“Every experience God gives us . . . is the perfect preparation for the future only He can see.”–Corrie ten BoomCorrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler’s concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers … underground workers escape from the Nazis, and for their work they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil.
Here is the riveting account of how Corrie and her family were able to save many of God’s chosen people. For 35 years millions have seen that there is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still. Now The Hiding Place, repackaged for a new generation of readers, continues to declare that God’s love will overcome, heal, and restore.
“A groundbreaking book that shines a clear light on one of the darkest moments of history.”–Philip Yancey, author, The Jesus I Never Knew
“Ten Boom’s classic is even more relevant to the present hour than at the time of its writing. We . . . need to be inspired afresh by the courage manifested by her family.”–Jack W. Hayford, president, International Foursquare Church; chancellor, The King’s College and Seminary
“The Hiding Place is a classic that begs revisiting. Corrie ten Boom lived the deeper life with God. Her gripping story of love in action will challenge and inspire you!”–Joyce Meyer, best-selling author and Bible teacher
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This true story is amazing and makes a real impact on the readers.
Corrie Ten Boom’s story was amazing!
I re-read this book often to remind me of the simple wisdom of Corrie and her family as well as to change my perspective in my own life.
This is a book of soaring spiritual power as Corrie ten Boom describes her family’s heroic life of resistance to Nazi tyranny during World War II. Her story is one of unparalleled Christian virtue and courage, as she and her saintly sister, Betsie, refused to hate even their enemies in the Ravensbruck concentration camp.
As an author, I’m especially impressed with how the writing team of John and Elizabeth Sherrill manage to capture the vivid flavor of a chosen hero’s biography. This husband and wife also helped David Wilkerson tell his story of New York City gang ministry (The Cross and the Switchblade) and Brother Andrew give his testimony in God’s Smuggler. I assume such writing projects take endless interviews and tape recordings and the prodding of a subject’s memory and imagination; these two brilliant communicators hit a home run every time. Elizabeth is still living and just turned 93!
There are so many reason I could recommend this book. Even though it’s set during WW2, it’s still relevant. Even more so, perhaps. I saw the movie version of this book as a teen—in school (gasp!). I don’t think there’s a school system in our nation that would be brave enough to show that movie to its students today. However, I think the book has a more powerful impact than the movie. Even if you think you know what this book is about—please read it. Even if, like me, you saw the movie—please read it. If you haven’t read it—what are you waiting for? Please. Read it.
The Audible version is nicely narrated. If you have a Premium membership, it’s on the list of “Included” listens, which means you won’t have to use a credit to enjoy listening to this book.
At 50 years old, Corrie ten Boom lived a simple life with her older sister, both of them unmarried, and their elderly father in a small house in Holland. When the Nazis invaded and occupied their country, Corrie quickly saw the need around her as Jews began to be shipped out. The ten Boom house and watchmaker shop became part of the Dutch Underground, helping those who were persecuted find a safe place, even to the point of building a small hiding place in their own house. In this book, Corrie shares much of her life before the occupation, including the faith that led her and her family to help those in needs, culminating in the arrest and imprisonment of many members of her family, and later to her time in a concentration camp alongside her sister Betsie.
This book is incredible in so many ways. It’s inspirational, and not only because of what the ten Booms did to help others. It’s the reason behind their desire to help, the way that it really wasn’t even a question about whether or not they would help, and the way that they affected everyone around them, even in the darkest of places. The strong faith in God that Corrie’s parents had, exhibited, and passed on to their children shows through every page of this book. Corrie herself struggled the most in this area, constantly learning from her other family members and being surprised by their heart for the oppressors. Yet she never questioned whether or not she should help the Jews around her at the risk of her own well-being.
Not many Holocaust-related accounts that I have read are from a Christian perspective, and I really appreciated seeing the little and big ways that Corrie and Betsie could see God involved in their plight. Though they never demanded that He help them, they trusted Him (again, Betsie more than Corrie) and gave Him credit when they saw Him work. I can only hope that in my everyday life, and even moreso when times of difficulty come, I can have the wisdom of Mr. ten Boom, the love of Mrs. ten Boom, the hope of Betsie ten Boom, the courage of Corrie ten Boom, and the faith exhibited by all of them.
Below are some quotes from the book that I marked to remember.
Casper ten Boom upon the realization that Holland would soon be invaded:
“…I am sorry for all Dutchmen now who do not know the power of God. For we will be beaten. But He will not.”
Corrie discovered that a large piece of sharp debris had landed on her pillow while she was out of bed:
“Betsie, if I hadn’t heard you in the kitchen–”
But Betsie put her finger on my mouth. “Don’t say it, Corrie! There are no ‘if’s’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety…”
And the one that stuck out to me the most, from an elderly member of Corrie’s family who spent much of her life running clubs, writing tracts, always trying to further God’s kingdom. When she learned she didn’t have long to live, her family members told her she was going to the Father with hands full, due to all of her work. She replied:
“Empty, empty! How can we bring anything to God? What does He care for our little tricks and trinkets?”
And then as we listened in disbelief she lowered her hands and with tears still coursing down her face whispered, “Dear Jesus, I thank You that You have done all–all–on the cross, and that all we need in life or death is to be sure of this.”
All time top book. This book taught me so much. I find myself telling stories from this book on a regular basis. If you can’t learn from Corrie Ten Boom, you’re beyond teaching!!
This is one of few books that I have reread. It’s important to know our history so the tragic mistakes that we as a people make, are not repeated. It is haunting and so terribly sad!
Amazing story of how one lady led by her faith rose above a world in crisis, amazing and inspiring all at once.
This is a must read. WWII, Holocaust and determination in a unforgettable story.
This book is life-changing. I kept putting off reading it because I thought it would be depressing – it was not! The Hiding Place is uplifting, encouraging and full of joyous truths. Corrie, her sister Betsie and their father are joy-filled Christians and their joy spreads everywhere, even to the darkest places. A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Only heaven will reveal the top side of God’s tapestry.”
“Dear Jesus, I thank you that we must come with empty hands. I thank you that you have done all – on the cross, and that all we need in life or death is to be sure of this.”
“There are no ‘ifs’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety.”
“Heavenly Father, carry it for me!”
“And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself.”
True story of corrie whose family was sent to concentration camps. How she called on the Lord to get her through such horrible terror. She is amazing woman. I have recommend this book to many. It is inspired and our young people need to read this to know what hell happened during this period. All if it true!!!
I could not put this book down this woman took so many risks. I found so many correlations to the spiritual life and growth. It was a life changing book for me.
Heart rendering, biographical account of a woman’s survival in a Nazi concentration camp, with her faith intact.
I had watched the movie years ago and knew the gist of the story but I am so glad I own a copy of this book now and know more of the before, and because I just read Tramp for the Lord, the after too. My favorite parts were when Corrie was with her dad. I am definitely going to share the story of the fleas. And I loved the illustration about the train case. All of this book lined up perfectly w Ellen’s book Years with Corrie, if I have the name right, and with the Tramp book. What a witness. What a testimony. If we would all be so bold and obedient what peace we could have and love we could share, it is true!
This is a must read if you don’t want to be a part of history repeating itself.
Very emotional, one of the best
This is one of the most spritual, rear jerking, sad story! If you are a Christian with deep faith in God, this is a must read!!!! The heroism of Corrie Ten Bloom is riveting! Recommend this read!
True story of a beautiful family who gives their lives to save and hide Jews during the occupation of their country by the Nazi’s during WW2. Unbelievably inspiring, and heartbreaking I will never forget their amazing stories.
Correy and her sister were truly heroic in housing Jews during their persecution by Hitler.