Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene Summary
Overview of Summer of My German Soldier
In 1973, a Jewish girl befriends a Nazi POW, sparking controversy that landed this book at #88 on America's most-challenged list. Emmy-winning adaptation proved Greene's $1,000 novel was worth millions - can forbidden friendship survive when everyone demands hatred?
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Key takeaways
A Forbidden Friendship in Wartime Arkansas
In the summer of 1942, twelve-year-old Patty Bergen's life changes forever when German prisoners of war arrive in her small Arkansas town. As a Jewish girl growing up in the segregated South, Patty already knows what it means to be an outsider. Her parents-a harsh, abusive father and a cold, critical mother-offer little affection, leaving her starved for love and approval. Her only source of genuine care comes from Ruth, the family's Black housekeeper, whose wisdom and kindness provide Patty's emotional anchor. When Patty meets Anton Reiker, a German POW who speaks perfect English, she's immediately drawn to him. Unlike everyone else in her life, Anton treats her with respect and genuine interest. He's not the monster propaganda has painted German soldiers to be, but a former medical student from an intellectual family who appreciates Patty's curiosity and intelligence. Their brief conversations in her father's department store spark a connection that defies the expected boundaries of enemy and citizen. What begins as childish fascination deepens into something more profound when Anton escapes from the prison camp and Patty discovers him hiding near her home. Faced with a moral dilemma that adults would find challenging, Patty makes a decision that will forever alter her understanding of courage, compassion, and her own worth.
The Hideaway Above the Garage
A Person of Value
Betrayal and Consequences
Finding Strength in Unexpected Places
The Courage to See Beyond Labels
A Legacy of Compassion
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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