All But My Life ~ Gerda Weissmann Klein

The Battle Creek community was fortunate to have hosted such a courageous and remarkable individual as Gerda Weissmann Klein. Her powerful message of hope, love and humanity made a profound impact on both students and adults. Even amid the tragic events of April 16 and the shootings in Blacksburg, Virginia, Gerda Klein reminded us about the resiliency of hearts to heal, and the need to sustain hope and freedom.

Write your feelings about or reactions to the following individuals who appear in All But My Life.  Please respond at anytime during your reading, especially after an especially important event in the memoir:

1. Arthur
2. Abek     
3. Gerda’s mother
4. Gerda’s father
5. Frau Kügler
6. Gerda’s friend Ilse
7. Gerda’s friend Suse
8. Gerda herself

1. Can events like the Holocaust bring out extraordinary and unexpected qualities of individuals?  Please explain.
2. Have there been other tragic events during your lifetime which allowed individuals to show their extraordinarily kind and generous sides?
3. What is Gerda’s first impression of Lt. Kurt Klein?  What does he represent to her?  Why does she feel compelled to tell him they are Jews?  What is his response?
4. How does Lt. Klein make you proud he is an American?
5. List as many small deeds that were done for Gerda during WWII which took little effort yet had a significant positive impact on her.  Has anyone done such small deeds for you that had a significant positive impact on you? Have you done such deeds for others?

Write your feelings about or reactions to the following individuals who appear in All But My Life.  Please respond at anytime during your reading, especially after an especially important event in the memoir:

1. Arthur
2. Abek     
3. Gerda’s mother
4. Gerda’s father
5. Frau Kügler
6. Gerda’s friend Ilse
7. Gerda’s friend Suse
8. Gerda herself