Between Shades of Gray - Restarting May 23rd 2020

[Rachmi]

Mei wrote: "I'm about to start Chapter 50. ..."

Agree! (view spoiler)[second part of the story kind of drag out, don't you think? that's why I can't give it 5 stars (hide spoiler)].

[Mei]

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

You do this:

< spoiler > Insert your text here. < / spoiler >

Just remove the gaps or spaces, that should work. :)

[Mei]

Rachmi wrote: "Agree! [spoilers removed]."

I also find the flashbacks in italics (view spoiler)[not effective. I mean, it's good that there are scenes we get from the past, at least we know how their family was like before they were deported, that Lina remembers these things, and they are all connected to the chapter it was in. But I think it could've done better if it was put in a separate chapter, for flashbacks only. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Mei wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Agree! [spoilers removed]."

I also find the flashbacks in italics [spoilers removed]"

hmm...(view spoiler)[I kind of liked it, to be honest because that way I can see the difference before and after the Soviet occupied Lithuania. It can be in separate chapter as you said but then I won't get it instantly, unlike the way the author wrote now. Hope you understand what I mean :D

In second part, I felt like Lina is more "quiet" and she kept telling the similar stories. What do you think? (hide spoiler)].

[Mei]

Rachmi wrote: "hmm...[spoilers removed]"

Now that you mentioned it, I just noticed that yes, (view spoiler)[she did tell the same stories. Right now there were some parts I enjoyed reading but it's not consistent, really. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Rachmi wrote: "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 ..."

My daughter constantly amazes me with what she thinks. I completely understand why Elena did what she did. As a parent we hope to shield our kids from all the sadness and tragedy and injustices the world throws at them. We want our kids to enjoy the innocence and the simplicity that comes from not knowing these things. It is sad, but unfortunately it is harder now than it used to be to hide some of the awful things going on in the world. Everything is on the internet and most of our kids have access to it. I think that is why Jonas seems older as well. Once kids have learned some of these things... their innocence is shattered and they too have to deal with all the bad things and it makes them grow up faster. (view spoiler)[ It makes me think about the cigarette scene and how Lina wants to stop her brother from smoking, but her mother holds her back. I think the mother knows, that his innocence is forever gone. It made me sad for their family. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Lindsey wrote: "Chapter 26 [spoilers removed]"

It made my stomach churn too.

[Tara]

Well I finished to chapter 31
This book really is so readable. It also is pretty powerful, especially some of the images of what is happening to those around her.
(view spoiler)[ The scenes with the baby and Ona were really hard to read. I find it hard to imagine what it must have been like for Ona to watch someone throw her baby dow the toilet hole. Then for everyone else to watch her lose it over her grief.
The shower scene where the guard grabs her also left me breathless. I know that stuff happens, but I am worried about her and her mother. I also wonder what happened to Andrius and his mother. The guards seemed to also pay special attention to his mother and so I am worried about what is to come with them.
I also can't figure out what is going on with the living situation. It does not seem like they are in a prison camp. Is this just a stopover before they head to where they are going or does something happen that makes their lives even worse? Guess I got to keep reading. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Lindsey wrote: "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 ..."

I do think she is asking a lot of Lina. I guess since her dad is not there her mother feels like she needs Lina to be her support.

[Tara]

Lindsey wrote: "Up to Chapter 24

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 li..."

I like that the map was included as well.
(view spoiler)[ I am with you on the bald man. There have been many times where he has really pissed me off with his inconsiderateness (is that a word?). I get it though, he is pissed off and it seems he has the most knowledge of what is really going on in the world and so he is much more aware of how bad things can get for them. I kind of wish we knew more about what his story is. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlee]

Up to Chapter 51: (view spoiler)[ I'm still amazed by how beautifully and well written this is. I'm still waiting for more development on Andrius' part. I'm glad he finally started acknowledging Lina again because it's obvious that they play a big role in each other's lives now. I hope nothing happens to Jonas, his sickness sounds absolutely horrific. Prior to reading this, I really had no idea about the Soviets occupation during WWII. This is all very enlightening. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlee]

Rachmi wrote: "Mei wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Agree! [spoilers removed]."

I also find the flashbacks in italics [spoilers removed]"

hmm...I kind of liked it, to be honest because that way I can see the difference b..."

I agree! (view spoiler)[ the flashback style is unique. i don't think it'd make as much sense to me if it was in a separate chapter. Even though a division would be nice but the chapters are already short as is! haha it is a nice change though to see the comparisons between the present and the past. i can feel the hope in the words and it really is heartbreaking (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Rachmi wrote: "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 lat..."

I haven't been crying--I feel very detached from the whole thing, really. Like, objectively, there are a lot of dark and awful things happening. I've certainly winced a lot (such as that Chapter 26 spoiler mentioned by Lindsey (view spoiler)[ick ick the guards are disgusting PIGS (hide spoiler)]. But it hasn't been the sort of thing I've felt like crying over (but I also don't cry very often at books, so…).

[Erin]

I started out disliking the flashbacks, but I actually really like how they're woven into current events instead of being a separate chapter.

At Chapter 68 now. (view spoiler)[I really like the romance sub-plot, and I am so scared Andrius and Lina will never see each other again. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Just got to chapter 8 and, so far I am really liking this book. It is sad, but I think it really allows the reader to capture the way things really were back then.

[Courtney]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 6: That is so cruel!! Why can't they wait a little bit more? The woman just gave birth. Ans why drag the baby into this, he's the innocent of all innocents!
"

I felt the same way. I really hope (view spoiler)[the baby makes it, but considering the baby is already having problems breathing I dont think it will :/ (hide spoiler)]

[Kenzie]

Tara wrote: "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 commen..."

thank you Tara!

[Kenzie]

Chapter 28 : (view spoiler)[ wow i just finished the first part and just wow. I can't believe what's happening it's so sad. I really like all the characters so far especially the mother. I completely admire how strong she is staying for her kids and how she is always trying to calm people and make them think positively. I'm also interested to see what is going to happen with Lina and Andrius as well. So far this book has really made me think of how horrible this situation is. Sure you learn about it in school and you know everything that's happened throughout this time in history but to hear it narrated like this puts it in a totally different perspective. I also like how the author is doing the flashbacks of Lina's life to happier times. All in all I've enjoyed the first part. It was really hard to put down and hopefully I don't stay up all night reading it because I do have school in the morning :) it's a really captivating book (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Up to Chapter 35(view spoiler)[ It was sad and shocking when Ona was killed. I did not see that coming. I knew the guards could kill them but I did not see her being the first. I kinda thought it would be the bald man. It was sweet to shield Jonas and Lina from it Andrius.

Chapter 35 - I can't believe that the bald man said what he said to Lina. I already hated him and that made me hate him even more. WHAT A PIG! Asking a young girl that. Gross. And way out of line. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I love this book! I hope you guys enjoy this one. :)

[[deleted user]]

@Tori I'm really enjoying it so far!

[[deleted user]]

End of chapter 37 (view spoiler)[It's wrong that they were asked to say they were criminals. But everything going on wrong. I'm glad they stood up for themselves.

Being almost buried alive must have scared them. It would scare me.

I have an interesting feeling about Kretzsky. The moment between Lina and him was interesting. Might just be me. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Tara wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "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 remov..."

Couldn't agree more Tara. The most interesting part about what your daughter said is sometimes parents think they do what the best for their children but don't realize that their children also have their own thought. I understand why Elena try to shield her children and kept their innocent but along the way Jonas and Lina (especially Jonas) have to face the truth, that's why your daughter thinks it's best for Elena to tell the truth from the beginning.

We learn a lot from this book, aren't we? :)

[Rachmi]

Lindsey wrote: "Up to Chapter 35..."

I also dislike the bald man but (view spoiler)[somehow what he says is the truth. He's sarcastic and sinister but as hard at it is that's what happened to them. I think his role in this story is to keep balance from other characters. I felt like other characters are good, kind and innocent people but the bald man is the opposite. It's like he is in a gray area and the perfect picture of the ironic life. That's what make him interesting, at least that's what I felt. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Rachmi wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Up to Chapter 35..."

I also dislike the bald man but [spoilers removed]"

That is what I was thinking. He is the one who is not candy-coating everything and just laying it out there. (view spoiler)[Like when he said the decaying baby stank. It was true and yes it horrified me that he said it with the grieving mother right there, but he said what others were probably thinking. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Tara wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Up to Chapter 35..."

I also dislike the bald man but [spoilers removed]"

That is what I was thinking. He is the one who is not candy-coating everything and just la..."

Exactly! What others probably thinking and feeling but they couldn't or won't tell it loudly

[Courtney]

Just finished chapter 18, and so far I really like it. (view spoiler)[ I am sad that the baby passed away though. Also the old man gets really annoying. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 18: Ona's baby is dead! Poor baby have to die. She can live, if only she was well-fed. :(
"

That part was really sad :/

[[deleted user]]

Rachmi wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Up to Chapter 35..."

I also dislike the bald man but [spoilers removed]"

I agree(view spoiler)[to me the bald man is there to make sure the reader has the sense o reality. He might be negative but he is shining a different light on everything. I find him interesting and rude at the same time. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Lindsey wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Up to Chapter 35..."

I also dislike the bald man but [spoilers removed]"

I agree[spoilers removed]"

I feel the same way.

[Mei]

DONE . (view spoiler)[I'm not sure what I feel about the ending though. It was rushed and abrupt, like the author didn't know how to end it so she did it that way. It's a good epilogue, but maybe if the author put something in between that and the last chapter I could've felt different. I don't know. (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Also finished. (view spoiler)[I did not really like the ending either--it was too abrupt. I felt like the plot was just sort of moving along, and then, instead of wrapping things up, the author just cut it off. I mean, the epilogue lets us know that Lina did indeed survive and made it out of there eventually and somehow found Andrius again, but I wish we'd actually seen the part where she left and maybe when she found Andrius again--that would've felt more resolved to me than just seeing an addendum saying "oh, and she did eventually make it out somehow"). (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

I read up to chapter 53 today.
(view spoiler)[ Up to Chapter 40
When she saw Andrius' mom in the house, I had a feeling that is what happened, based on the way everyone was leering at her. She seemed so innocent when she jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Does it seem like they are harder on the women than the men? I mean asking them to get in the hole and shooting at them and it seems like the nothing like that has happened to the boys. Of course, it could get worse for them.
I was happy to see that they were able to heal the wounds that were caused by Lina's misunderstanding. I am such a romantic that I am hoping that they can find love amidst all the devastating conditions.
I do wonder if her father is getting any of her drawings that she has mailed.
It saddened me to read about their Christmas, but I also think it is amazing how their new friends (those they did not know before they were deported) care for one another. It was nice to read about how people were will to help Jonas get better. I liked that Mr. Stalas opened up too and although he still says what others can't which can be alarming and makes him seem like a grouch, I can tell he is beginning to appreciate those around him. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Done
(view spoiler)[I really enjoyed the book but I too felt the ending was rushed. I was glad the one guard (not going to try to spell it) came around and got the doctor. But after that I felt it was rushed. One minute they were working and then the book was done. I enjoyed the epilogue, I was glad she got together with Andrius. But I would have loved seeing some moments between them - like them meeting again or finding each other.

I need to cry but I teared up a few times. Like when Lina and Andrius were separated. When the mother died.
(hide spoiler)]

Ruta Sepetys is an amazing author. I loved and I look forward to reading another one of her books.

[Tara]

Lindsey wrote: "
Done
"

I have heard that Out of the Easy was a good book too.

[Tara]

Up to chapter 70
(view spoiler)[ So much has happened! I can't believe that she was moved away from Andrius, just as she realized that she liked him. I was really sad reading about their good bye by the train.
What do you guys think about Liale? It is kind of creepy that the doll is telling Janina stuff, but I think it is the little girl's way of talking about the scary things that are happening like the little girl dying.
I kind of wish that they went into more details about Trofimovsk. I would assume that it was really cold, but yet they have no shelter. How have they not frozen to death yet? (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 58:

(view spoiler)[ I like that the romance seems realistic. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

I'm so slow, I just finished chapter 34. I am really liking it right now. (view spoiler)[I really love how the author includes Lina's memories. I am really starting to like Jonas better, he is taking everything alot better then I expected him to.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

@ Courtney (view spoiler)[I really liked Jonas. I constantly forgot how young he was because he was (generally) very mature and strong in the face of some really horrible things. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

@Courtney don't worry about being a slow reader. I'm still here to discuss it. (view spoiler)[ At first I did not like the memories but over time I started to like them. Jonas is too cute but I think he had to grow up too fast because of all this. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Lindsey wrote: "@Courtney don't worry about being a slow reader. I'm still here to discuss it. [spoilers removed]"

Im trying to balance work, school, and trying to read as much as possible, but I seem to not be doing so well haha.

[[deleted user]]

Courtney wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "@Courtney don't worry about being a slow reader. I'm still here to discuss it. [spoilers removed]"

Im trying to balance work, school, and trying to read as much as possible, but I ..."

Don't worry, I know how you feel. It's hard to find time when done working and with school. Just take your time and don't rush!

[Mei]

Ellie wrote: "@ Courtney [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, he was really wise beyond his years. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Ellie wrote: "Also finished. [spoilers removed]"

Exactly! (view spoiler)[I could've felt more sympathy, happiness, relief, that they really got back together. I wish the author wrote a more concrete ending. That would've been nice to read about --- Andrius and Lina getting back together. I'm not sure if this was mentioned but I can't remember what happened to Jonas after that. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Finished last night!

@Ellie and Courtney! I loved Jonas. He was such a sweet little boy.

(view spoiler)[ The conditions got so bad. I have to give it to Kretsky. He came through in the end, although it was a bit too late. I like that she included a character like him. I am sure there were soldiers and Russians that were in constant battles with themselves when it came to duty vs. their own morals. On the other side, it was interesting that the bald guy was the ones who turned in the names. I would have balled if Janina and Jonas had died.
I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when it came to the end and although it was nice to know they made it out and that she married Andrius. I wish we learned how they found each other again. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Oh, did anyone watch the opening ceremony from Sochi? I thought of Lina when Lithuania's athletes walked in.
I wonder if they it is weird to be there considering their history with Russia.

[Courtney]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 37: 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!..."

I was really scared he was actually going to kill one of them at that part, but I am really glad that he didnt.

[Courtney]

Chapter 38 UGH! Please tell me what I just read isnt true! (view spoiler)[ Andrius and his mom are working with the soviets?? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

(view spoiler)[You will learn why later. Just keep reading. I was mad at first. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Lindsey wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

OMG! I just read chapter 39 and I really HATE the NKVD now.