I thought I’d share the books I recently bought, because, like all book worms, I love seeing what other people are reading! Have you read any of these? Any new additions to your night stand?
1.‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
I’m almost finished with this book, and I couldn’t recommend it enough if you’re into biographies. It’s a very detailed, witty and empowering recount of Michelle Obama’s life before, during and after the White House, and everything that shaped her to become more than just the President’s wife –highs and lows. As she puts it: “an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey”. And what a journey…
2.‘We Were The Lucky Ones’ by Georgia Hunter
Bought this one because I’ve read a lot of books about the Holocaust, but none with a ‘good’ ending –hence the title. It follows the story of the author’s family who have to separate and flee their country when things get bad for Jewish living in Poland. Reviews say it’s a bit difficult to follow each character, but that their stories are filled with resilience and hope. Will give you an update as soon as I finish reading it.
3.‘The Night Trilogy’ by Elie Wiesel
This was my biggest surprise. Read ‘Night’ years ago and never knew it was part of a Trilogy! In Night, one of my favorite books about the Holocaust, Elie tells his and his family’s journey through the horrors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald from a crumbling faith in God and life.
Dawn and Day, on the other hand, are fiction novels about a Holocaust survivor who becomes part of a Jewish terrorist group in Palestine and then finds himself in a nearly fatal car accident in New York City –both portraying an inescapable tortured life post Holocaust. Don’t know why they’re sold as “trilogy”, but I’m excited.
4.‘The Library Book’ by Susan Orlean
This sentence in the preface caught my eye: “Susan Orlean reveals how these beloved institutions [libraries] provide much more than just books–and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country”. Reviews claim that it’s a masterpiece all book lovers should read. Can’t wait to dive into it! Plus, the hardcover version looks beautiful on the shelf.
5.‘Not Without My Sister’ by Kristina Jones, Celeste Jones and Juliana Buhring
I’m just starting Chapter Three and I’ve already cried and almost hurled. It’s a heartbreaking recount of the horrors that these three sisters lived inside the cult ‘The Children of God’ in the late 60’s and how they managed to escape. Brainwash, sexual assault, neglect… you name it, these girls lived it. What a testimony.
Already on my wishlist: ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris.
I know there’s a Holocaust theme going on, but I’ve always thought important that these stories are told and read. In fact, one of the first books I remember buying (probably in a Scholastic Fair) was The Diary of Anne Frank. My mother would tuck me into bed and we read a chapter each night. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the best bedtime story, but I wasn’t interested in any other book (maybe that’s when the obsession began).
