A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Title: A Night Divided
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: August 25th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a stunning thriller about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family divided overnight. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

Review

A Night Divided was a vivid and heart-warming story about a determined girl's mission to bring her family together.  The book can be enjoyed by all ages as it provides a unique perspective on the construction of the Berlin Wall.  That being said, the main character is 12 and the young voice was a bit much for me at times. Even though the narrator is younger, she is true to her age; Gerta is a bit stubborn, sometimes moody, and at times naive but it all fit her personality very well.

The struggles Gerta and her family face and try to overcome really is the central focus of the book. Gerta gives the reader a view of what life would have been like during the West and East Berlin struggles.  This is not a time frame I am quite familiar with so I found the story to be a refreshingly different historical fiction.

The family dynamics between Gerta and her brother Fritz evolve over the course of the story into something wonderful.  The book is mixture of family bonding moments and high stake actions. A Night Divided is a family-oriented, well written, historical fiction that glimpses into the life of a 12 year old girl digging for her freedom.  I recommend this book especially to a younger reader!

Conversion by Katherine Howe

Title: Conversion
Author: Katherine Howe
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Pages: 432
Source: BEA 2014

Summary from Goodreads:
It’s senior year at St. Joan’s Academy, and school is a pressure cooker. College applications, the battle for valedictorian, deciphering boys’ texts: Through it all, Colleen Rowley and her friends are expected to keep it together. Until they can’t.

First it’s the school’s queen bee, Clara Rutherford, who suddenly falls into uncontrollable tics in the middle of class. Her mystery illness quickly spreads to her closest clique of friends, then more students and symptoms follow: seizures, hair loss, violent coughing fits. St. Joan’s buzzes with rumor; rumor blossoms into full-blown panic.

Soon the media descends on Danvers, Massachusetts, as everyone scrambles to find something, or someone, to blame. Pollution? Stress? Or are the girls faking? Only Colleen—who’s been reading The Crucible for extra credit—comes to realize what nobody else has: Danvers was once Salem Village, where another group of girls suffered from a similarly bizarre epidemic three centuries ago . . .

Inspired by true events—from seventeenth-century colonial life to the halls of a modern-day high school—Conversion casts a spell. With her signature wit and passion, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Howe delivers an exciting and suspenseful novel, a chilling mystery that raises the question, what’s really happening to the girls at St. Joan’s?

Review

This book is undeniably well-researched and well-written. Even better, this story was inspired by real events, and I don’t just mean the Salem Witch Trials, but the modern day Mystery Illness too. I loved the in depth glimpse at both and the parallels that Howe made between them. It was really, really interesting.

I think I watched, rather than read, The Crucible back in middle school or high school. I am familiar with the Salem Witch Trials but not well versed on the subject. I’ve forgotten most of what I knew and didn’t have all of the history in the first place. That being said, I loved Howe’s rendering of this time in history. As a bit of a history buff, I loved learning about the events that unfolded and how everything escalated and spun out of control. It’s kind of crazy and sad really…

But the story takes time to build, which made for an ending that was much stronger and more exciting than the beginning. I couldn’t read fast enough when I got to the final 3rd of the book but the first 2/3rds didn’t completely pull me in. I admit that I wanted the book to move faster.

I’d recommend this book to fans of Historical Fiction, individuals interested in the Salem Witch Trials, or those who don’t mine a slower paced book. It really is a compelling story in that regard.

Prisoner of Night and Fog (Prisoner of Night and Fog #1) by Anne Blankman

Title: Prisoner of Night and Fog
Series: Prisoner of Night and Fog #1
Author: Anne Blankman
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Pages: 416
Source: ARC, ALA

Summary from Goodreads:
In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler.

And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

Review

Prisoner of Night & Fog isn't your typical WWII story. It takes place in the early 1930s during Hitler's rise to power and is told from the POV of a girl who grew up with "Uncle Dolf" as a loving father figure. Moreover, a fictitious murder is weaved around real events in history, and the primary plot focus. Although I wouldn't know any better, having only a basic knowledge of WWII, Blankman's story felt authentic and well-researched. 

It was really interesting, while also discomforting, to read from the POV of "Hitler's pet". In the beginning of the book, Gretchen shares Hitler's negative opinions of the Jews and her these thoughts and her habit to defend Uncle Dolf are not easy to shed. But while investigating her father's murder Gretchen learns that the Jews are not the enemy she was raised to believe they were and the people she thought she could count on are perhaps the real monsters. She experienced tremendous growth over the course of this book.

Being fascinated with History as I am, Historical Fiction novels always pull me in for the history lesson alone. But I further enjoyed the unique perspective Blankman provides through Gretchen, the mystery surrounding her father's murder, and the focus on the early days of Nazi Germany. However, I felt a little lukewarm over the characters and the romance. The plot and setting was what carried this for me, it was well-paced and transfixing.

If you are a fan of Historical Fiction, murder mysteries and a unique perspective, I'd definitely recommend you give this one a try. 

REVIEW: Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers

Title: Dark Triumph
Series: His Fair Assassin #2
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Pages: 385
Source: eBook

 Summary from Goodreads:
When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...

Wow. Just wow.
This book blew me away.

Evert Word. Sentence. Paragraph. Page. Chapter.
I loved it all.

Dark. Sinful. Broken. Sad. Merciless.
Beautiful. Hopeful. Kind. Forgiving. Triumphant.
It was all of these things and much much more.
So much emotion. So much depth.

I could not stop reading from the moment I started.

My heart broke for Sybella.
Beast gave me faith.
I wished any number of horrific fates for d'Albret.

I hate myself for not reading this sooner.
I will not make the same mistake with Mortal Heart.

Perfect, addictive, wonderfully-written Historical Fiction.
Easily deserving of each and every one of those 5 stars.

Read this book.

REVIEW: Scarlet (Scarlet #1) by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Scarlet
Series: Scarlet #1

Author: A.C. Gaughen

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Pages: 292
Source: eBook

Summary from Goodreads:

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

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• I loved that Scarlet was a retelling of the classic Robin Hood tale and it was so much more than that. Scarlet had history and passion and grief and cunning. There was a remarkable depth to this story that readers will appreciate.


• The world and characters felt so real, you couldn't help but sympathize with these townspeople and root for the success of Robin Hood and his gang. And there were some serious monsters to root against. So much death and violence. Your heart does not get to take it easy during this reading experience. 


• The band was so much fun. But Scarlet and Rob specifically were great, both individually and as a pair. Scarlet was a riot. She was sassy and stubborn and could hang with the best of them. The story is told from her POV, in a sort of lower-class broken English, which was perfect and really gave voice to her character.  Rob was a sweetheart but could be so dumb at times when it came to Scarlet. Men... *shakes head*


• Who doesn't love a book with thievery and law-breaking, good guys vs bad guys? This book was so much fun and one big adventure. And the ending was perfect. Conclusive but still open-ended enough for the sequel. 

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• I didn't care all that much for the love triangle between Rob, Scarlet and John, primarily because I didn't care all that much for John. Whatever affections John might have had for Scarlet, and vice versa, did not feel genuine and only served as a distraction from Rob and Scarlet, which was perfect and meant to be. Plus, there was too much back and forth on Scarlet's part.


• I didn't find the pacing to be all that fast. Most likely the love triangle focus slowed it down for me. Nevertheless, the book in its entirety was still immensely entertaining. 

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I can understand why there is so much hype surrounding this book. It's a retelling done extremely well - sans the love triangle. The characters are memorable - flawed but great. The setting is thorough and the story is full of emotion. There is plenty of action and adventure and a fair share of thievery and lawbreaking. Who can say no to that? It was a smooth, enticing read from start to finish and I am looking forward to reading Lady Thief! 

ARC REVIEW #167: Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Title: Rose Under Fire

Author: Elizabeth Wein

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: September 10, 2013

Pages: 368, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

"KITE-FLYING (by Rose Justice)

Hope has no feathers.

Hope takes flight

Tethered with twine

like a tattered kite,

slave to the wind's

capricious drift,

eager to soar

but needing lift.

Hope waits stubbornly,

watching the sky

for turmoil, feeding on

things that fly:

crows, ashes, newspapers,

dry leaves in flight

all suggest wind

that could lift a kite.

Hope sails and plunges,

firmly caught

at the end of her string - 

fallen slack, pulling taught,

 ragged and featherless.

Hope never flies

but doggedly watches

for windy skies."

How do you begin to write a review for a book that has left such a lasting impression on your heart? Some reading experiences are so profound that you literally cannot string together words well enough to explain it. Rose Under Fire is one of the most moving books I have ever read in my life. It might be the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. 

I thought Code Name Verity was a powerful book, but this book touched me far more. Code Name Verity was a beautiful story of friendship. A story of loyalty to one's country. A story of strength. But as sad as it was, it did not break my heart in the same way as this one did. And I think I feel this way because, to me, Rose Under Fire was so much more horrifying and on such a greater scale. Even knowing Rose's fate from the beginning did not make it any easier to read because it is the fate of all those others that stays with me.

I know this book was only fiction, but it is based on events that really happened. Rose, Roza, Lisette, Elodie, Karolina, Irina - they may only be characters in a book, but once upon a time there were real people like them that had to suffer the conditions that they did. And some who had to suffer much much worse. And that fact fills me with such despair I cannot even begin to put it into words. I feel a huge weight on my heart for all of those souls. 

And at the same time, I am in such awe of these girls, of anyone who has ever had to endure such devastating circumstances. The strength that these women displayed. The friendship and compassion towards each other. The small acts of rebellion. What an inspiration they are. What a demonstration of survival. 

Elizabeth Wein's writing is as wonderful as always. Somehow she manages to tell a story that in one sense is so vicious and in another sense is so virtuous. She writes in a way that allows readers to absorb the details without being too overwhelmed by the truth. She doesn't have to spell everything out. We know that which is left unsaid. And this way, we can appreciate the good in the story, without being inundated by the bad. 

I genuinely believe that Rose Under Fire is a gift that Elizabeth Wein has bestowed upon us. This story is such a testament to what human beings are capable of, both good and evil. It is a tragically beautiful story of a time in our history that we can never forget. I loved it with every fiber of my being.

Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor #1) by Jennifer McGowan

Title: Maid of Secrets

Series: Maids of Honor #1
Author: Jennifer McGowan

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Pages: 416, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained from trading

Summary from Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril.

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…

Review

I really enjoyed Maid of Secrets. But rather than me tell you, in so many words, that the plot was engaging and the characters were likably unalike, I thought I’d take a different approach. Using my powers of table-making, I laid out what Maid of Secrets IS (nifty adjectives that I’d use to describe this book), and what Maid of Secrets HAS (plot elements that might appeal to you). The result….

 

Now if a line item appeals to you, indicate as such with a (mental) check mark. There is a total possible score of 20 (i.e. you like everything in the table). And here is how you may interpret your score.

I myself am on a big spy kick and I always love books that take place in the past, especially those with an opulent setting. Really this book was perfect for me and I’d easily recommend this to others.  

Final note: I can draw a parallel between Grave Mercy and Maid of Secrets, and I’d suggest if you liked one that you read the other.

REVIEW #140: Born of Illusion (Born of Illusion #1) by Teri Brown

Title: Born of Illusion
Series: Born of Illusion #1
Author: Teri Brown
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Pages: 373, Hardcover
Source: Final Copy obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

ANNA VAN HOUSEN HAS A SECRET.

A gifted illusionist, Anna assists her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage shows and seances, easily navigating the underground world of magicians and mentalists in 1920s New York. For Anna, the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini - or so Marguerite claims - handcuffs and sleight-of-hand illusions have never been much of a challenge. The real trick is keeping her own gifts secret from her mother: because while Marguerite's power may be a sham, Anna possesses a true ability to sense people's feelings and foretell the future.

But as Anna's powers intensify, she experiences frightening visions of her mother in peril, which lead her to explore the abilities she's tried so long to hide. And when a mysterious young man named Cole moves into the flat downstairs, introducing Anna to a society that studies people with gifts like hers, she begins to wonder if there's more to life than keeping secrets.

As her visions become darker and her powers spin out of her control, Anna is forced to rethink all she's ever known. Is her mother truly in danger, or are Anna's visions merely illusions? And could the great Houdini really be her father, or is it just another of Marguerite's tricks?

I really enjoyed Born of Illusion, and here’s why:

1. It was set in the 1920’s which is quickly becoming one of my favorite time periods for historical fiction. Something about that time period just holds so much potential! It's lively and rich and Born of Illusion captures that. Perhaps not as well as the likes of Libba Bray but you can definitely still feel it.
2. The storyline involves magic , mentalists and séances which is not yet overdone and fun fun fun! Anna and her mother's work was a bit spooky, a bit show and a whole lot of exciting! I loved loved loved their performances. Anna's confidence in her magic. The sudden and terrifying visions. The danger. The suspense. Everything!
3. Anna herself was a strong lead. She was very level-headed, capable, and a even bit rebellious! Her raw untapped talent kept things interesting and her choices never frustrated me. She had a bit of standing up for herself to do too and I enjoyed watching her finally do so. And she did it with a bang! This girl was feirce.
4. The pacing was smooth and the story progressed nicely. I never got bored or anxious but rather kept a steady interest. Which was easy enough to do with a plenty of magic shows and seance's, a healthy does of skeptical characters, the growing threat of danger and an attack on Anna that goes awry, the mystery of Anna's visions, and the puzzle over her father.

So, there is a lot to like about Born of Illusion. Truth be told though, the ending was a little predictable, and I didn't care for the love interest. It could have been better developed but instead it was just there. But niether of these things really affected my overall enjoyment. I would still recommend this read.

And can I just say...THAT COVER IS GORGOUS (like seriously one of my favorites EVER)

SERIES REVIEW #119: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen

Cutting straight to the point - I was rooting for the wrong characters. But let me introduce them first:

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Elizabeth Holland -

The proper lady, or so she's got everyone believing. Her heart belongs to the coachmen and societal rules be damned.

Elizabeth was pretty much the victim from the beginning. But regardless I was drawn to her because she was nice and friendly, and didn’t think she was above anyone else. Ultimately, she was trying to do right by her friends and family.  Honestly, she was the only one I liked in the first book.

Diana Holland -

The rebellious one, without a care in the world. Well…until she captures the attention of New York’s most eligible bachelor.

Diana didn’t grow on me until the second book. In the first, she was incredibly selfish and made stupid decisions in the name of insta-love. But by the second book, it felt to me like sides were forming. Elizabeth and Diana versus Penelope and Lina. E and D were on the good side, obviously. P and L, well as for them....

Penelope Hayes -

The ruthless go-getter, who will stop at nothing to get what, or who, she wants. Watch out those who stand in her way!

Penelope was portrayed as the bitch from the start when she talks about only being friends with Elizabeth because she was her greatest competition. She caused a lot of trouble in these books and didn't care who she hurt. But I could respect Penelope to some degree. Even if she was merciless she did what she had to do to get what she wanted. And she never pretended to be anything other than what she was.

Lina Broud -

The social climber, whose love for herself knows no bounds. She believes the world has wronged her and she is out to set it right.

LINA! I don’t think I ever hated a character so much. She blamed everything on others and never took responsibility for anything. She harbored hatred for her once friend because the boy she was in lust with was attracted to her instead. She thought the world of herself but had no redeeming qualities. She expected more than she deserved and she was just plain awful. She was immature and delusional and petty and selfish and GOSH I could go on and on. 

Henry Schoonmaker -

The spoiled heir, with no understanding that actions have consequences. I don’t know what these ladies see in him, but apparently it’s worth fighting over.

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL WITH HENRY. I don't get it. He had the personality of a doorknob and was arrogant and entitled. So what if he’s handsome and rich. There were other boys just as handsome and also rich and TWICE the man Henry is *cough* TEDDY! *cough*. Henry did not deserve all of the fuss and it was kind of irritating that he was the reason everyone was fighting and so many lives were being ruined.

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But back to the story and why it drove me crazy. Basically it was a story about every man for himself. Penelope wanted Henry. Henry and Diana wanted each other. But Henry and Elizabeth were supposed to marry for family reasons. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Will loved each other. But Lina wanted Will until she just wanted money. It was a mess that at some point turned into Penelope and Lina vs Elizabeth and Diana with Henry dangling somewhere in the middle.

And contrary to what you might expect, there was really no back and forth in terms of which parties were favored in this story. Elizabeth and Diana consistently had it much worse than Penelope and Lina. Penelope and Lina were given more lucky breaks and the right circumstances, whereas, Elizabeth and Diana always had something in their way or another bad thing happen to them.

Now I’m not saying everything went right for Penelope and Lina and everything went wrong for Elizabeth and Diana but I definitely didn’t feel like there was a fair balance. And it kind of sucked out all of the fun. I just became more and more enraged with each book. But I kept on reading hoping that the author would make it up in the end. Now while the ending did kind of set some things right, it wasn’t to the extent that I had hoped. Overall, I was still pretty disappointed. Besides it shouldn’t have taken four books to get there. AND there was one decision in particular that made a main plot line feel completely pointless. I just didn’t get it.

But even if I ignored all of my frustrations with the plot, I can’t say that I loved these characters or the setting much. The setting lacked humor and vibrancy and the characters were shallow and dull. Then again, it’s entirely possible that I am spoiled by books written from the likes of Libba Bray. Or that books in the YA genre have just gotten better (this series was written several years ago). Whatever it was, it all just fell very flat for me.

BUT there were some things I did enjoy. The author starts each book with a glimpse at the end. The first book begins with a funeral. The second, a wedding. And so on. She provides just enough detail that you can eliminate some possibilities but not others until you fill in more details as you read. I thought this was a great way to add suspense and give a peek at what’s to come. Another nice detail was the clippings of newspapers, invitations, letters, rules, etc. that were included at the beginning of each chapter. I love details like this and it was a unique way to provide information in a non-obvious way. The writing and attention to detail definitely showed potential.

But overall, this story was not for me. It would be better suited for a younger audience and should be read for just fun and games and not much else.

To wrap up, here is a glimpse at my thoughts while reading:

Luxe: A decent introduction. The story could really go in any direction at this point. Nothing to illicit strong emotion.

Rumors: The Penelope and Lena show through and through. Elizabeth and Diana were just shat on. The ending BROKE my heart.

Envy: The Hollands are back! OH WAIT NVM! *angry face* Anna Godbsersen don't you dare give her that money. DON"T YOU DARE. (She gets the money) I'm done. Really, could things get any worse?

Splendor: *finds out things can get worse* Wait... THAT'S HOW IT ENDS? Unbelievable.

MINI-REVIEW #111: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Release Date: March 14, 2006

Pages: 550, Hardcover
Source: Audiobook

Summary from Goodreads:

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

 

I am not going to say much about this book, because I don't think much needs to be said. I think The Book Thief has made quite a name for itself already and with due cause. This book is  special, which is evident from the very first page. 

Two things really stood out to me while reading The Book Thief - the narration and the writing. The story is narrated by Death, but it's not just Death's perspective alone that is so great, it's how Death tells the story that is truly beautiful. The words that are used, the way they are strung together. The story is not told in a linear manner, but rather jumps around a bit. Everything about the delivery of this story is transcendent and I don't think this book would have quite the impact it has had without these two elements going for it. 

The story itself is so many things it's hard to describe. It is so much more than it's broken down pieces that I can describe for you here. It is not just about Nazi Germany, or a girl who discovered the power of words. It is profound. It is multifaceted. It is inspiring. It is condemning. It is love. It is hate. It is humanity. 

I highly recommend this book and I hope it leaves a mark on your heart as it did mine.