Monday, March 26, 2012

April 2012

Between Shades of Gray, by 





Highly recommended for both young adults and adults. An important story, beautifully written!"


Karen said, "I debated for a long time about how many stars to give this book. What I liked about it, was that it tells a story that has not been told already. This is the first book I have ever read about Stalin's treatment of the Lithuanians during WWII. It is told through the eyes of Lina, a young artist, taken with her family and falsely charged then imprisoned in a Siberian work camp. I loved the portrayal of a loving family. I always felt a little disengaged from the story though. In fact, half way through I picked up another book, and read it instead, then returned to this. Overall, it is worth discovering. I also liked this quote from the author at the end, "They chose hope over hate and showed the world that even through the darkest night, there is light....love reveals to us the truly miraculous nature of the human spirit."


Sue said, "Moving story of the horrors endured by a Lithuanian family forcibly relocated to Siberia by Soviets during WWII. It's based on true stories from survivors of the forced labor camps and contains some truly horrific moments. It's definitely an older YA novel as it could be disturbing to younger readers and contains some language during stress situations. It's an important story that is well-told. I really loved it."




Monday, March 12, 2012

March 2012



Unbroken: A World War II Story Of Survival, Resilience, And Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand

We gave this nonfiction account 5 stars as we met for lunch at Red Robin in West Valley City.  We had a great book discussion and an overview of the Utah political season. ;)

Alison said, "Compelling and inspiring story. Thoroughly researched and well written."

Linda said, "Even though at times I wanted to, I found that I couldn't put this book down. I am not particularly a fan of war stories or of WWII and all its horrors, (having read too many of them - sometimes I moan when faced with another WWII read), but this story was extremely compelling. It was at times heart-wrenching and heart-warming and I gained a love and greater appreciation for those who risk their lives for love of freedom and country."

Karen said, "This an incredible story about an amazingly resilient man. It took me awhile to 'get into' it, but by the end I sat and read the last part straight, wanting to know the end. Hillenbrand is very good at nonfiction, staying with the story and not sidetracking onto tangents. I think the book is a fitting tribute to Louis, as it tells his story from troubled teen to Olympic runner, to soldier, to POW, to PTSD struggler, to finally peace, happiness & forgiveness."

Natalie said, "Amazing! Louis Zamperini is an incredible person, and Laura Hillenbrand does a masterful job telling his story. I love her attention to detail and vivid descriptions. I love nonfiction that is enthralling, and this definitely is!"

Leslie said, "So, so, so, so good!! I am not a WWII buff, but this story was fantastic, masterfully told, and I'm so glad I read it."

Sue said, "This is a fascinating story told with the same current breathlessness as the author's "Seabiscuit". Louis' story is amazing in its depiction of human depravity and the victims' subsequent resilience. The suffering of the Pacific POWs is almost unimaginable and the descriptions are graphic. I was reminded of "Ghost Soldiers" by Hampton Sides, which depicts the Bataan Death March and rescue. Even though some of the book is difficult to read, it's an important story, and ultimately, an uplifting one."

Holly said, "Great and inspiring read!"