Parallel Journeys
What was it like to be in Hitler’s Germany? Is there one answer to this question? No. It depended on how you were classified. If you were an Aryan, Germany was an awesome place with endless possibilities. If you were non-Aryan, then Germany (and the countries surrounding it) was a nightmare in which you could not awake. In the novel, Parallel Journeys, we have the chance to enter the minds of two young people: Alfons and Helen. Both want to be happy and live life to the fullest. The problem? Alfons is an Aryan and a part of the Hitler youth. Helen is Jewish (non-Aryan).
This is the first in a series of novels that we will read pertaining to genocide–especially the Jewish Holocaust. As we read, you should make at least 3 posts. One is a general statement. The other two are follow-up comments or questions.
Start to make connections to the other novels that we have read and what we are discussing in class. This semester, blogs are a requirement. But don’t look at it as another thing to do. It is a chance to talk freely with others and to hear from students who may not feel comfortable talking in class.
So enjoy yourselves, but remember: everything is moderated and I will delete what is inappropriate or does not demonstrate thought and reflection.
Enjoy!
Mrs. Hampton 
108 Responses to “Parallel Journeys”
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I do really like this book because it is telling of the a story about two people. I also like the life of Alfons because it shows the way it was in the life of a german boy.
Hey everyone!! Paralell Journeys is a fantastic book. When we are reading it, I actually feel like i’m there. If I was Alfons, I would be worshiping Hitler just like him. How is he supposed to know Hitler is going to kill a bunch of people. After all the crisis in Germany, Hitler made all the people there sound so powerful and important. (not saying they wern’t) He made the Jews sound so different… like they were aliens. After that Germans believed every word he said.
I really feel bad for Hellen and all the other Jews because they have already gotton discriminated most of their life. They thought they were a part of Germany but then came Hitler. He started describing Jews as if they were trash on a street and he was fixing to let the dogs eat it. I really, truly hope Hellen, her husband, and her daughter turn out all right.
TTFN =) =) =) =) =) =)
I know this doesn’t count as a blog but I wanted to correct my spelling!=D Parallel Journeys. I spelt parallel wrong in my last blog. LOL =D TTFN =) =) =) =)=D
Good beginning!
Please make sure that the post are well thought out and make comments that can lead to greater discussion and understanding.
Keep on talking!
Mrs. H.
Hey!!!
I like Parallel Journeys so far. It is a good book. I just don’t understand how Alfons can do that. Like Melissa said, I would probably be there worshiping Hitler too. He tricked them all and turned them in to followers.
Helen, she is my favorite character so far. She follows her heart and thinks for herself. When it said that only four of them would survive, I got confushed and scared, because what if her daughter got killed of her husband?? How could she keep going? Helen is a strong person,(I believe) and she will survive.
TTYL
Libby
Hey, yal!!!!! I am aready shocked and a little scared about this book. We were only on the second page and Alfon was saying that the teens would believe anything they were told. I could already see that the author was trying to tell us something.
(love the book even though it is scary)
That movie “The Wave” was strange but now I realize that it is easier to get caught up in groups that don’t even seem to be doing any harm. I feel really bad for all the Hitler youth that were so easily controlled.
Hi again!!!! Melissa, I feeling your pain. I can’t even amagine how Hellen and all the other Jews felt because all their life people considered them to be “different”.
I am sure after a while they even thought that they were not normal themselves just by what others had said.(just like in the bear story where after the people told him he wasn’t a bear he started to think that he wasn’t a bear) It just isn’t fair for them….sometimes I put myself in their position and I think that if I was a Jew then I would stand up for my race, but now that I think about it I see that I would be the one that would be moving to another country.
I really do not like the way that Hitler has brainwashed Alfons nto believing that germans are at the top of the food chain. He also made him so that he would only listen to him and not his parents. I dont like that at all because he is not supposed to disrespect his parents. I think he should listen to his parents and do what they say because if it werent for them he would not even be existing. Ladeedadeda
Parallel Journeys is interesting. It shows a way most people in that time period can be easily tricked by a leader. Hitler is the same as a teacher. If a teacher says to do an assignment you do not ask questions. If you dont you get punished. Same with Hitler. Dont kill jews you get killed yourself. I think its funny how people listen to anyone with answers. Then again the teacher thing comes in. It also shows how dependent people are in authority. You go to a psychologist for answers. What if he gives answers but the wrong answer? That is Hitler blaming the jews for the proverty. Its sad to say that people listen to anyone with a stupid answer or a good answer or A COMPLETEY CRAZY idea. Thanks for listening
This book is hard to belive that one person can change the lives of millions on people. Hitler was a great speaker, just if he would speak the right things. He could persuade most every person there. This makes me realize what the Halocaust was realy about. Most poeple thought it was about the germans killing jews and thats it. I am realizing what the Halocaust was really like and its hard to belive it was true. Its a great book to let you see the real thing. (>^.^)>
Good discussions!
Kaylee, I agree that this whole “thing” is scary. “The Wave” showed us how some people are desperate for attention, acceptance, and authority.
Cosmo, you are right on the money with the brainwashing. That’s exactly what Hitler is doing to Alfons and to all of the youth during this time period. Do you think the Jewish children began to think that they were inferior?
Chase, good comments! Often times, people do not question authority. I believe that there is a respectful way to do this, and I want students to wonder why they have to learn some of the things that they have to learn OR why they have to do some of the things that they have to do . Sometimes there is a good answer (reasonable answer) and sometimes, unfortunately, there is not an answer at all. But it’s the questionning that I support. If you’re always asking questions, you’re always wondering and therefore, thinking.
Thank you all for your comments! Keep it going!
Mrs. H.
what really freaks me out is the whole master race thing hitler had going on. of course he killed the jews, but on the timeline activity i saw some thing called operation T-4 where hitler authorized killing all people with disabilities in hospitals. that’s killing the completely innocent and defenseless. sure, it would be great to get rid of all those sicknesses forever, but killing the people who have them to destroy it is just plain wrong wrong wrong wrong WRONG!!! killing everyone less than perfect would leave no one left on earth anyway. every person has faults. in fact, hitler should have killed himself first, because he had no appreciation of other people’s lives, the worst faliure of all. WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!!
>:-(
Libby, I am glad that you recognize that we are no different from Alfons and the other people. We may have all followed Hitler too because that’s what everyone else was doing.
I really appreciate Helen too. You have no idea how strong she really is. Let’s keep reading…
this book is really great. i can’t believe that hitler, or anyone would go along with killing inocent people for something that isn’t even true. i also can’t believe that people could just sit around and act like this wasn’t happening.
Hey watz up yall and Mrs.Hampton.I like parallel journeys, but it kind of makes me mad. I mean how could they let that kind of man brainwosh them and turn down your parents and your freinds, just 2 be in some crazy group. I luv my parents and i wouldnt ever ever do anything like dat and i put that on everything. what kind of name is hitler anyway. well got 2 go do math nw b back in a sec thaks r listenin. bye Mrs.H c u in da morining.
Watz up its me again, i agree wit jason this is a great book, and i cant belive it ethier.how could people let him do that 2 them that way. Why would u kill 4 no reason, well il blog later a
Jason i see your point, but if you stood up to hitler you would probably be killed too. Im shure the people wanted to help, but they knew they would get killed and he was so pursuasive and they really thought that the jews were real bad people.
Clay, I know how killing the diasbled people would be plain wrong, but Hitler was trying to get people who could help him kill the jews and he thought the diabled poeple just got in the way. He was trying to get more people to help him build an empire or whatever his plan was after he killed the jews, so i know its mean, but he wanted them out of the way he thought they were just more time he would waste.
Hey everybody,
Since i was out i haven’t got to read it yet but i have heard it’s a good book but what it is about isn’t good. Hitler is a very cruel man…..sometimes i think what was going through his mind i mean killing those people and if only he though about someone killing him or his family. So i just want to saty THINK ABOUT IT!!!
Hi it’s me I LOVE Parallel Journeys!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait till we start Number The Stars!!!!!!!
I have already read some of it!! It is a great book
so far, anyway I really like Parallel Journeys!!!!!!!!
I can’t believe they do that to people.I mean kill people for no reason, it is so so horible.Can we read more than a couple of chapters tommarow? We did not read any of it today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ttyl
Carrie Beth Wallace!*!*!*
Hey!!!
Super Cosmo, I agree with you. I can’t believe that everybody is following Hitler. He’s a bad person. Can’t they just open their eyes and see all the mean things he is doing. I’m just so mad that they really believe him and think that he is making their home a better place to live but all really is doing is makiing it worse. Really worse!!!!!I’m MAD!!!!
I agree with Cosmo I hate that the Alfons are being brainwashed.
This is a book that has a lot of different meanings to me. In Parllel Journeys i like how its not just about a jew it is also about a young boy who was a part of the Hitler Youth. i am looking forward to reading more about these hard times.
I think the story is evil because of how Hitler tricked his people into his plan.I really like Parallel Journeys, but I think what they did to people was wrong.I would want to know what went through his mind to be that cruel.
I’m glad that you all are getting upset about how Hitler is brainwashing Alfons and the Hitler youth. Think about the conditions in Germany and how someone like Hitler was able to come into power.
As the story progresses, think about whether Alfons is a victim or a perpetrator. Be able to defend your point of view.
Keep it going. Good comments.
Mrs. H.
I really like the boo Parallel Journeys. It is a great book, but I still think that it is very cruel how Hitler was treating people who were not like him. I really agree with what you said Katelyn. That is exactly what is wrong with Hitler……
heyyy! i really like parallel journey’s. It’s easy to focuse because it’s true and could happen again. it’s kind of terrifing but also interesting.
I can’t wait to read more!!
Hey people!!! I have been waiting to finallyget to blog and I never seem to get around to it. I didn’t think I would really like this book but I’m coming around. On every page I see a true picture of what is going on. It is like I am there with Helen and Alfons.
hey
alfons has to be a victim. he was brainwashed like so many other kids his age by hitler to enjoy hurting people who were different from him. before, he had jewish friends and liked spending time with them. then hitler came along and crushed that bridge from aryans to jews. the person who is truly in the wrong is the person who made others think in a completely twisted, evil way-hitler.
the book’s interesting, and a little bone-chilling. fun to read.
clay the hamilton
This blogging thing really amazes me. I didnt think I would be able to do it but I can. It’s a miracle!!!!
Well about the book I love it. I can literaly see a painted picture of every page. I look foward to coming to class to read about Alfons and Helen. To be honest I really dont like Alfons, I mean I know he is being brainwashed but he really bugs me. He is not who he was anymore, he disobeys his parents and he lost his best friend and it didnt even phase him. That just really got under my skin. I guess there are two sides to every story but I am partial to Helen’s side. One of the reasons I like this book is because it explores the things i know about and stuff I didn’t know about.I will blog again as soon as I can**** TTYL
Kaylee….
I know what you mean. The way Hitler is brainwashing these teenagers is scary!! Um…. I just wish they could see what they are doing. I am kind of lost in this book :/ I mean I know what is going on, but I wish it had dialouge in it. It would make it a little better for me to understand.
I wish that all the Jews could run away and be free. Hitler is so…. wierd and odd. He doesn’t understand anything about the Jews. I was very happy when I heard about Helen’s family, how they are getting into a safe place. Back to the “scary” part. When you think about it, it is like one big masacere.(I don’t think i spelled that right) anyway, also I want to know where God was during all of this!!????… I mean he is always right beside us, but why didn’t he do anything??
TTYL
Yeah I know what you’re saying Heather. It’s a very good book to get into and once I’m in it it’s like I’m there and I want to keep reading so I can see where I’m going next. Even tho this is non-fictional it still is a good story. I just can’t believe genocide. I think any type of genocide is wrong and some people knew it was wrong but they went along with it anyway. I t makes me sick to my stomach knowing that some people out there are still doing genocide.
Libby, I think God was there during all of it and that he just didn’t get involved. Asking God where he was during genocides is kinda like asking Him why do bad things happen (at least that’s what I think). A few years ago, I learned that bad things happen so that we know what the good is.
u tell r gril carie i agre with u and cmo but i fill sorry for helen more though she isnt being brianed washed.
u are right coco spann God works in differt ways and u cant allways ask God if something is wrong or write so i kinda do belive that he stayed out for the best of things
but i realy dont like the book cause of the jumping from alfons to helen and its kinda hared to focus on the story. and in the middle of each i get lost and ask my self if its helens story or is its alfons soi ralley dont like it.
Hi!
I think it is CRAZY how Hitler brainwashed EVERYBODY without them knowing. But I think that video cleared that up pretty quick. It is only because we like to feel superior. It is amazing how greedy and flawed we are, sometimes. MORE than sometimes, we let that get in the way of who we really are.
And Libby, you are not the only one. I’m lost, too! ^_^; Also, Libby, I think God wasn’t there because… He wanted us to be more… independent? Maybe I should pray?
Laters!
^
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Oh, and Coco, That is a really good point. About us knowing what good is. There was this one song and at a part of it, it said, “If it was all easy, we couldn’t say I love You,”
Mrs.Hampton, don’t count this as a blog. That thing that sort of looks like an arrow is an arrow. So just add this on the blog I sent before this one in your mind… somehow.
Bye! ;-D
Great comments! I think that you all are making some good connections. I understand that the book may be a little difficult to follow with the back and forth between Helen and Alfons. That is why I gave you a handout (which you should refer to often) to help you keep it straight. Even though the characters switch back and forth, the story follows the same path–parallel journeys.
Remember to make thoughtful comments and questions.
Thanks!
Mrs. H
HEY!!!
Parrell Journeys is a great book but it kind of confuses me bc idk how Hitler got away with the stuff he does its just that ppl shouldnt believe Hitler bc we should all know that he way isnt the right way!!!!!
The kids that are in the book Helen and the boy were going through stuff like that and its sad that they had to do and be in all this stuff that isnt right.The book is pretty good so far and i cant wait to learn more and read more about this stuuf and how it all came into plan.
TTYL :]
kellyn!!!!!!!
coco spann,
you are right God does let things bad happen so we know what good is. Everything happens for a reason, but I still wonder what that reason is. Coco Spann, what do you think the reason is, that is a hard question, that everyone is trying or has tried to figure out. God is good and he had a reason for this, and it is a Christian trait to have doubts. We will never understand why this has happened, but in the mean time, we can learn more and maybe even think up theorys about why this has happened. So. . . . . . . . . . does anyone have any theories??
TTYL
Clay,
You are right. Yesterday, I was all about how i dont like alfons. today i still am but i see what you are talking about. i mean he is a victim too but it seems like hes not being hurt as badly as helen and her family is. i have extreme mixed feelings. i know we have talked about this in class but, do you think you could be a german and not stand up? why or why not??? personally i dont know yet!!!!!!!
Hey!!!!!
Libby, I’m right there with you. I get kind of lost in this book. I don’t know where it is going some of the time. I am sure I can get into it though pretty quick.
Heather i agree with you. I don’t really like Alfons. I just can’t believe that all of a sudden he is starting to follow Hitler. But i guess I kind of see his point of view. He is just a little kid and Hitler isn’t doing anything to hurt him so why not just go with Hitler?
Hey guys!
When yall were talking about where was God during all all of this. He might have been there the whole time, but Hitler had them so badly brainwashed they wouldnt pay any attention to anyone but Hitler. That shows how mean and crull Hitler had to have been. To take something as great as God out of the picture.
Also when yall were talking about if you stood up to Hitler you would probably get killed. If someone could have done that the Germans would probably be furious and be so lost without him. Who knows what they would have done. Isnt that something to think about?
coco span, I agree with you on the fact that God was with them during this whole time. He only does bad things so we can see the good. This was a bad time in our history and i think God let it happen to actually show how sad and hurtul it was. I think that he also let it happen to make people realize, hope, and not let it happen again. If somehting bad happens, you just have to remember that it is in Gods plan for a reason and you have to try look to the bright side or the good things. Even if there was no bright side to the Holocaust… I say once again… it happened for a reason.
TTYL =) =) =) =) =)
Heather… I love what you say about seeing a painted picture on every page because i do too!!! When i’m reading this, it’s like i’m there with Helen or Alfons. When im with Hellen, I feel so worried about her, her family, and all the other Jews. When i’m with Alfons I feel like im in the Hitler youth… not supporting… but just kind of invisible… a german. I don’t know how the author does it but im glad he/she (i forgot) does.
P.S. I hope im not the only one who feels like they are there but if I am just call me crazy!! =) (i know there is another one like me out there!!)LOL
TTYL! =) =) =) =) =) =)
Everyone is saying they are confused i am there too!lol.some of these things that they are talking about just get me all confused.If only the jews were allowed to keep something.Like the newspaper or something to get the word then they might have made it out alive.(bad choice of phrases lol) But for real they might have gotten to tell other jews a boat or something was coming to get them. If only hitler wasnt so mean!!!
Kellen I am definately asking that myself, I mean how blind can these people be. It is very oviouse that Hitler was lying when he said that the Jews had put all these things on themselves. The Jews have always been the victims and yet they haven’t done anything to cause the violence. Poor Hellen having to let her daughter stay with someone else not knowing what could happen to herself.
HEYYYYYY!!!!!!!
I AGREE TOTTALY WITH MELISSA AND COCO!!!! I KNOW THAT GOD WAS WITH THOSE PEOPLE. HE DID IT FOR A REASON. HE LET PEOPLE LIKE ALFONS FOLLOW THE HITLER YOUTH FOR A REASON. WE ARENT SUPPOSED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD DOES. THATS WHY HE IS GOD AND WE ARE HUMANS. YOU KNOW. NOW WE CAN LOOK BACK AND THANK GOD BECAUSE ACTUALLY HE DID HELP US. WHEN YOU LOOK AROUND, DO YOU SEE PEOPLE IN AMERICA BEING BATEN BECAUSE OUR LEADER OREDERED IT?? NO I DONT. IT STILL HAPPENS IN OTHER PLACES BUT HE IS WORKNG ON THAT. SO I DEFINETLY BELIEVE GOD WAS WITH THISE PEOPLE THE WHOLE TIME!!!!
Heyy Y’all
In this book.. I think it’s weird how Alfons and other Hitler youth just go along with his plans like little kids. I mean don’t they know what they are doing is wrong? It just isn’t making sense. They seem hypnotized by Hitler. Even though there was a depression and everything, I just think its weird. I just can’t make myself like him, or any other person involved on the wrong side of this.
On the other hand, I really like Helen. . .
It must be hard for her to live in fear all the time. I wouldn’t be able to take all the pressure! Going into hiding and sending your only child away? I just couldn’t take it! It’s good she has the strength to do it though. . . I just think it’s crazy that the Nazis are so against the Jews and other ethnic groups. It makes me wonder. . . How did they pick each group to single out? I mean I know they were trying to make the German line “pure” or whatever, but still. . . They can choose any group and they choose Jews and people who choose to help them?
Wow….way to spark some good discussion, CoCo. I love the pattern of thinking with the questions about God and Alfons as a victim.
Think about this: if we are debating the presence of God during the Holocaust, how do you think the Jews felt during this time? When we read Night by Elie Wisel, we will see a clearer picture of how the Holocaust affected some of the Jews and their faith.
Excellent comments. Please continue.
Mrs. H
hey!!!
I so agree with Gabby she is right how these little kids believed everything thing he said.How it is hard to live in fear all the time and really cant say anything.How its crazy that the nazis hate the jews so much but really hitler made them believe that the jews are the ones who really started it all but really it was hitler.Its just wrong what hitler did!!!
hey!!!!
i totally agree with Gabby!! She is right, i cant believe how the Hitler youth went along with everything. They are sooo stupid. How can they hate the Jews? They didnt do anything to them. It is soo wrong!!!!
TTYL!!! :]
I agree with Kaylee and Kellen. How could the people be that blind? I don’t understand how Hitler hypnotized the people like this? It just doesn’t make sense how he made them believe every single thing he said and kill other people for him! I mean how can you convince people that one group is awful and that no one needs them.. and then make people WANT to join the Hitler youth and follow him? that is just stupid.
I think hitler is plane CRAZZZZZZY!!!! The ALOFONS witch are the pure bread GERMANS kids and teens just got HIPNOTIZED in an instant like HITLER just had ming control or something!!!!WHY DONT ANYONE DO SOMETHING. ARE THEY DESPREAT OR SOMETHING. I wounder if HITLER has been abused by a jew during his childhood to make him to such a thing like reveng now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok well first i think this book is very sad. the way jews are treated is just not acceptable. and its also unacceptable to act the way the germans did . what the germans need to realize is that jews are PEOPLE. they are iveing breathing things with feelings.it was a very sad time. its also heart breaking that chirlden our age are following him snd believeing every thing he says. i also agre with gabby its just stupid
I so agree with Gabby.I can’t believe Hitler youth
belived everthing.
I dont really understand this book that well. But I do agree with Kaylee how in the world could Hitler make people believe that someone was so diferent and didnt deserve to live and even the Germans believing what he said makes it even worse. Even though some of the Germans did this can we really hold them accountable for what they did then. The Germans nowadays had no say in what they did back then.
HEY!!!
This book, Parallel Journeys, is getting better. At first this book was so hard to get into and so hard to understand that I didn’t like it. It is a whole lot better now. I love Hellen. She would have been a great role model to look up to. She was so brave in everything that she did. I know it must have been really hard for her to give over her daughter to another family but it probably was the best thing to do at that time. I am likeing this book a WHOLE lot better!! =)
Chapter 18–The Long Trek Home, had an immediate effect on me. At the end of the war when the Jews were liberated from the camp, I thought that conditions would improve immediately for Helen and the others. But that’s not what happened. Helen says on pages 171 and 172, “Had all the fighting for peace, for human rights and respect, been forgotten already?” Read this chapter and comment.
In Chapter 19–You Will Be Executed By a Firing Squad, Alfons learns of what happened to Hitler? Does his reaction to learning of Hitler’s death surprise you? What is IRONIC about the people in the town of Wittlich at the end of the war? Read this chapter and comment.
Good comments all around!
Thank you.
Mrs. H
hey yall. . .i really like this book but i just cant seem to understand how people could just go along with him!! havent people always said treat others the way you wanna be treated? i guess Hitler hasnt heard that one!!!
TTYL!! :]
Katelyn i completly agree with you at first i could not get into but now i am on helens side. Helen i think is just this sweet girl but then i have to think i cannot be mad @ alfons he’s just a kid he doesn”t know hitler is going to kill thousands of people. I think it was wrong of hitler and i very much dislike him. Hitler makes alfons feel good about himself he sort of boost alfon’s confedense. Of course who would not think there great if they were the leader of there unit in the army i mean people feel good if there the leader of anything!!! I still am feeling like screaming to alfon “HITLER IS AWFUL” anough said. TTYL LUV YA!!!!
hey!!! i totally agree with caitlin i just cant make myself mad at alfons he is just a llittle kid he didnt really know any better but he did know that hitler was going to kill all the jews! HITLER IS SOOOO MEAN!!
PEACE!! TTYL :]!!
Hey im back! I totally agree with jordan she is completly right! I mean hitler come on if you wanted people to like you treat them then yuo would aslo be dead! Doesn’t anybody see that he is cruel besides the jews!!! Poor Poor jews they can’t do anything they are powerless against the nazis:( !! I really wish people would take a bigger look !!! TTYL LUV YA!!!
I agree with Cosmo because I belive in the something. I was raised to respect my parents also.If I was living in there house, eating there food, and had a roof over my head I had to obey my parents.Alfons I don`t really like him that much in this story.
* i really don’t like parallel Journeys all that much. I get what its about but i just dont like it. its not my type of book.
i do agree with what Asia just said.
if i told my parents i was going to join the Hitler Youth, they would whoop my tail.
I don’t see why anyone would want to just kill and kill thousands and millions of people who really haven’t done anything.
I am not liking the book. It talks about people get killed from plots being made. The Jews are being dehumanized.
I agree with you Shelby. I think the Jews deserve to keep something since it is their home too. But they didn’t want to tell them because they were planning to kill them.
Hey, don’t worry about disliking the book. I personally don’t LOVE the book, but it is an important topic. It’s a good book which means that it is honest and insightful, but it is hard to read about so much hate and murder. I wouldn’t expose you to it if I didn’t think that you could handle it.
Trust me, I understand.
Keep the comments coming.
Mrs. H.
I 100% agree with marissa and asia about getting our tails whooped but then i think they really didn’t know any better ethier. Well i am almost done and this part i like because hitler dies. Anyway i hope things will go smooth from here!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
Parallel Journeys is a good book but I just dont see how Hitler is doing this with everyone still following him. I really that it is very cruel. I think that the Jews should have freedom. I really just don’t thhink that its fair.
I was just thinking about and i really like this book it talks about a important subject! But i wish it would be more descriptive
Alfons to me wasn’t bad.I see how he could have thought that Hitler was Germany’s savior.They were desperate enough to look to Hitler for help.He would save them.Nothing could get in his way.Alfons was one of those caght up in that group of thinkers.He may have said that the Nazi years were the best for him but he had good reason to say that.
We say that all the Nazis were bad,but think about it. I’m sure most of us would have followed Hitler in those desperate times.We say,”Oh,how could those dummies fall for Hitler?” But if you really think you might have done the same thing as many scared and desperate Germans did.tTo me that is scary.
I really dont like Alfons. He is so obsessed with power. Alfons really upset me when he threw that old man out of the school and told his men to shoot him if he came back.The bible says obey your elders and Alfons diddnt even do that. As for Helen, she is my favorite person in the book. Her and Seingfried tried to do everything that they could to give their child a better home and not to be killed and that really stood out to me.This book is really not the best example for me but other than that I liked.
Well Mallory as you know these kids were young therefore i believed that they just doing what the other kids were doing. I mean I probably would have done the same thing if i were young back then. Plus some were raised during this time and this is all they know to do is hate Germans. So you cant blame them you should just blame Hitler for making those children out to be this way.
I disagree with Gabby on some parts. They are just little children they dont know any better so you cant judge them. If you lived back then in Germany eventually you would have had to join the Hitler Youth or faced Death, one. I dont know about you but I know I would have joined the Hitler Youth just so I could have had a longer life.
I agree with you, Raina. It is cruel how Hitler just sits back, watches, and doesn’t care. He disgusts me ’cause he just takes out people he doesn’t like.
Question: If we are all reading books about the same concepts like connections throughout thats why we are reading Parallel Journeys is to make a connection and learn abou the Holocaust why do some people feel sad for Luke in Among the Hidden when Alfons is the same. They are sheltered. Not really knowing what they are doing until the end. Not really knowing whats going on. Almost everyone in my opinion think Alfons is bad but he is really just another Luke right? He does what hes told and does not ask questions. I for one am not mad at Alfons. Sure the Holocaust was very terrible but to feel sorry for some one that has the same problem different place i dont get it. Does anyone feel like what I just said? Please answer the question. Why do you feel mad at Alfons but remorse for Luke? Thanks for reading my super long post.
The book Parellel Journeys at the beginning of the book it was boring but now we i have reached chapter 18 and it has got better and i am beginning 2 like it .
Wow! Chase, that’s an awesome question. I struggle in my dislike of Alfons, but I understand that Luke was just doing what he what he was told. Is it really the same thing? I agree that they were both caught up in something bigger than themselves. However, Alfons’s dad did not like his involvement in the Hitler youth. Hmmm…. I have to think about this some more.
well at first i didnt think this book was very intersting but now that i have read almost all of it i have learned that it is far from not intersting.i mean after i got done reading it i had a very good picture in my mind of what the conceration camps look like. its also very scary to know that this could happen again…….at any time…..
as this book goes on, i am beginning to dislike it more and more. the parts about alfons are still okay, but helen is starting to get depressing and plain boring. she’s not fighting back against the Nazis at all, just taking the punches. i read a fantastic book about the concentration camps, and what made it so good was that the main character, a real person, stole food, defied orders, and helped fellow jews survive, even though he was one of the worst treated. helen is doing nothing like that, just eating, sleeping and getting sick. there is no resistance. alfons’s story is still pretty cool, because it discusses the war and the fall of Germany along with an insider’s look at the military. but helen seems to be helpless.
Clay, a lot of the Jews were helpless to what was happening around them. Remember, Helen and her husband thought that they were doing the right thing when they left to go to Holland. They were being hunted. There are some stories of resistance and I know that it is easy for us to believe that we would all fight back, but I honestly don’t know what I would do in Helen’s situation.
Good comment. I love it when you all express your opinions!
Mrs. H
Parallel Journeys is a very confusing book to me. I just can’t really switch from Helen to Alfons that quick.Plus, I just don’t like it. The only part I really like is Helen’s point of view. I just really want to know what the Jews did during all of this and how they felt. The Nazi’s and Hitler youth’s point of view, I just hate. I hate what they did to those poor innocent people and how Hitler just sat back and acted lik, “Hey, whatever I’m cool with this”. It sickens me.
I agree with Raina alot. I hate how Hitler is just letting this go on like nothing is wrong. I know how everyone says he is mean and cruel, but i think he is just downright twisted and sick. Those people should not have been treated the way they were.
I agree with you on that one,Jordan.Haha. I like how you put it that way. And yes, he probably hasn’t heard that one. But even if he has, he probably said I don’t care to it anyway.
On some parts I agree with others when they say that the book is not too good.But, I have to admit that I do enjoy parts of the book. Seeing what it’s like as a follower of Hitler during this time can get you hooked.
You guys are strange to me.How do you not like Alfons? I know even you Mrs. Hampton dislike him, but I disagree even with the teacher. After it’s all over he admits he was wrong. Anybody would enjoy seeing their country becoming strong and powerful. You can disagree, but who knows?I might be going crazy.
i honestly don’t like this book very much. i just hate the way Hitler had treated the Jews. & the way that Alfons is just falling for whatever Hitler says…it just irks me. errrgh. Alfons is just gullible to be doing all this commitment just for Hitler when in the end he is just going to open his eyes for once and see what’s really happening. i don’t blame him for wanting glory and power but to be doing all that is just crazy.
Caleb i actually kinda agree with you. I do believe that people would do that kind of thing but do you think that we would have gone through those kinds of things like the Nazis? i get what your trying to say but i don’t think that we would have been as committed as those Nazis. do you think that you would’ve done the same if you were in those desperate times?
I agree Clay, about the book being boring and all that stuff, but still i have to say that i though Jewish resistance was small to none. Yea there were Schindler the man who helped a couple hundred and then Warsaw fight but if i were Helen i might not do anything because i myself would be afraid to get put in a mass grave or a gas chamber. I think the Nazis put so much fear into people that it made resistance unthinkable to most even though some did. I think people that fought back and was a Jew are some of the most couragious people ever.
The Book Parellel Journeys was a really boring book at first but now dat i have start writing essays about Helen and Alfons i have got use to reading the book. It is a very wonderful book once u get use to it. I am really starting to get use to diz book. I have to admit this book is not the best book i have ever read.In this book it is a whole bunch of stuff about Hitler Youth, Helen, and Alfons and the have every detail and picture about them.
Now that I have read the book. Now I know that this is such a good book. I just didn’t like how the Jews were getting treated by the Nazis. I was very cruel. This book was good, But I would’t keep reading this. This book also taught me a lot……
BYE
Hey, Parallel Journeys is a very good book. I got to learn stuff about the Holocost that I didn’t even know about. I just don’t get one thing, why did Hitler not like the Jews? I mean what was so bad about the Jews? They couldn’t hurt you or do anything bad to the Germans, they are just like other people. The only difference about the Jews is that their culture and religion is different. My religion is way different than people at school, but I have friends. Wrell there are people that don’t llike me but I don’t really care. (Just to let you know I don’t realy care what people think about me, I’d just ignore them.)Nice talking to you’ll!!!!! TTYL
i love how it switched sides of the story. it reflected back and forth from helen and alfon. this is a wonderful way to learn both sides of the story.
Watz up yall.This was a great book and i enjoyed it.and i look forward 2 reading number the stars. thanks Mr.h 4 leting us read a great book.
i think mallory’s right. i mean noboby knew that the holocaust was about to happen. i’t was very well thought out. for all we know it could happen to us. you just never know and i also have a very clear image of concentration camps in my mind. i know it was a hard time for jews and friends of jews.
This was a great book. I agree with Raina when she said that it was not fair to how the Nazis were treating the Jews. That was very cruel to me because if I were a Jew, I would not want any one to be cruel to me…………
I also agree with Raven because the harsh actions in the book disgusts me too.If I lived in those times I couldn`t live with myself. I admire Helen for being a strong woman. I really don`t like Alfons because he is just a young boy growing up to fast for his pants.
I thought this book was Great!!!!! I didnt so much care for Alfons side of the story, because helens side was more interisting, because of her expeience.I cant beleive some of the inhumane things the nazis did to the jews, I just dont understand, how some one could have so much hate for their fellow humans, and not feel, just over come with guilt.
when i read the part when helen gave her daughter away to someone she hardly knew, i felt that she was crazy, but careing. she had a choise to keep doris or give her away for a better chance of survival, she chose to give her away. although this was crule and mean, if i thought about it in theese same conditions, i too, may have done the very same thing for the child.
Chase i Really like your question !!!:)
I agree with melissa and coco spann! God was with these people at the time in think of it as a test (even though a rough one). God knew this was going to happen but if the people could fully rely on God things would be a whole lot better. I find myself getting caught in this book and i mean if you felt like you were a part of a group you would do anything to.
This doesnt have to count as a real blog but i want to know what the title means. does it mean that since parrallel is opposite. is tht wat the title stands for
Lots of good comments. Caleb, it is more than OKAY to disagree with me. I’m asking a lot of opinion questions, and we don’t have to have the same opinion.
The title Parallel Journeys comes from the definition of parallel which means–lying or moving in the same direction, but always the same distance apart (from The Merriam-Webster Dictionary). So, Alfons and Helen are moving in the same direction and experiencing Hitler’s control of Germany at the same time. Because Alfons is a Hitler Youth and Helen is a Jewish girl, they are apart and are not having the same experiences. Part of the beauty of this book is that the reader has a chance to see things from Helen’s point of view and from Alfons’s point of view.
Good question.
HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHATS UP PARRELLEL IS GREAT AND I AGREE WITH LAUREN ALFONS SIDE WASNT AS GOOD AS HELENS BECAUSE HELEN HAD MORE EXPERINCE WITH THIS WHOLE THING THAT WAS GOING ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW SOMEONE COULD JUST HATE JEWS LIKE THAT THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING TO HURT US HE JUST MUST HAD SAW THEM AS SOMEONE WHO SUPPOSELY BELIEVES IN SOMETHING HE DIDNT LIKE!!!!!!!
WELL TTYL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KELLYN BREWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Man. This book Parallel journeys was such a good book. But it was kind of sad
how the Jews got treated. I feel so sad for all of the Jews who didn’t survive the Holocaust………….
I got 2 go bye
