content: What marks this book from so many on the annihilation of the Jews in death camps is its brevity. The book is so spare that it is hard to understand the horror without reading it so slowly that you are practically reading it aloud. There are really vivid characters in it, who evolve in just a few paragraphs, a truly masterful encapsulation of lost lives. While there is nothing particularly remarkable about his writing style, Wiesel has created a classic here that will stand the test of time. It is so scary and devastating that I will never forget it.A teacher friend of mine began his class with a close reading of this book, and allowed me to witness the discussion. It moved children of all races to pose questions, both about history and what men are capable of and about themselves and their identities. It was brilliant.Highest recommendation.