4 show stoppping stars to Don’t Believe It! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My first read from Charlie Donlea was engaging and propulsive and a fabulous Traveling Sister 4 show stoppping stars to Don’t Believe It! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My first read from Charlie Donlea was engaging and propulsive and a fabulous Traveling Sister group read to boot!
The Girl of Sugar Beach is a popular documentary covering whether Grace Sebold murdered her boyfriend while on spring break in St. Lucia. When the book opens, Grace has been in prison for 10 years, and Sidney Ryan agrees to produce the documentary in an effort to (hopefully) prove Grace’s innocence.
Sidney quickly becomes a pseudo-detective in her production role, and evidence falls in her lap that could change everything. Is Sidney really helping to free an innocent Grace, or is she possibly working for a brutal killer?
It took a little time to get into Don’t Believe It, but once I did, it took off! At first, I was not sure about the documentary scenes, but they ended up adding interest and perspective to the story.
I clicked with so much about this book. The likable characters, the fresh premise, and the twists that I never saw coming had me fully invested in this wild ride with a satisfying ending.
Overall, Don’t Believe It was an original, gripping, and fascinating read. I highly recommend this book to psychological thriller fans, and I am looking forward to reading more from Charlie Donlea!
Thank you to Charlie Donlea, Kensington Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. Don’t Believe It will be released on May 29, 2018!
4 slower-building, but gripping, stars to The Perfect Nanny! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Perfect Nanny opened with the what. There was a horrific scene to behold i4 slower-building, but gripping, stars to The Perfect Nanny! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Perfect Nanny opened with the what. There was a horrific scene to behold in this family’s home. For the entire book, I was on the edge of my seat wondering the why with tons of ambiguity and build-up at a slower-moving pace. Louise seems to be epitome of the perfect nanny, but people aren’t always who and what they appear to be. The side messages on class, privilege, and child rearing in France were interesting.
This had all the makings of a five star read. Until the ending. It was a little too loose and open. I was really looking forward to putting my finger on the why for some closure.
The Perfect Nanny is a short and quick read. Overall, I found it gripping and engaging and well-worthy of four stars.
5 educational and emotionally resonant stars to Every Note Played, my first Lisa Genova novel! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I cannot imagine this book being any more emo5 educational and emotionally resonant stars to Every Note Played, my first Lisa Genova novel! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I cannot imagine this book being any more emotionally-engaging than it was! I was enthralled from the first chapter, and part of it may have been due to a small personal connection.
Richard is a famous concert pianist diagnosed with ALS. His ex-wife, Karina, teaches children piano lessons in his shadow. When Karina learns of Richard’s diagnosis, she walks through many different expected emotions, especially since their divorce was less than amicable.
As the heartbreaking effects of ALS ravage away Richard’s body and his ability to do what he loves most, he is forced to accept help, and eventually it comes from the most unexpected person, Karina. What follows is a captivating tale of redemption and sacrifice.
I learned a vast amount about ALS- its effects, how it progresses, but most importantly, how it might affect the emotions of the individual with the diagnosis, as well as the loved ones impacted.
On a personal note, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years ago. While it is not ALS, I felt an attachment because as Richard lost his ability to play piano, what he loved most in his life, I was repeatedly thinking of my dad who has lost his ability to sing due to Parkinson’s. My dad studied voice and music, and even though he’s self-conscious about singing now, he was able to sing a few words of Happy Birthday to me back in December. A memory I will treasure, as I will cherish the experience of reading this book. I couldn’t help but feel personally connected to Richard’s story.
Overall, Every Note Played is a book I highly recommend because it’s well-written, thoughtful, enlightening, and poignantly powerful.
This was a Traveling Sister Read with the best kind of book to share with my sisters. Please check out Brenda and Norma’s blog for all the Traveling Sister reviews: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Thank you to Lisa Genova, Gallery/Scout Press, and Netgalley for the copy. ...more
4 intriguing stars to the light mystery/domestic suspense, Not That I Could Tell! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Having read Jessica Strawser’s debut book, Almost Misse4 intriguing stars to the light mystery/domestic suspense, Not That I Could Tell! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Having read Jessica Strawser’s debut book, Almost Missed You, I knew I had to read her second!
The women of the neighborhood gathered around the fire pit at Clara’s house and had a carefree evening while indulging in perhaps too much alcohol. The next day, Kristen’s husband, Paul, flags down one of the women and asks if she knows where Kristen is. It turns out that Kristen and her two children disappeared after the get-together. The police begin to question all the women, but their memories are hazy, and they don’t know why, other than the alcohol.
The first suspect is always the husband, right?! Is Paul the culprit, or he is falsely accused?
The narrators are Izzy and Clara, two of the neighborhood women who attended the party. Izzy is single, and Clara is married with children; the challenges for each of their lifestyles were explored and contrasted. I liked Izzy. She was fallible and interesting, and I admired her growth as a character.
Overall, Not That I Could Tell is a slower-building mystery. It’s an easy read, perfect to relax into and watch it gradually unfold.
4 close, but not quite so perfect stars to The Perfect Girl ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It only took me a couple pages to get hooked on The Perfect Girl. The structure4 close, but not quite so perfect stars to The Perfect Girl ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It only took me a couple pages to get hooked on The Perfect Girl. The structure of the book added to the swift pacing where different points of view were told at two different times - both before and after a murder. The short chapters added to the quick tempo. Lots of surprises, interesting characters, and a bird’s eye view into this family, all added up to a great book on the whole.
But you know there’s “but” in here somewhere, don’t you? 😊 There were a couple loose ends with characters that left me questioning whether some parts of the book were edited out (it is a longer read at over 400 pages), and it felt a little unsettling. For example, a side character discovered a medical condition that was discussed quite a bit, but I’m not sure what it added to the story? Also, the ending. The book could have gone out with fireworks 💥, just like it started; but instead, it just fizzled out. If it had ended better, it would have easily been five stars.
Overall, this was a quick read with excellent pacing, and I would definitely be interested in reading other books by Gilly Macmillan.
4 stars to this historical drama of WWII, The Room on Rue Amelie!
I have enjoyed other books by Kristin Harmel, but The Room on Rue Amelie may just be 4 stars to this historical drama of WWII, The Room on Rue Amelie!
I have enjoyed other books by Kristin Harmel, but The Room on Rue Amelie may just be my favorite from her.
Set in World War II, my favorite time period of which to read, the Epilogue of The Room on Rue Amelie set the intriguing stage, as it was not until the end of the book that I knew which loving elderly couple was portrayed.
In 1939, Ruby falls in love with a Frenchman and moves to Paris, against her parents’ wishes because the political climate of the time is uncertain. By 1940, Ruby’s marriage also becomes uncertain and now the Nazis have invaded her beloved Paris.
Ruby becomes close friends with a girl who is Jewish in her apartment who did not evacuate, and later in time, a shot-down RAF pilot appears who needs to make his way back to England. The story that unfolds is one of two fearless women who help others no matter the cost. I was inspired to find out that the story was loosely based on a real person.
The Room on Rue Amelie is an endearing story of WWII, lovingly told, of bravery and the utmost sacrifice. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and it’s delightful to have a well-researched, beautifully-written account that’s “lighter.” This does not mean that this novel was lacking in depth, but instead, I could read and enjoy with ease without re-reading at times in order to absorb all the content.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and Netgalley, for the ARC. The Room on Rue Amelie is available now!...more
4 questioning reality stars to The Favorite Sister! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Five successful women are appearing on a reality show called Goal Diggers, and the sea4 questioning reality stars to The Favorite Sister! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Five successful women are appearing on a reality show called Goal Diggers, and the season ends with the murder of one of the stars. The book covers the events leading up to the murder.
I don’t watch tv often, but when I do, my flavor of choice is reality tv. I think it’s partially because I’m part of the reality tv generation. Just as soon as I hit adulthood, Survivor, Big Brother, and The Bachelor, were on everyone’s watch list. I also watch because it’s a true escape from my own reality. Mind numbing? Sure. But it can also be thought-provoking, and I found some room for that in this book as well.
On the surface, this is a story about reality television where women are stabbing each other in the back and being paid. When I dug deeper, I thought about our reality culture and the thin line between truth and fiction. I also reflected on sisterhood, and the competition and drama that can ensue, even when cameras are not rolling, filming your every eye roll and blunder.
I found the author’s writing to be intelligent and provocative with a blush of feminism if you are in-tune to it. I would expect nothing less from Jessica Knoll.
I enjoyed reading and discussing this book with my Traveling Sisters!
Thank you to Jessica Knoll, Simon Schuster, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Favorite Sister is available now!
3.75 quiet stars to Alternate Side, my first novel by Anna Quindlen! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.75
Alternate Side was a clever title for a story about the haves and have3.75 quiet stars to Alternate Side, my first novel by Anna Quindlen! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.75
Alternate Side was a clever title for a story about the haves and have nots and neighbors on two sides of an issue. Set on a dead end street in Manhattan, Nora Nolan, married to Charlie, narrates this story.
Overflowing with characters all residing close together, it took some time to get everyone straight. The pinnacle event happens over a dispute about a parking space. Anyone who’s lived somewhere where parking is at a premium can probably relate to that.
Where this book shone was with the insights into marriage, the relatable humor, and relaying profound messages in the ordinary. Overall, I found this a quiet read, easy to pick-up and put down. I will definitely be reading more from Quindlen.
This was a Traveling Sister read, and as always, my sisters added to the experience in reading this book! For Traveling Sisters’ reviews, check out Brenda and Norma’s blog: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Thank you to Anna Quindlen, the most generous Random House, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy to review....more
4 tender, emotionally connected stars to John Hart's Down River
This is my third John Hart Novel in as many months. It’s safe to say I’m a fan. So much4 tender, emotionally connected stars to John Hart's Down River
This is my third John Hart Novel in as many months. It’s safe to say I’m a fan. So much so, in fact, that after reading The Last Child (still my reigning favorite Hart novel), I bought his entire backlist.
Adam Chase is an enigma. He’s angry and even violent at times, but he’s also fiercely loyal and sensitive. Writing a complex main character is one of John Hart’s biggest strengths. Another is setting. Down River takes place in John Hart’s hometown, one not too far from my own hometown. Storytelling is another of his talents, and Down River was no exception. Adam Chase has a story to tell the reader. Is he guilty of murder? If not, just who did it and why? The words are powerful. The setting is dark. The plot will keep you guessing. I enjoyed my time spent Down River.
5 big stars to Before I Let You Go, an honest, emotional, compassionate story of addiction 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
When Lexie’s estranged sister, Annie, calls her o5 big stars to Before I Let You Go, an honest, emotional, compassionate story of addiction 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
When Lexie’s estranged sister, Annie, calls her one day for help, it’s serious. Annie has been using drugs again, and she’s pregnant and showing signs of early labor. On top of that, she’s afraid she’ll lose her baby and possibly be arrested due to endangerment laws.
The reader quickly learns there’s more to Annie’s past and why she abuses drugs, a past that is quite painful and told through her own words in letters. What ensues is the push-pull dynamic of a sibling trying to help, support, advocate for, and love her sister in all the ways she knows how, as both a doctor and family member.
Because of the unique sibling interplay, as well as the underlying mental illness and tremendous pain, this book reminded me of Everything Here is Beautiful, another favorite book of mine this year. The characterization and writing styles are different, but the emotionality and authenticity are there in both books in spades.
At times raw, but always honest and compelling, Before I Let You Go is an important read. One that sheds light on addiction and its impact on families, but at a much deeper level, how society treats females with drug addiction differently, mothers especially, legally and with underlying stigma.
This was a Traveling Sister read, and I enjoyed the discussion that this thought-provoking book generated. Please visit Norma and Brenda’s blog for this review, the combined Traveling Sister reviews, and much more: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to Kelly Rimmer for writing this book with great care and compassion, as well as Graydon House/Harper Collins, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy. Before I Let You Go will be published on April 3, 2018....more
5 stars to the enchanting and quietly-written, The Eight Mountains! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pietro and his parents are from the metropolitan city of Milan, and5 stars to the enchanting and quietly-written, The Eight Mountains! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pietro and his parents are from the metropolitan city of Milan, and they vacation in the Dolomites of Italy in a remote village. Pietro’s father is consumed with climbing the tallest peaks, which is difficult for Pietro to understand. While in the shadow of his father, he forms a friendship with Bruno, another child from the village.
Over time, the mountains and his friendship with the steadfast Bruno help to keep Pietro grounded. His life experiences many changes, but the mountains and Bruno are always there for him, unwavering.
Cognetti’s prose, even through translation, is alluring. The mountains themselves become a character in the novel with symbolism to be deciphered.
A story of friendship and family relationships in a glorious alpine setting, The Eight Mountains is a quiet book worthy of a re-read and more reflection.
This book came highly recommended by my friends, Cheri and Angela M. Thank you both for an unforgettable read!
5 Living in the Wild, Wild West stars to Hour Glass, a story of friends and family (and Calamity Jane!)! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Please don’t let the “western” aspe5 Living in the Wild, Wild West stars to Hour Glass, a story of friends and family (and Calamity Jane!)! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Please don’t let the “western” aspect turn you away. Hour Glass is a multi-dimensional story of family and friends as family that happens to be set in raw, wild, Deadwood, South Dakota. From the prologue, I was invested in this book and its characters. If you need likeable characters, there are plenty to love here.
Calamity Jane is uncouth. She’s a fast talker. She swears. A lot. She is also big-hearted, which was visible when she ran into two young children, Jimmy and Hour, who desperately needed help for their father infected with smallpox. Oh how I adored Jimmy and Hour. Jimmy is the older brother who solemnly protects his sister, Hour, who’s quieter, less socially adept, more vulnerable. The relationship that forms between Calamity, Jimmy, and Hour melted my heart. If you are a cat person, and I most definitely am, cats make a special cameo in this book.
The pacing of the writing, the authenticity of the dialogue, the connections among the characters; it’s all so genuine and full of heart. Hour Glass is a must-read tale of family, no matter how you find it.
This was a Traveling Sister read, and this book received lots of well-deserved love from the group! That’s quite the endorsement! Please check out Brenda and Norma’s blog for their combined sister reviews and much more: http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
Thank you to Michelle Rene, Amberjack Publishing, and Netgalley, for the complimentary copy to review....more
4 lyrically dark stars to Sadness Is a White Bird! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Jonathan is 19 years old and preparing to serve in the Israeli army when he befriends P4 lyrically dark stars to Sadness Is a White Bird! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Jonathan is 19 years old and preparing to serve in the Israeli army when he befriends Palestinian twins, Laith and Nimreen. As the story begins, Jonathan is in jail, and his story is told through letters to Laith. The second person narrative was refreshing.
Through Jonathan’s friendship with Laith and Nimreen, he begins a journey of self-discovery and coming-of-age where his emotions give rise to conflict within him about serving in the army.
This book was short and full of meaning. The message on conflict resonated with me because, generally speaking, sometimes we think we are on the right side of the conflict, but there’s always another side and many more voices to be heard. Some of the imagery at the end gave me chills.
Interestingly, in the audio, the passages in different languages were not included, so I did not experience that possible disconnection from the story that I’ve read about in reviews. The narrator added to the story. His voice was eerie and foreboding.
Sadness is a White Bird is a novel of friendship and full-bodied emotion. The author’s language is lyrical without being over-done. The emotions of the characters are transparent.
Thanks to many, many of my GR friends for the recommendation to read this thought-provoking book. This was a Traveling Sister Read, and for the combined Sister Review, please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
4 silly, but surprisingly serious, stars to Surprise Me! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Sometimes I think I subsisted on Sophie Kinsella books in my 20s. I looked forwar4 silly, but surprisingly serious, stars to Surprise Me! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Sometimes I think I subsisted on Sophie Kinsella books in my 20s. I looked forward to a Becky Shopaholic book like Christmas. It’s hard for me to believe I used to be quite the shopper then. I also have fond memories of reading Kinsella books at the beach or on vacation. I read The Undomestic Goddess while cruising past Sardinia! Her books are perfect for vacations because they are easy to pick up and put down, and well, they are just plain engaging, fun, and easy reading. So when I saw Surprise Me was coming out, I was onboard, even though I’m not on a vacation currently and haven’t taken one in years!
Sylvie and Dan have a happy marriage, and when they find out from their doctor that they are healthy and are likely to live close to 70 more years together, they each have a different response! They come together and decide to keep their marriage fresh with lots of fun and quirky surprises. The second half of the book took a more serious tone for Dan and Sylvie, but I enjoyed the way it wrapped up.
Overall, Surprise Me had the same fun SK humor, with a little, new “grown-up” flavor.
5 Deeply moving, honest stars to Everything Here Is Beautiful!
May all books about mental health challenges be this honest, this realistic.
From the s 5 Deeply moving, honest stars to Everything Here Is Beautiful!
May all books about mental health challenges be this honest, this realistic.
From the start, I was enthralled with Miranda and Lucia’s characters. These sisters had an interesting beginning in the United States after moving with their single mother from China. Family stories are always my favorite, and this one delivered “family” on every level. The story follows Miranda and Lucia throughout their lives, including Lucia’s development of a mental illness and thereafter. What ensued is a true-to-life account of a sister who tried to advocate, save, support her sister, while also trying to find the balance and living her own life. When Miranda wasn’t there, it was Yonah (oh, what a loveable character!), Lucia’s first husband. And when not him, it was Manny (equally loveable in different ways), her second husband and the father to her child. Each person had his/her own way of helping Lucia, and the manner in which the story was told added layer upon layer of perspective from each voice. A side benefit to book was culture- Chinese culture, Israeli culture, Ecuadorian culture, and the culture of mental health.
All of that led to empathy. My biggest hope is that this book will help in gaining insight into the area of mental health (we all have mental health! 😊), perspective-taking, and through that, empathy. It would be typical and easy to feel sad for Lucia and her family members. Anyone would. They went through so much trying to live life while taking care of her. But what’s more important, and most definitely harder, is to move past the sympathy and sadness, which disconnects you from the pain of others, and feel connected to others through empathy- by walking in Lucia’s/Miranda’s/Yonah’s/Manny’s/Essy’s shoes. Through empathy there comes true acceptance, and I think that’s what many facing difficulties with mental health want more than anything.
I’m passionate about mental health, and I’m so grateful that this book was written with truth, heart, and complete realism, even though I will always wish/hope for better outcomes.
Everything Here is Beautiful is what my huggable bookshelf is all about.
Thank you to Mira T. Lee, Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy of this deeply moving book....more
Live each day as if it were your last, while also not knowing it's your last day. ✨ 4.5 stars rounded up for The Immortalists
The Immortalists is a difLive each day as if it were your last, while also not knowing it's your last day. ✨ 4.5 stars rounded up for The Immortalists
The Immortalists is a different sort of book. Hard to classify, and while it may not be for everybody, it was an addictive read for me. Four young siblings find out the date of each of their deaths from a gyspsy fortune teller. The reader follows each sibling as "the day" edges near, and the way the stories were arranged and overlapped between each character added further interest.
Simon comes of age in San Francisco where he is free to be exactly who he wants to be. He lives a large and fast life. Klara becomes a magician and a mother, but has some deep internal conflict. Daniel follows what is expected of him and always seeks to protect his siblings. Varya becomes a scientist studying aging. Each storyline is fascinating in its own right, and the pacing was exceptional except for one section for me - Varya's. It moved a little slower, but it was still necessary for the messages of the book; which by the way, were profound.
This was a Traveling Sister read, and only two of us made it past the first section of the book. It was a pleasure reading and discussing this with Norma, especially how the book made us feel. I found this to be a special book with deep meaning. Check out the Traveling Sisters' blog for awesome reviews: http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
Thank you to Chloe Benjamin, G.P. Putnam, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy. The Immortalists releases on January 9, 2018....more
Grist Mill Road engaged me from the start. I found it genre-bending at first and did3.75 original, slow-building stars to Grist Mill Road! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.75
Grist Mill Road engaged me from the start. I found it genre-bending at first and didn’t quite know what it was. I’ve settled on thinking it was descriptive literary fiction with a mystery. I had such high hopes based on how it started. The three people involved in this incident each had a voice, and we first heard from them in the 1980s when the event happened, and then again, 20 years later, when their lives intersected again. In many ways, this was masterfully drawn.
And then...I enjoyed the descriptive writing at first, but I found myself bogged down in the details. While I do enjoy cooking, I learned much more than I had planned about food blogging, and then later on, I learned all about the cement business. I’m not sure where that much detail was supposed to lead us? Ultimately, I found the ending a little confusing, too.
This book most definitely had its strengths and some challenges, too, and in the end, the strengths were more memorable for me.
4 eerie, ghostly stars to The Broken Girls! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
The Broken Girls started off with a bang and with a dynamically engaging prologue! Was there a gho4 eerie, ghostly stars to The Broken Girls! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
The Broken Girls started off with a bang and with a dynamically engaging prologue! Was there a ghost right from the start?
If you think you do not enjoy ghost stories, I have to say, this one is executed well. Spooky is done with a light hand, not overdone, even feasible if that’s possible for a ghost story?! The atmosphere is perfectly staged with an old school building featuring “tooth-shaped windows.”
In Vermont in the 1950s, there’s a home for wayward “throw-away” girls at Idlewild Hall. The local town has rumors that Idlewild is haunted. Four girls are sharing a room, and they forge a deep bond that continues to grow until one friend disappears.
Also in Vermont, but in 2014, Fiona Sheridan is a journalist obsessed with events around her sister’s mysterious death. Twenty years prior, she is fond in the fields of Idlewild Hall.
It turns out that Idlewild is being restored by someone who does not want to be named, and Fiona decides to write a story about it. Fiona discovers something that links her sisters death to other secrets...and something you’d never expect.
Told in dual story lines, past and present, that later converge, I found the past timeline slightly more interesting, which featured a boarding school in Vermont for “wayward” girls in the 1950s. I enjoyed the present storyline with Fiona, too, but the former held me captive. The girls in the school were each so interesting and likable.
Overall, this was a well-written, atmospheric, spooky ghost story, and one I enjoyed immensely. It’s the perfect read for this time of year, to cozy up with a blanket and fall into a story.
Thanks to Berkley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
4 utterly unforgettable stars to The Tattooist of Auschwitz 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
This is the story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, two Slovakian prisoners at Auschwitz w4 utterly unforgettable stars to The Tattooist of Auschwitz 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
This is the story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, two Slovakian prisoners at Auschwitz who fell in love and all the risks and sacrifices made by them and others to keep them alive and together.
It all began with Lale and how he was chosen to be the person who tattoos numbers on the prisoners at Auschwitz and Birkenau. As one can imagine, this was heartbreaking work; but as Pepau (a fellow tattooist) told Lale, at least it was being done by someone with a heart. Through this job, Lale had favor at prison and ended up sharing the wealth with as many prisoners as he could. Lale ran into Gita, a woman he has met before, prior to being imprisoned, and their love grew from there.
Lale and Gita offered a unique and complex perspective on the Holocaust. At first, I was taken aback by their story and the extreme peril they risked by being together. But then it made me wonder if there were any other stories like Lale and Gita’s? Others who jeopardized their lives for love while living in impossible and incredibly dire circumstances?
Overall, I loved this book. Lale’s positive spirit, humanity, and courage grabbed hold of my heart. I’m grateful he told his story.
Thank you to Heather Morris, Bonnier Publishing, and Netgalley, for the complimentary copy to review.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz will be released on January 27, 2018...more