Between Shades of Gray - Restarting May 23rd 2020

[Mei]

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[
"Your signature? It's a scribble. No one will recognize it's your name."

I shrugged. "You will," I said.

I love how Lina is determined and full of hope! (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[They're selling them?!!! That's so wicked! (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 18: [spoiler removed]"


(view spoiler)[ I think she mostly already died when she's born :( because no way she will well-fed, not when the Soviet treated her from the moment she was born. I'm sorry to say but in some part I think death is better for her (hide spoiler)].

[Rachmi]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 22: [spoilers removed]"

Agree (view spoiler)[and when Jonas said "Do we want to be bought?" I felt like I can't read again because it's getting worse in each chapter but at the same time it's a page turner book (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Chapter 27, (view spoiler)["Now we're clean dead men. So what of that?" Although I dislike the bald man, I have to say that what she says are mostly true (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 27: (view spoiler)[So much cruelty! (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Rachmi wrote: "Chapter 27, [spoilers removed]"

I agree with you. (view spoiler)[He was just being practical. What only made the others mad is on how he delivers it, but it's the truth, I guess. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Rachmi wrote: "[spoilers removed]."

Yeah, absolutely no way. (view spoiler)[It's just that it's a newborn, such a waste of life. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Mei wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Chapter 27, [spoilers removed]"

I agree with you. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[He's more like a burden for me, you know...he can't barely anything without other help but I see that he can be the one that keep them see what's real in front of them (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

***********************************

I can't wait to read this. Who is reading this one on Feb 2nd?

[[deleted user]]

@Tara I will be starting it soon. It's almost the 2nd for me. Others have already started because it's the 2nd in some places.

[Courtney]

Ill be starting on the second which is in the morning.

[Tara]

Oh wow! I saw chapter 27 and thought it was from the last reading! I just leafed through the book and saw that the chapters were really short so it makes sense now!

[Abi]

Mei wrote: Chapter 18 [spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[ That was absolutely heartbreaking! It was the first time the book got me crying. :( (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Chapter 49, (view spoiler)[I'm so glad there still are good and kind friends/people, despite they are miserable themselves. And Elena is one very kind character. I admire her (hide spoiler)].

[Rachmi]

Chapter 54, (view spoiler)[ OMG, Lina couldn't resist to not steal the file. I'm sure there will be big problem in a couple of chapters. She's so brave and smart but I don't know what I feel regarding her stealing. It's huge compare to steal a pen. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

I just started reading, but here is what I think so far.

Through chapter 5
(view spoiler)[ I think she did a good job with the narrator. I could really feel the sense of confusion that she had. I think her mother sounded like she tried to shelter her and her brother and when they came and got them it made things a little more difficult. I think many moms would have tried to shelter them. Actually I did a little reading sprint with my daughter (age 9) and when I shared about what I read she looked at me and said "Her mother should have told her what was going on her kids deserved to know." I thought that was an interesting response and I wonder if that is true. If her mother had shared what was going on, would Lina have been more helpful when the time came. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 13
(view spoiler)[ I really like the way the author included Lina's memories in italics. I liked being able to follow her train of thought and how certain things would bring up a memory she had. It is like she is trying to piece together clues that had been there that she had ignored or had not given them much importance.
I hated reading about Ona and her baby. I know things like that happened, but it still is difficult to read about. Especially because we don't know where they are going or what the conditions would be like when they get there. I am wondering about the father. The flashbacks are making me think that he might have been involved in an anti-soviet group or movement although they make it sound like just being a professor at the university could have lead to their detainment. I am worried about Andrius... thinking he is not coming back. (hide spoiler)]

Overall though the story is really compelling and I have found it hard to put down, unfortunately I got tired and went to bed.

[Ashlee]

Oh my goodness! I just started late last night
Up through chapter 9: (view spoiler)[ Wow! I can't believe how realistic it all feels. I've already found myself wanting to cry and I'm only 35 pages into the story. I really think that Sepety's has done a great job with the 1st person POV so far. I can definitely feel how confused Lina is. I also have a sick feeling that their father is dead, if not he's already in a camp undergoing terrible conditions. (hide spoiler)]

@Tara (view spoiler)[ I agree that it sounds like their mother tried to shelter them from the reality of what's going on. It's interesting that your daughter thinks she should have informed them. I agree with her. It must be so frightening to be Lina and her brother and be totally in the dark about what's going on. It's not right. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 37: (view spoiler)[I remember Lina saying that they might as well have dug their own graves and in this chapter, it couldn't have been more true or real. The fear of enduring that, even if it wasn't true! :(
(hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Up to Chapter 41: (view spoiler)[That is so horrible, that Mrs. Arvydas is a prostitute! Andrius' confession was heartbreaking. I guess I could forgive Lina for what she thought, but maybe she should've been more careful of the way she carried her accusation.
(hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

So kinda behind. Just started....but at Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[I feel bad for whats being done to them. It seems like her parents had a heads up about it because of the coat. (hide spoiler)]

I have heard it's a sad book so I have a feeling I will be crying.

I enjoy the short chapters.

[Tara]

I tried to get some reading done before I headed out to the Superbowl party I am going to... Go Seahawks!

Through chapter 18
(view spoiler)[ It is crazy to think they were excited about the Germans being in Lithuania as if they were the better of the two... which if I was being treated the way they were I would think they were too. This is such an interesting story because honestly I do not know much about what the Soviets did during their annexing of the baltic states.
I am also glad that Andrius is back, and hope that we will learn more about what happened to him.
I hate that Ona's baby died, but unfortunately I did expect it. It would be hard to keep a newborn clean and healthy in such conditions.
(hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Have fun at the party. I'm at chapter 24. Can't post anything cause I'm on my phone. Leaving now to go look at cars.

[Tara]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 11: Lina and Jonas' father gave so much... It shows how much parents are willing to sacrifice for their children. It's touching :')
"

It really does.
(view spoiler)[ I really love how her mother continues to care for her and guide her throughout the book so far. I really hope that the three of them do not get separated. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Lindsey wrote: "Have fun at the party. I'm at chapter 24. Can't post anything cause I'm on my phone. Leaving now to go look at cars."

Sweet! We are looking to get a new car soon too. Have fun and I hope you find one that you love!

[Courtney]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 3:
"I shut the bathroom door and caught sight of my face in the mirror. I had no idea how quickly it was to change, to fade. If I had, I would have stared at my reflection, memorizing it. I..."

I just started this and I agree with you Mei. I am really liking it right now.

[Ashlee]

Chapter 28: (view spoiler)[ So far, I honestly can't say I'm surprised by any of the events that have occurred so far, particularly the death of Ona and her baby. I had a feeling that if Ona kept up her hysterical behavior the NKVD would get sick of it and do something to shut her up. It was heartbreaking nonetheless though. The characters are all amazing, even the annoying ones. They each add to what's going on and it's very realistic because I'm sure these would be the type of people that one would've encountered. (people from all walks of life). Now I'm just interested to see what happens between Lina and Andrius and Lina's family since they just arrived in Altai.
I'm also really curious as to why their train cars said "thieves and prostitutes"... (hide spoiler)]

[Kenzie]

um can someone help me out i dont know how to hide the spoiler in my comment....

[Rachmi]

Tara wrote: "I tried to get some reading done before I headed out to the Superbowl party I am going to... Go Seahawks!

Through chapter 18
It is crazy to think they were excited about the Germans being in Li..."

I think it's an understandable thought. My country was being occupied by the Dutch for 350 years and when Japan came before we declared our independence from the Dutch, we thought that they will help us but in a way they treated us worse than the Dutch.

I also feel the same way, I didn't know much about Soviet annexation of Baltic countries, so this book quite opening my eyes and my mind.

[Rachmi]

Ashlee wrote: "Chapter 28: ..."

You'll get the answer later and I personally liked the way the author divided it into 3 part in its title.

[Rachmi]

I finished it, by the way. Really liked it but there is one thing that made me couldn't give it 5 perfect stars :)

[Erin]

Everyone is so fast haha. I'm at Chapter 14 currently.

@Mei re: your Chapter 7 spoiler--That was my favorite line in the book so far. So simple and so haunting!

[[deleted user]]

Don't worry I'm only on chapter 24!

[[deleted user]]

But I'm hoping to read more when I'm done with "Mind Games."

[Tara]

Rachmi wrote: "Tara wrote: "I tried to get some reading done before I headed out to the Superbowl party I am going to... Go Seahawks!

Through chapter 18
It is crazy to think they were excited about the German..."

Japanese occupation was really harsh around the same time too. Thanks for sharing that perspective too. So many times the German occupation is shared in history classes, but there were other occupations that were also very cruel.

[Tara]

Mickenzie wrote: "um can someone help me out i dont know how to hide the spoiler in my comment...."

To hide a spoiler
click on the link (some html is ok) above the right hand corner of the comment box. I would share the code here, but it would just make my comment a spoiler.

[Erin]

Up through Chapter 18. (view spoiler)[I wasn't surprised the baby died. There was no way she could've survived. In an odd way, I feel saddest that I wasn't shocked by it at all. (hide spoiler)] This book is so far relentlessly dark. :(

[Rachmi]

Tara wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Tara wrote: "I tried to get some reading done before I headed out to the Superbowl party I am going to... Go Seahawks!

Through chapter 18
It is crazy to think they were excited a..."

Agree, it seems German occupation take more headlines than Soviet with Baltic countries, well...at least that I thought before since I didn't know much about Soviet Union.

[Tara]

Ellie wrote: "Up through Chapter 18. [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, it is sad isn't it. I was not surprised, but I think I still held out a tiny bit of hope.

[Rachmi]

Ellie wrote: "Up through Chapter 18. [spoilers removed]"

That exactly what I felt. I think from the moment (view spoiler)[the baby mentioned, I've already known there isn't a chance for her to make it through. I mean she basically has already died when the NKVD took her from the hospital. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Rachmi wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Up through Chapter 18. [spoilers removed]"

That exactly what I felt. I think from the moment [spoilers removed]"

I agree. (view spoiler)[ When she wasn't latching and thus not being able to eat, I figured it was just a matter of time. I also worried that Ona would die or have a complication since she was taken from the hospital so soon after giving birth and then the child would follow soon after. So sad. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Tara wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Up through Chapter 18. [spoilers removed]"

That exactly what I felt. I think from the moment [spoilers removed]"

I agree. [spoilers removed]"

I wonder (view spoiler)[what Jonas, Janine and other children think when they are adult. For one thing Jonas seems more mature than his age. In some part I forgot that he's only ten years old.

And what your daughter said is interesting but also kind of surprise me. I honestly don't think that she thinks it's better if Elena being honest to Lina and Jonas. I guess I forget that sometimes children are more thoughtful and braver than I thought. I don't have a child but it's what I thought :) (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Up to Chapter 24
(view spoiler)[
Two lines have stood out to me
Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother's was worth a pocket watch.

and

They're selling us
Both of those lines just tore me apart.

I want to hate the bald man but at the same time I understand what he is doing. He is trying to keep a clear picture of everything. But I think it's really getting to him.

Jonas is too cute and all I want to do is reach in and safe him. Really I want to save them all.
I feel bad that Lina's mother has been telling her to not be scared because of her brother. She is scared and that's that.

The part where their father gave them the food and clothes was heartbreaking. Another example what parents would do for their children.

Poor Ona. She lost her baby and had to drop it from the train.

More to come (hide spoiler)]

I love the writing style. It's quick and easy to follow along.
I love the map in the beginning of the book. It's great looking at the map and being able to see their travel path.

[[deleted user]]

Rachmi wrote: "Mei wrote: "Chapter 18: [spoiler removed]"


[spoilers removed]."

(view spoiler)[I too think in the end the death for the baby was better. I don't know if I would say she died early on because several times it was said she was crying/screaming. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Tara wrote: "Mei wrote: "Chapter 11: Lina and Jonas' father gave so much... It shows how much parents are willing to sacrifice for their children. It's touching :')
"

It really does.
[spoilers removed]"

The only thing I have against the mother is (view spoiler)[to me she cares about her daughter but does not notice she is scared. Instead she expects her daughter to be brave for the brother. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Ellie wrote: "Up through Chapter 18. [spoilers removed] This book is so far relentlessly dark. :("

I agree this book is dark and sad. I have a feeling I might need some tissues later on in the book.

[Rachmi]

Lindsey wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Up through Chapter 18. [spoilers removed] This book is so far relentlessly dark. :("

I agree this book is dark and sad. I have a feeling I might need some tissues later on in the book."

I agree, this book is so dark and sad but surprisingly I didn't cry the whole time I read it. I did almost cried when I read the author's note, though :D

[[deleted user]]

Chapter 26 (view spoiler)[I hate guards for how they treated the women. Making them take their clothes off and looking at them. Even touching them. Heartbreaking. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

I'm about to start Chapter 50. (view spoiler)[To be honest, I'm getting really bored. I'm not that engaged in the story anymore. But most of all, I couldn't sympathize with the characters. Yes, I feel sorry for what they're going through, but I don't feel any real deep connection to them. Only now did I realize I think it'd be better if the book was told from a third person POV. I was happy to know this is first person. That way, we could always get a glimpse of what the protagonist is going through, but in this book, I think dialogues make up most of the book for me to actually sympathize.
(hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 58: (view spoiler)[Aaww, such a simple celebration yet it made Lina's day special.

I also like that the romance subplot is not taking up the story :)
(hide spoiler)]