"The Reader" absolutely has staying power. I read it who knows maybe twenty years ago? I did not know there was a movie, I do not know if I will watch it or not. I do not understand why she had to go to prison. ( I am ducking behind my chair from all of the rotten apples people are now throwing at me.) I just don't. I do not see that she had a choice. I also do not understand why, he, the Reader, lost his whole life as well.