Quick Take

The Wave is based on a true incident that occurred in a high school history class in Palo Alto, California, in 1969.The powerful forces of group pressure that pervaded many historic movements such as Nazism are recreated in the classroom when history teacher Burt Ross introduces a "new" system to his students. And before long The Wave, with its rules of "strength through discipline, community, and action", sweeps from the classroom through the entire school. And as most of the students join the movement, Laurie Saunders and David Collins recognize the frightening momentum of The Wave and realize they must stop it before it's too late.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Wave

Introduction

"The Wave" by Todd Strasser is a thought-provoking novel that explores the dark side of human nature and the dangers of group pressure. Based on a true incident that occurred in a high school history class in Palo Alto, California, in 1969, the book delves into the powerful forces of group dynamics and how they can lead to destructive behaviors. With its compelling narrative and timely themes, "The Wave" has captured the attention of readers and sparked intense discussions about the nature of power, conformity, and individuality.

About Todd Strasser

Todd Strasser, the author of "The Wave," is an American writer known for his prolific output of novels for adults, young adults, and middle graders. Born in New York City, Strasser grew up in Roslyn Heights, Long Island, and attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. He excelled in math and science but struggled with spelling and grammar. Despite his difficulties in English, Strasser developed a passion for reading and writing. After college at New York University, he worked at various jobs before returning to his writing career. Strasser's ability to capture the essence of adolescence and explore complex themes has made him a popular author among young readers.

Analysis of Views

Scary and thought-provoking: Many readers found "The Wave" to be a scary and thought-provoking book. The story's portrayal of the dangers of group pressure and the ease with which individuals can be swayed by peer influence resonated with readers' own experiences and fears. The book's ability to make readers question their own beliefs and values added to its impact.
Based on real events: The fact that "The Wave" is based on a true incident made it even more chilling for readers. The story's historical context and its connection to actual events made it a powerful exploration of the potential for humanity to fall prey to destructive ideologies.
Well-researched and well-written: Readers appreciated the book's attention to detail and its well-researched portrayal of historical events. The author's ability to create a compelling narrative while maintaining accuracy made "The Wave" a valuable addition to any reading list.
Important message: Many readers found "The Wave" to be an important book that highlighted the dangers of conformity and the need for individuality. The book's message about the importance of questioning authority and standing up against oppressive systems resonated with readers who were seeking to understand the world around them.
Engaging characters: Despite some criticisms of the writing style, readers found the characters in "The Wave" to be engaging and well-developed. The protagonists' struggles and growth throughout the story added depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

Timely and relevant: With its exploration of themes such as conformity, individuality, and the dangers of group pressure, "The Wave" is a timely and relevant read for young adults today. The book provides valuable insights into the psychology of human behavior and encourages critical thinking about the world around us.
Well-crafted storytelling: Todd Strasser's ability to create a compelling narrative and engage readers with his well-crafted storytelling makes "The Wave" a highly recommended book. The book's pacing, character development, and plot twists keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Important lessons: "The Wave" offers important lessons about the nature of power, conformity, and individuality. The book encourages readers to question authority, think critically, and resist the influence of harmful ideologies. These lessons make "The Wave" a valuable addition to any educational curriculum.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited character development: Some readers felt that the characters in "The Wave" were not fully developed enough to make them relatable or sympathetic. The lack of depth in certain characters detracted from the overall impact of the story.
Slow pacing: A few readers found the pacing of "The Wave" to be slow at times, which made it difficult for them to stay engaged with the narrative. The book's exploration of complex themes may require patience from readers who prefer a faster-paced storytelling style.

Conclusion

"The Wave" by Todd Strasser is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the dark side of human nature and the dangers of group pressure. Based on true events, the book explores the psychology of conformity and individuality, making it a timely and relevant read for young adults today. With its well-crafted storytelling, engaging characters, and important lessons about power dynamics, "The Wave" is a highly recommended book for those seeking to understand the complexities of human behavior and the potential consequences of group influence. While some readers may find certain aspects of the book limiting, such as limited character development or slow pacing, overall, "The Wave" offers valuable insights into the nature of power and resistance that make it a worthwhile addition to any reading list.