Showing posts with label WW2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WW2. Show all posts
Audio Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Hilarie
Rating:
Genre: Adult Fiction, World War 2, British Isles, Epistolary Novel
Reading Format: Audiobook Narrated by Paul Baymer, Susan Dewidan, Roselyn Landor, John Lee, and Juliet Mills
Reading Challenges: 4 for 100+ in 2010

This was one of my favorite reads from last year, and you can find my full review here. Sometimes, as a busy mom, I love to listen to an audio book after I've read the book. That way, in case I miss something, I have some hope of knowing what is going on. It also feels a bit like visiting with old friends.

I loved this production. The cast was perfect. Juliet sounded exactly as I imagined, and the voices really brought the story to life. I thought the multiple narrators were perfect for the epistolary nature of the novel. If you haven't read this book yet, why not? I honestly can't say enough good things about it. Give it a read or a listen today!

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Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Hilarie
Rating:
Genre: World War 2, Young Adult, Germany
Reading Challenges: 23 for 100+ in 2009, 3/5 for War Through The Generations

In my family, I'm famous for reading the spoilers for movies and even occasionally some books . In a moment of suspense at whatever movie we might be attending, my husband can always turn to me when the tension gets to be just too much and ask me how things are going to turn out because he knows that I've read the spoiler. Why would I do this you might ask? To protect myself from caring too much. My theory has always been that if I know things are going to turn out badly I won't get too attached to the characters.

Imagine my surprise when The Book Thief destroyed all of my carefully laid plans. Since the book, which takes place in Nazi Germany, is narrated by Death it isn't giving away too much to say that I knew things couldn't possibly turn out happily for Liesel Meminger, the book thief. Death himself even gives us very broad and specific hints at what lies in store for Liesel, and those she cares about throughout the book. Despite all this, I fell hard for almost each and every character in this book. I actually found myself wiping away a few tears as I finished the last few pages. I've been reading a lot of great books lately, but this one really stands out as an amazing read.

The story is that of Liesel Meminger, a young German girl who we meet just prior to the rise of power of the Nazi party. Liesel is sent to live with some foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, who live on Himmel street, just outside of Munich. Liesel has lost everything; and is haunted especially by the death of her brother which she witnessed. Somehow, she finds comfort in words and books, despite her inability to read. Hans, her amazing foster father, teaches her to read. This love of books, especially stolen ones, becomes Liesel's salvation, and her means of survival as her nation goes up in flames.

I honestly can't say too many wonderful things about this book. I honestly loved everything about it. The characters are so wonderful, so amazing, so imperfectly human, and the story will inspire you and break your heart all at the same time.
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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Hilarie
Rating:
Genre:  Adult Fiction, World War 2, British Isles
Reading Challenges: 2 of 5 for War Through the Generations,

I had heard so many great things about this book that it made me nervous. I approached this book with trepidation because I was certain that it couldn't live up to the many rave reviews, and that it would be sure to leave me disappointed.  To my surprise, not only did it exceed my expectations, but it will now have a permanent place in my library as one of my favorite reads of all time.

The novel itself is written in the format of a series of letters, telegrams, and even a few journal entries, written shortly after the conclusion of World War 2.  I always find this format interesting, perhaps because in our age of technology it is actually very rare to receive a true letter in the mail.  I found myself slightly jealous of the main character for the opportunity she had to look forward to receiving such truly remarkable messages on paper, that were then hers to treasure for as long as she wished.  Letters like these certainly put our text messages and email greetings to shame!

The novel is the story of Juliet Ashton, a writer who has achieved some notoriety for her light-hearted weekly newspaper column during the war.  Juliet is seeking to leave the war behind, both personally and professionally, and is searching for the subject of her next book.  Coincidentally, she receives an amazing letter from a stranger named Dawsey Adams, a native of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands which had been occupied by the Nazi's during the war.  Adams enlists Juliet's aid in obtaining a copy of some additional works written by his favorite author, Charles Lamb, and in the process interests Juliet in the history and origins of the Guernsey Literary society.  Soon, Juliet finds herself not only corresponding with, but building friendships with Dawsey's friends and neighbors as she seeks to understand their wartime experiences.  Eventually Juliet travels to Guernsey, and becomes a part of the story herself.

This was a fast and enjoyable read.  I really couldn't put this book down, and I found myself longing for more even as I turned the last page.  This is a book that I will be adding to my read again pile!
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Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Hilarie
Rating:  4/5
Reading Challenges:
Book 1 for 100+ in 2009
Book 1 of 5 for War Through the Generations

Prior to reading Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas, I had never really reflected on the plight of Japanese Americans who were placed in internment camps during World War 2.  I found myself drawn into this story initially by the strong voice of the narrator, Rennie Stroud.  Several reviews I read compared Rennie with the famous character Scout from, "To Kill A Mockingbird."  I felt that this comparison was merited as I was frequently reminded of Scout while reading this novel.

Tallgrass is really the story of Rennie beginning to question the world around her.  She comes to a better understanding of her parents and their limitations.  Rennie finds herself having to question the beliefs and actions of those whom she has always admired, including the Jolly Stitchers, the local group of quilters who include Rennie's mother in their ranks.  Dallas created some memorable characters in the Stroud family, all of whom were individuals I would love to meet in real life.  She also did an excellent job of illustrating the fear and paranoia that some members of the white population of a small and isolated town would feel in such a situation.  I enjoyed this book thoroughly, although I did feel that the primary antagonists of the novel, the Stroud family, were in some ways too much the stereotypical cartoon villains. 

This book was especially thought provoking to me as I reflected on the state of our nation since 911, and the new found fear with which we seem to approach those of Middle-Eastern descent.   
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