Why am I simultaneously horrified by/drawn to these books about the Holocaust? I tore through Maus because it's a graphic novel, then went back and ma...moreWhy am I simultaneously horrified by/drawn to these books about the Holocaust? I tore through Maus because it's a graphic novel, then went back and made myself slow down and take in the illustrations (it's actually not really a novel, but based on the author's real life and his Holocaust survivor father's). I'm still not a very good comic book reader (probably for lack of practice) but I thought Maus was remarkable. (less)
You wouldn't think that a Young Adult book about the Holocaust with Death as the narrator would be so good. But it was sooooo good. I know I'm a crier...moreYou wouldn't think that a Young Adult book about the Holocaust with Death as the narrator would be so good. But it was sooooo good. I know I'm a crier, but this made me sob. Truly, most books about the Holocaust make me sob, which is why I should stop reading so many of them. Or at least stop reading them in public. (less)
Interesting in that it never uses the words "Nazi," "Holocaust," or "Jew," and with really detailed, impressive illustrations. This book just didn't d...moreInteresting in that it never uses the words "Nazi," "Holocaust," or "Jew," and with really detailed, impressive illustrations. This book just didn't do it for me, though, maybe because I've read quite a bit of fiction about WWII and I know there's better stuff out there. Even though I didn't personally find it that moving, I would recommend it to younger readers, say, 10-13 years old, who aren't ready for Maus and The Book Thief. (less)
I started to like this book when Margaret Hughes went home and asked her possessions if she could take on a boarder. I liked it even more when Mrs. K,...moreI started to like this book when Margaret Hughes went home and asked her possessions if she could take on a boarder. I liked it even more when Mrs. K, a wonderfully meddling, caring, Jewish, bowling, red-headed old lady was introduced. Though the book does take some unlikely turns, and it could probably have been a bit shorter, it was a really enjoyable read. Tenderly written, full of history, character-driven, and intelligent.
The audiobook narrator was amazing. Not only did she create unique voices for all the main characters, she also sang and performed the following accents: Irish, British, Southern, French, and Yiddish. Wow.
Anne of Green Gables for grown-ups! I love small towns full of eccentric personalities and good love stories. I would've given it 4 stars, but Isola P...moreAnne of Green Gables for grown-ups! I love small towns full of eccentric personalities and good love stories. I would've given it 4 stars, but Isola Pribby is worth a full star all by herself. (less)
I honestly don't get why this book has received so much critical acclaim. The subject matter was very interesting, yes, (I didn't know Jewish refugees...moreI honestly don't get why this book has received so much critical acclaim. The subject matter was very interesting, yes, (I didn't know Jewish refugees from the Holocaust were turned away from New York harbors and sent to Cuba) but the writing was not what I would call top-notch, especially for poetry. The voices of the different characters were not distinct. It didn't strike me as especially beautiful or moving. In fact, one of the first stanzas made me cringe:
"My parents are musicians--/poor people, not rich." (p. 6)
Really? Isn't "not rich" what "poor" means? I know I'm getting all up on my high horse here, but poetry should be precise. There should be no wasted words. The ability to fit so much meaning into so few words is what sets poetry apart and makes it great. Sadly, this book read like flowery prose with shortened lines. (less)
I blubbered and sobbed my way through the last of this. I'm completely gormless. Kiss me, Hardy! Ugh. I'm going to go to back to crying now and I'll t...moreI blubbered and sobbed my way through the last of this. I'm completely gormless. Kiss me, Hardy! Ugh. I'm going to go to back to crying now and I'll try to write a review later.
Notes to self: -Anne Frank, Maddie comparison -Atonement comparison -Book Thief comparison (which is better? can I choose?) -want to listen to audiobook -I hate Nazis (less)
As the title suggests, one of the best things about this book is Foer's use of pidgin English. It's not even really pidgin English, though, it's most...moreAs the title suggests, one of the best things about this book is Foer's use of pidgin English. It's not even really pidgin English, though, it's most like the kind of English you hear from someone who's learned English without learning any of the conventions of a native speaker, and it just ends up making a wonky kind of sense. One of my favorite parts is when Alex is telling a story about getting in a car accident and he says "My face gave a high-five to the windshield" (or something like that). It really cracked me up.
Yes! A book about the Holocaust made me laugh. Crazy. (less)
At the end of the audio book, Judy Blume confessed that this is her most autobiographical book, which explains why it felt so authentic, why the detai...moreAt the end of the audio book, Judy Blume confessed that this is her most autobiographical book, which explains why it felt so authentic, why the details really sang. Blume's Sally is a naive but very curious 5th grader who fantasizes about capturing Hitler (who, in her imagination, is her elderly neighbor in disguise). The story takes place in 1947-48. Sally's family moves from New Jersey to Florida for the winter because her older brother Douglas is recovering from a serious illness. The story doesn't really have much of a plot--I'd say it's carried by the characters who are all interesting and funny.
P.S. I have to admit that before I read this, I didn't know Judy Blume was Jewish, but it plays a big part in the story. (less)
Loading...
