down one of the best fictional Holocaust novels for teens I have ever read, and I have read a lot! I could not put this down and finished this within a day. I love historical fiction and I love boxing so this book was a match made in heaven. Loosely based off of historical events surrounding the world heavyweight boxing champion from Germany, this novel centers on a young Jewish boy, Karl, in Berlin who gets the amazing opportunity to train under the great boxer himself. As anti-antisemitism grows in Germany, Karl finds himself in a tight spot; even though he looks Aryan and isn't a practicing Jew he gets lumped in with all the undesirables and all he wants to do is box, draw cartoons, and try to win over the cute girl living in the apartment complex. Filled with cartoon sketches, boxing advice, and the trials of growing up in a society where you and your family are reviled, this story resonated with me and I LOVED it! I liked it so much that it's one I would buy and re-read. Fantastic and not just for teenagers or fans of boxing.
March 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel. The story line and the characters within the book were very enjoyable and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fiction book based on non-fiction events.
November 16, 2022
oh my gosh this was so good
I would reread this so many times
ahhhhhhhhhh
I can't comprehend the ending-actually I can but still...
aklhjafsdkjldfsahjk
makes me wanna do boxing
I wanna do the 300 thing. it doesn't seem that hard...
welp I'm really bad at reviews, but just note that this is a real 5 star book. not a ally felt bad and rated it 5 stars...
loveall the characters, especially the countess hehe
kinda made me mad :|
I would reread this so many times
ahhhhhhhhhh
I can't comprehend the ending-actually I can but still...
aklhjafsdkjldfsahjk
makes me wanna do boxing
I wanna do the 300 thing. it doesn't seem that hard...
welp I'm really bad at reviews, but just note that this is a real 5 star book. not a ally felt bad and rated it 5 stars...
loveall the characters, especially the countess hehe
kinda made me mad :|
February 16, 2013
My previous foray into historical fiction was pretty blah, so I didn't have high hopes for YA historical fiction about a Jewish boy in Nazi Germany. I was pleasantly surprised by the original perspective of the protagonist who is not a practicing Jew and who comes of age at a boxing club amidst some very real, very complex historical figures. I only wish the author would have explored the comic book aspect a little more. I loved the parallels he drew with the new Superman and would have loved to see more.
May 1, 2015
At one point during the reading of this story, my son and I agreed it would be better in cinematic form.....a nice way to say the story is good; the writing - not so much.
The narrator's internal monologue did not seem to fit that of a Jewish teenager in Berlin during Hitler's regime. The external dialogue among the characters was very basic, making a mismatch between the mature themes and the weak prose.
Three stars for the actual storyline; it did generate an interest in Max Schmeling and his boxing career in Germany during Hitler's reign.
The narrator's internal monologue did not seem to fit that of a Jewish teenager in Berlin during Hitler's regime. The external dialogue among the characters was very basic, making a mismatch between the mature themes and the weak prose.
Three stars for the actual storyline; it did generate an interest in Max Schmeling and his boxing career in Germany during Hitler's reign.
Read
October 21, 2013This is one of the better books I've read in my years. It was very action packed and there was never a dull moment. I like how it made you feel like you were Jewish in nazi-Germany. The story was also very realistic in my mind. There are no complaints to be had about this book. I would highly recommend this book to anybody.
July 30, 2012
Jews in Nazi Germany, Karl and his family lose their business, their home, and their rights. Karl finds strength and hope from a surprising source, German hero and boxer, Max Schmeling.
A powerful and informative book about Hitler's attacks on Jews and how it affected German families.
A powerful and informative book about Hitler's attacks on Jews and how it affected German families.
July 31, 2021
I am very fortunate that people I know recommend books to me and as a result, I read all sorts of different genres. My law partner and friend, Danny Gottesman, recommended The Berlin Boxing Club, a book I would not have read without the recommendation. This work of historical fiction was published in 2011 and is considered teenage literature, but as Danny pointed out, and as is frequently the case with young adult literature, the novel works on many levels.
The story begins in 1934 in Berlin as Hitler is on the rise. Karl Stern, a secular Jew who does not consider himself Jewish and who does not look Jewish, is in high school. In the first chapter, entitled “How I became Jewish”, Karl is tracked down in the stairwell by three Hitler youth (the Wolf Pack) and badly beaten. “I stood in the stairwell wondering how the Wolf Pack had found out about my background.” And just like that, Karl, who never considered himself Jewish, realizes that indeed he is.
That evening Karl must attend his father’s art gallery exhibit. Business had been falling off for his father and the family is hopeful for some sales. The famous boxer, Max Schmeling, is friendly with Karl’s father and attends the exhibit. Schmeling purchases a painting and wants a second painting which is a portrait of Schmeling. Noticing that Karl has been beaten he offers free boxing lessons in exchange for the portrait. Although the family is in desperate need of cash, the exchange is made.
Schmeling gives Karl some strengthening suggestions and then goes on a worldwide boxing tour. Karl does not hear from Schmeling for quite some time. In the meantime, Karl is working out every day, shoveling coal into the furnace of the basement of his apartment building and sketching cartoons. Karl begins a relationship with Greta, who lives in his building and is Catholic. The custodian of the building catches them in an embrace.
The situation at school and around the country is getting worse. Karl’s father is having difficulty selling art and is conducting clandestine activities on the side. Karl helps with deliveries and meets the “Countess”, a transsexual whose activities are also outlawed in Nazi Germany.
About six months after the art exhibition, Schmeling shows up and invites Karl to train at the Berlin Boxing Club. Karl goes to the club and begins training with adult boxers. The club is run by a man known as Worjyk and Karl is befriended by a man named Neblig, who speaks with a stutter and provides maintenance to the club. Nobody at the Berlin Boxing Club knows that Karl is Jewish and over time, Karl becomes an excellent fighter.
Unfortunately, the conditions in Germany continue to deteriorate. Karl is expelled from his school for being Jewish and the family (including younger sister Hildy) are evicted from their apartment due to Karl’s relationship with an Aryan. The family takes up residence in the gallery as they are unable to rent anywhere else. The Nazis begin rioting and beating Jews.
Schmeling, who has defeated Joe Louis in America, is considered a national hero and is frequently seen with high ranking officials of the Nazi party, including Hitler. Ultimately, Schmeling loses to Joe Louis and his status in Germany is diminished.
Karl enters the youth boxing championship and is assigned to box one of the boys from the Wolf Pack. Karl is in the process of handily defeating his opponent when someone tells the referee that Karl is Jewish. Karl is immediately disqualified and prohibited from fighting in the tournament. He does not return to the Berlin Boxing Club.
The Nazis raid the Gallery and Karl’s father is hurt. He is taken to a hospital and both of Karl’s parents a disappear. Karl goes to the Countess for help, and she takes him and Hildy into her apartment. Karl has written Schmeling numerous letters requesting assistance and Schmeling does not respond. Ultimately, Karl shows up at Schmeling’s hotel apartment and Schmeling agrees to help. Karl and Hildy move in with him. They are able to locate Karl’s mother and Schmeling finances Karl and Hildy’s transport to America. Their mother chooses to stay behind to search for their father.
There is a lot going on in this book. Karl wonders, right along with the reader, whether Schmeling would have assisted if Karl had not so aggressively sought his aid. Schmeling tries to explain the complexity of his situation and why he has been seen with high ranking Nazis.
The novel is written in a deceptively straight forward style, emphasizing how a life can change in a moment. The rise of hatred and the ease with which seemingly normal citizens accept, participate in or simply ignore the hatred is chilling. The story is a gut punch. And Danny was correct, the novel works on many different levels. If you like this review subscribe to www.frombriefstobooks.com for more.
February 6, 2018
MY OPINION: ****
THIS IS AN ESSAY THAT I WROTE ON THIS BOOK FOR SCHOOL THAT COUNTS AS A REVIEW
Karl Stern, our protagonist, is born into a Jewish family. He does not possess the Jewish qualities that the Nazi Germans make fun of, but his family does. Karl doesn’t “really consider [himself] as Jewish…” (Page 6) and even states in the beginning of the book that “Jews sounded different. They acted different. They were different… I believed they were ruining everything…” (Page 9). He doesn’t believe in either the Nazis nor the Jewish people and he honestly just wants to be an innocent boy who is getting a good education. He doesn’t want to face the problems that are so obviously right in front of his face. His priorities at the beginning of the book are not as important as his final priorities; for example, his top priorities at the start are “Find a way to gain weight… Getting rid of my acne… Getting inside Greta Hauser’s pants and having her find her way into mine…” (Page 22); Karl only lists the situation regarding Hitler and the Nazis as his fifth most important priority—this is also at the very bottom of his list. However, as the story progresses, Karl’s attitude about the social issues in this book start to change after he starts to adopt the fact that he comes from Jewish descent and that there are people out there who are going to willingly discriminate unfairly against him. He starts to learn to box in order to defend himself against bullies that rag on him because he is Jewish. Karl starts to perceive the changes that Nazi Germany is going through and how the Jewish people are treated in his country because of who they are. Because of the various issues in society in this book, Karl is not allowed to be with his girlfriend, Greta, because of his background. He also is looked down upon and his father’s business starts to go downhill as society gets worse. “Dix, Grosz, and most of the other modern artists my father represented had fled Germany since the Nazis’ rise to power… Many artists were arrested… he began showcasing government-approved artists… his heart wasn’t in it…” (Page 27-28). Because of the state that Germany is in, Karl starts boxing lessons with champion Max Schmeling and gradually grows into a man that his father always wanted him to be. He takes care of his sister, Hildy, who has Jewish facial features and is being made fun of because of it. He also helps his father in an illegal trade of art in order to help support his family. He keeps a positive outlook on life and tries to be the adult of the house when there is nobody there to guide him. His beliefs change once he realizes that the Nazis are horribly unjust toward Jewish people. He is newly aware of this change in his country and his choices that are made from this point on are for the good of his family rather than selfish reasons. He even gives up tickets to the Olympics in order to earn some money for his family, even though he would much rather attend the Olympics. Karl starts out in this book as a rather ignorant and weak boy who was unwilling to face society and its problems; however, he matures as the story progresses; as he learns about all of the social issues that he is forced to deal with, he grows into a man who is willing to make choices and sacrifices.
I would recommend this book to people who are wishing to learn about social issues in Nazi Germany and have a good historical and fun read.
Main Character: Karl
Sidekick(s): Greta, Hildy, Max, the Countess, Neblig, etc
Villain(s): Nazis, being Jewish, discrimination, etc
Historical Fiction Elements: This book is based on a historical period but with fictional elements.
THIS IS AN ESSAY THAT I WROTE ON THIS BOOK FOR SCHOOL THAT COUNTS AS A REVIEW
Karl Stern, our protagonist, is born into a Jewish family. He does not possess the Jewish qualities that the Nazi Germans make fun of, but his family does. Karl doesn’t “really consider [himself] as Jewish…” (Page 6) and even states in the beginning of the book that “Jews sounded different. They acted different. They were different… I believed they were ruining everything…” (Page 9). He doesn’t believe in either the Nazis nor the Jewish people and he honestly just wants to be an innocent boy who is getting a good education. He doesn’t want to face the problems that are so obviously right in front of his face. His priorities at the beginning of the book are not as important as his final priorities; for example, his top priorities at the start are “Find a way to gain weight… Getting rid of my acne… Getting inside Greta Hauser’s pants and having her find her way into mine…” (Page 22); Karl only lists the situation regarding Hitler and the Nazis as his fifth most important priority—this is also at the very bottom of his list. However, as the story progresses, Karl’s attitude about the social issues in this book start to change after he starts to adopt the fact that he comes from Jewish descent and that there are people out there who are going to willingly discriminate unfairly against him. He starts to learn to box in order to defend himself against bullies that rag on him because he is Jewish. Karl starts to perceive the changes that Nazi Germany is going through and how the Jewish people are treated in his country because of who they are. Because of the various issues in society in this book, Karl is not allowed to be with his girlfriend, Greta, because of his background. He also is looked down upon and his father’s business starts to go downhill as society gets worse. “Dix, Grosz, and most of the other modern artists my father represented had fled Germany since the Nazis’ rise to power… Many artists were arrested… he began showcasing government-approved artists… his heart wasn’t in it…” (Page 27-28). Because of the state that Germany is in, Karl starts boxing lessons with champion Max Schmeling and gradually grows into a man that his father always wanted him to be. He takes care of his sister, Hildy, who has Jewish facial features and is being made fun of because of it. He also helps his father in an illegal trade of art in order to help support his family. He keeps a positive outlook on life and tries to be the adult of the house when there is nobody there to guide him. His beliefs change once he realizes that the Nazis are horribly unjust toward Jewish people. He is newly aware of this change in his country and his choices that are made from this point on are for the good of his family rather than selfish reasons. He even gives up tickets to the Olympics in order to earn some money for his family, even though he would much rather attend the Olympics. Karl starts out in this book as a rather ignorant and weak boy who was unwilling to face society and its problems; however, he matures as the story progresses; as he learns about all of the social issues that he is forced to deal with, he grows into a man who is willing to make choices and sacrifices.
I would recommend this book to people who are wishing to learn about social issues in Nazi Germany and have a good historical and fun read.
Main Character: Karl
Sidekick(s): Greta, Hildy, Max, the Countess, Neblig, etc
Villain(s): Nazis, being Jewish, discrimination, etc
Historical Fiction Elements: This book is based on a historical period but with fictional elements.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2020
The Berlin Boxing Club takes place in 1934, one year before Hitler came to power and turned Germany into a dictatorship. The story follows Karl Stern, the main character of the story, who has trouble connecting with the other kids in his school because he is a Jew. Karl hates the fact that he is a Jew and hates the fact that he is picked on because of this. Karl repeatedly throughout the book, gets bullied by a group of kids who knows that he is a Jew, and from this point on he's life keeps getting harder for him and his Jewish parents, who are endangered of losing everything they have because they are Jews. However, Karl finds an escape to his problems, that escape is boxing, Karl falls in love with boxing, and it helps him tremendously throughout the book. Through boxing, he meets his coach and other people, who play an important role in the book and ultimately make Karl the person he is.
The Berlin Boxing Club is the best book I have ever read; throughout reading the book, I could easily connect with Karl Stern. Karl Stern and I both share the love of boxing and appreciate boxing beyond measure, boxing helps Karl and I escape from our problems and make us feel strong when we are weak. This book is just amazing because it follows the story of a young kid who is trying to survive in his tough environment. At times Karl feels like he won't be able to survive and that everything is pointless, but in the end, he finds a way to overcome his obstacles. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a character fighting his way out of conflict. I would especially recommend this book to fighters.
Reading this amazing book again, I realized just how similar Karl and I are, we both have felt weak at one point of time in our lives, we both have this anger that can only be released by boxing, and we both will never give up no matter how hard it gets.
The Berlin Boxing Club is the best book I have ever read; throughout reading the book, I could easily connect with Karl Stern. Karl Stern and I both share the love of boxing and appreciate boxing beyond measure, boxing helps Karl and I escape from our problems and make us feel strong when we are weak. This book is just amazing because it follows the story of a young kid who is trying to survive in his tough environment. At times Karl feels like he won't be able to survive and that everything is pointless, but in the end, he finds a way to overcome his obstacles. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a character fighting his way out of conflict. I would especially recommend this book to fighters.
Reading this amazing book again, I realized just how similar Karl and I are, we both have felt weak at one point of time in our lives, we both have this anger that can only be released by boxing, and we both will never give up no matter how hard it gets.
April 14, 2019
A setting in WW2 Germany? Communist relatives? Jewish fighters? Clandestine meetings over forbidden knowledge and art?
Is THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB really just THE BOOK THIEF?
The funny thing is, it’s not. Not at all.
Whilst the premises may sound rather similar, the execution of the two books is far from it.
Karl was such a realistic character. He thought how he was conditioned to think (which was a relief considering so many authors churn up protagonists who, by their teenage years, have already dismissed their society’s prejudices). I think his journey was not one of action but of identity. All along he strived for appearance when really what was truly maturing was his mind. His selective awareness was something that really struck me. Because isn’t that real life? Aren’t we all exposed to only the most comfortable of things?
I also loved the point of view being from someone who was Jewish but not religious. I think it really gave the book originality.
I also enjoyed the careful mixing of fact and fiction. I think it allows the reader to educate themselves without feeling like they are in a history lesson.
What a wonderful book.
If you read this, I would recommend not reading up on any material surrounding the events covered in the book as it may dampen the experience.
Is THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB really just THE BOOK THIEF?
The funny thing is, it’s not. Not at all.
Whilst the premises may sound rather similar, the execution of the two books is far from it.
Karl was such a realistic character. He thought how he was conditioned to think (which was a relief considering so many authors churn up protagonists who, by their teenage years, have already dismissed their society’s prejudices). I think his journey was not one of action but of identity. All along he strived for appearance when really what was truly maturing was his mind. His selective awareness was something that really struck me. Because isn’t that real life? Aren’t we all exposed to only the most comfortable of things?
I also loved the point of view being from someone who was Jewish but not religious. I think it really gave the book originality.
I also enjoyed the careful mixing of fact and fiction. I think it allows the reader to educate themselves without feeling like they are in a history lesson.
What a wonderful book.
If you read this, I would recommend not reading up on any material surrounding the events covered in the book as it may dampen the experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 29, 2019Karl Stern is kind of a wimp. He got beat up and peed his pants during the fight. The kid who fought him was a lot smaller than him as well. I'm not a huge fan of Karl mostly because he is a wimp in my eyes. He's is the stereotypical geek. The bullies fight him because somehow they find out that he has a family history of Jews. Karl also draws pictures of his teachers and that's the only thing I like about him. Also, Karl is described as being nonjewish looking so I don't know how the bullies found out that his family has had this history. Karls parents are both described as atheists as well so I find it hard to believe someone found out about his heritage. Though I don't condone bullying I found the fight humorous.
July 20, 2021
This book showed the depth of hatred and discrimination that Jews faced during the 1930s. The main character does not look Jewish, does not practice the religion, and he knows very little about it. He is Jewish to those around him, though. When they reject him, he realizes that he is not Jewish enough for the Jews. He is rejected on both fronts which puts Karl in an awful position. He is rejected by everybody around him. His sister even rejects him because he does not look Jewish like she does. She has to deal with discrimination that Karl will never have to face. He is not enough of anything for a singular group. He is a complete outcast. Boxing is the only place where is accepted and can release his feelings. Boxing is what saves him and where he makes genuine friends.
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