The Diary of a Young Girl

Despite the fact I've studied the WWII era for the greater portion of my life, I've only now read Anne Frank's diary.

Admittedly, my first attempt to read this last year ended abruptly. Maybe after years of hearing about the infamous Anne Frank it wasn't what I expected? I don't know, but picking it up again, I found hours passing without my realizing because I was so engrossed.

I always assumed the diary was a step by step recount of the war and the trials of hiding. I didn't expect so much ‘normalcy' that comes along with being a teenager. Of course, Anne's situation provided her with much more insight than most. Even in my twenties I could relate to her words whether it reflected thoughts I had at her age or things I'm going through now. At times, her hope was contagious that I was certain there would be a happy ending despite knowing better.