Film Review: Inheritance

I am home with my sick, but rapidly recovering, 5.75 year old son today.  One of the side effects of his "illness" is wanting me to be right by his side at all times.  This doesn't bother me at all (he's only little once), but it does prevent me from accomplishing the chores that I could have gotten done on this unexpected day off of work.

Instead of watching ANOTHER episode of Scooby Doo, I decided to stick in the ear buds and watch something (not animated) on the iPad.  We have an Amazon.com Prime Membership.  It rocks.  One of the many benefits of this membership is the unlimited, commericial free, instant streaming of movies and television shows.  We watch movies and tv series often this way.

 

While perusing the documentaries available, I stumbled on Inheritance.  It was released in 2008 and is the extraordinary and gut wrenching story of two women, Monika Hertwig and Helen Jonas.

Monika never knew her father.  Like million of German children, she lost her father in WWII. She was not yet a year old when he died.  At age eleven, Monika finds out that her father did not die in battle as countless other German soldiers.  Her father was executed; hanged as a thief.

Helen, however, knew Monika's father very well.  She was only fifteen when she arrived with other Jews at the Plaszow concentration camp in Poland.  Monika's father was Helen's warden, her torturer, and her nightmare for nearly two years at Plaszow.  He made her one of his house maids, exposing her to daily humiliation and beatings (but, most likely, saving her life).

Now, take a step back with me to December, 1993.  Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List opens in theaters.  My husband and I went to see it on a Saturday afternoon.  We had planned to go to dinner afterwards, but neither of us had any appetitie when we left the theater.  Seeing that film changed me.  It was one thing to know about what happened in The Holocaust.  It was a whole other thing to see it.  I have not seen Schindler's List since then.  I do not need to see it again.  I do believe everyone should see it once...to see what man can do to man.  I remember it very well.  It's seared into my brain.  I had a particular problem, after Schindler's List, being able to see Ralph Fiennes in any other films.  No matter how heroic or dashing his character may have been, to me he was always that horrific, evil, sadistic, Nazi who thoroughly enjoyed killing and torturing his prisoners.

  

Monika Hertwig saw Schindler's List in the theater, also.  But, her experience was very different from the millions of others who saw the film.  Monika was waiting to see her father on the screen.  Monika's father was Amon Goetz, the commander of the Plaszow camp,...brilliantly played by Ralph Fiennes.

Can you imagine?  Can you even fathom?

When Monika sees Helen Jonas interviewed in a documentary about the survivors of Plaszow, she writes her a letter asking to meet her.  Inheritance is the story of the two women and the very different scars they bear from the same man's choices.  It's also a story of hope and learning from the past.
 
As an avid fan of documentaries, I will tell you that this is not the best film you will ever see.  It isn't slickly produced with wonderful background music and dramatic editing.  It's just very real.  The pain in these women and the emotional journey they take will certainly move you.  I do not hesitate to recommend it.

4/5 stars

Note: This documentary is not rated, but because of the topic and some strong language I would be cautious about allowing children under age 16 to see it without adult supervision (and a good history lesson beforehand).

"Every father in a war should think about his children."--Monika Goetz Hertwig


       
 

Book Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go

After reading A Monster Calls back in October, I knew I wanted to get my hands on more novels by Patrick Ness.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into!  The Knife of Never Letting Go is a roller coaster ride with little chance to catch your breath.  There were a few times I was actually physically tired because of what was going on in the story.  Don't plan on reading this one for a few minutes before bed.  You won't be able to put it down.

From Amazon.com: 

Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

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Easy comparisons to The Hunger Games and the Divergent series can be made, but Knife is a unique and creative dystopian novel with a bit more sci-fi than these others.  It's gritty, dark, and intense, but holds just enough hope and optimism to keep the reader totally off-balance.  The ending is a merciless cliffhanger, so I'm really glad I already own the rest of the series.  You will not want to let go of this novel or the characters you meet.

5/5 stars for The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness      

Book Review: "Do What You Can" Plan: 21 Days to Making Any Area of Your Life Better

I follow Holley Gerth's contributions to the wonderful blog, (In)courage, so I was excited to read this short e-book she wrote for the new year.  It's only 60 pages, but it's packed full with inspirational and motivational truths.  Studies show that it takes 21 days to form new, or break old, habits.  This book is divided into 21 short chapters, one for each of these habit changing days.  Gerth encourages her readers to set faithful goals and dream God-sized dreams.  She asks thought-provoking, and sometimes tough, questions but remains encouraging and judgement-free.  I recommend this book for anyone looking for her place in the world.  A practical and affirming read.

4.5/5 stars

       

Book Review: State of Wonder

  The first book I've completed in 2013 is State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.  I wish I had amazing things to say about it, but it was just....dare I say it...average. 
  Patchett wrote one of my all-time favorite books, Bel Canto, so I really wanted to love this book.  I didn't love it.  It just never grabbed me. I kept waiting to get to the good part, but there wasn't really a good part.  I have rarely ever, and I mean ever, not finished a book...but I was tempted at times to quit this one.  I am glad I finished it and I will certainly read other Patchett novels. 
  Patchett loves exotic locations and characters.  She had those in State of Wonder, but the story just never took off for me.  Many have given it excellent reviews, but I was never engrossed by State of Wonder.   
  If you are interested in scientific research for major drug companies, fertility drugs for women well past the age of fifty, and/or the Amazon jungle, this may be a book you will enjoy.  Definitely read Bel Canto.  It's amazing.

3/5 stars for State of Wonder

What I Read in 2012...

I set a goal last December of reading at least 25 books in 2012.  I actually surpassed this goal by reading 32 books.  I rarely surpass a goal, so Woo Hoo!  I did not, however, write a review on this blog of each of those 32 books.  I've become a major slacker in the book review area.  So, I thought I would write a recap of what I read in 2012 (I provided links for the ones I actually reviewed).  A few were great.  A few were not.  Most were just good reads.  Here's a list of what I read in 2012 (in order, thanks to goodreads.com):

1.  Sarah's Quilt by Nancy E. Turner
This is the sequel to These is My Words.  I LOVED the first book so much that I think this sequel stood little chance of great success.  There is a 3rd in the series which I plan to read someday.
3/5 stars

 2.  Matched by Ally Condie
My daughter and I read this at the same time.  We both thought it was just so-so.  Neither of us plan to read the rest of the series, but it is a very popular series.
3/5 stars

3.  Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Patillo
Another "okay" book.  I love Jane Austen, so I wanted to like this book.  It was entertaining, but not really good.
3/5 stars

4.  Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
This was a distrubing book, but I'm glad I read it.  The main character, Hannah, has committed suicide.  She recorded on good-old-fashioned cassette tapes the thirteen reasons why she killed herself.  This book does make you stop and think about the influence you have over other people and the danger in "doing nothing" instead of making an effort with people.  It will make you think and make you sad.  A worthy read.
4/5 stars

5.  Night Road by Kristen Hannah
This was my first Kristen Hannah book. The novel is well written, but I never felt that connected to the characters. With a storyline so dependent on heavy emotion, the characters need to be very well defined. I wanted to feel for them, but I wasn't able to consistently. I think Harris just had too many characters to define them well. Not a bad read, but I was disappointed. The 2nd half is much better than the first and I was happy with the ending.
3.5/5 stars

6.  Divergent by Veronica Roth
This book held my attention from start to finish with an intriguing plot and well defined characters. Really well written and a fun read.  My daughter read it also and loved it.  I have heard the movie is about to be cast.  It will be a thrill ride, for sure.
4.5/5 stars

7.  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I actually wrote a review of this one (click title to read it).  Such a powerful book.  Don't let the heavy topic (teenage cancer) keep you from reading this gem.  John Green has mega talent.
5/5 stars

8.  Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Another powerful YA book.  Set in WWII, this is an educational and emotional journey.  I can't believe this was Sepetys's first novel.  Definitely a must-read.  I'm looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
4.5/5 stars

9.  A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley
This is the third in the Flavia de Luce series and is just as delightful, maybe more so, than the first two.  If you are looking for a fun series that takes a break from vampires, werewolves, forbidden teen romances, and government controlled fights to the death, then you might like (adore) these cerebral 1950s murder mysteries. 
4.5/5 stars

10.  Defending Jacob by William Landay
A smart legal thriller is always fun.  This one is more than that and keeps you guessing until the very end.  Landay puts the reader in the position of answering the question, "How far would I go to protect my family?"  A really good read.
4/5 stars


   11.  Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
This was the strangest book...peculiar, even.  Somehow, I really liked it.  There were times I was completely lost and confused, but everything eventually makes sense.  This is not a book I would suggest for an e-reader.  The photographs are amazing and add a lot to the story.  Definitely a fun read.
4/5 stars

 
12.  Insurgent by Veronica Roth
This is the sequel to Divergent  and it does not disappoint.  What a ride!  The third book isn't out yet, so be prepared for a serious cliffhanger in this book.  I am really looking forward to the third book.
4.5/5 stars

13.  The Passage by Justin Cronin
I did not know what I was getting myself into with this one.  It's a committment, but worth it.  I'm no fan of vampire books (or vampires in general), but this is just different enough to suck you in (pardon the pun).  I scare easily and lost a little sleep while reading this one.  I haven't read the sequel yet (The Twelve), but it's on my must-read list for 2013.  Cronin can really write.
4/5 stars

14.  Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
Follett's new trilogy opener does not disappoint.  I learn so much from his epic historical fiction.  Lots and lots of characters who all, eventually, connect.  Great historical research, but not for the squeamish.  Follett holds nothing back, as usual.
4.5/5 stars

15.  Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran
Really well written , but began to drag in the second half. I learned a lot about the French Revolution. I will look for another Moran book. She is well researched as an author and develops characters very well. Enjoyable book.
3.5/5 stars

16.  Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Definitely my favorite book I read in 2012.  One of the most touching books I've ever read. There is no one who would not benefit from getting to know August Pullman and his family. This book truly is a wonder.
5/5 stars

17.  A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
This book does not live up to the hype...at all. I really wanted to like it, but I struggled to even finish it. There were so many good reviews, I thought I would really enjoy it (especially with the history worked through the story). I found it to be really boring throughout, and silly at times. I know this is the first of a trilogy, but I am not interested in reading the other two. Matthew is a oompletely flat character. I just couldn't feel anything for any of the characters. The reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 is that Harkness does have strong moments in her storytelling. I just wish there had been more of them. The book was very interesting at first and then went completely downhill.
3/5 stars

18.  A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson
Great storytelling. Funny, poignant, touching, and completely Southern. The only reason I couldn't give this book 5 stars is the rough language. It was too much for me and not at all neccessary for this wonderful story. This was my first Joshilyn Jackson book, but it won't be my last. 
4.5/5 stars

19.  Bossypants by Tina Fey 
This book is certainly entertaining, especially the audiobook because Tina Fey is reading it. I laughed quite a bit, but I still didn't think the book was exceptional. There's just not a lot there.  I do think that Tina Fey and I, if we ever met, would be instant friends. This could be wishful thinking on my part, but since both of us speak the complex language of sarcasm and share a similar poor body image, I think we could be BFFs, but I didn't love her book.
3/5 stars

20.  Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read the sequel. It wasn't as good as Pearl In The Sand, but it is a great story. Tessa Afshar is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
4/5 stars

21. Fearless: The Heroic Story of One Navy SEAL's Sacrifice in the Hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the Unwavering Devotion of the Woman Who Loved Him by Eric Blehm
This is an amazing story. It's not the type of book I usually read, but I'm really glad I did. I actually bought this book for my husband and I've recommended it to several friends. Adam Brown was a true hero, as are all our service men and women. This book made me truly appreciate the difficulty of their training, the sacrifices their families make, and the true heroism of these men and women. I think everyone could benefit from reading Fearless.
4.5/5 stars

22.  What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
I loved this book! It made me look back on my life and think about how I've changed (or not changed). It also made me aware of how many judgements people make every day. Very well written. I especially appreciated the peripheral characters and the way the reader gained insight through them (letters to a counselor and a dead fiancé). A great read.
5/5 stars

23. Receiving Love: Transform Your Relationship by Letting Yourself Be Loved by Harville Hendrix
I thought this was terrible.  I wish I had not read it. Hendrix is only trying to sell his products.  A few good ideas, but nothing really useful.
1/5 stars

24.  The Witness by Nora Roberts
Good story and enjoyable book. Likable characters. I just wished Roberts had used less profanity. Way too much: gratuitous in my opinion. It added nothing to the story.  This was my first Nora Roberts and I think I will read more of her novels.
3.5/5 stars

25.  A Dog's Purpose by Bruce Cameron
I thought this was so-so. I have 3 dogs, so I guess I am a "dog person". I just didn't get into this book, but apparantly others do.  It's reviews are great.  Maybe I missed something, but it didn't work for me.
3/5 stars

26.  A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Absolutely beautiful! Wonderfully written and illustrated. This is another that works better if you don't read it on an e-reader because of the amazing illustrations.  I have recommended this book to many.  I will certainly read more of Patrick Ness's work.
5/5 stars 

27.  The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
I found this book to be delightful. I really had no idea what to expect, but I ended up loving this book. It seemed so realistic, especially for a dystopian novel. I can understand the buzz around this book. Excellent read. 
4.5/5 stars

28.  The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown
Very good advice from Dr. Brown. I highlighted dozens of passages. Now, to put what I've learned to work--wholehearted living. This will not be the last of her books that I will read.
4/5 stars

29.  Winter of the World by Ken Follett
This is the sequel to Fall of Giants.  Follett is masterful in his storytelling, as usual. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel. So many characters to keep up with, but Follett makes it manageable. Epic and engrossing. I also learned a lot about WWII. I look forward to the third part of the trilogy.
4.5/5 stars

30.  The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
A sort-of fairy tale for adults, The Snow Child is sweet and poignant.  I liked the first 1/2 better than the second. I'm still not sure how I feel about the way the book ended. Very well written.  An especially good winter read.
3.5/5 stars

31.  Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis
Katie Davis is an amazing young woman. This book tells an incredible story and makes you ask a lot of questions of yourself. The writing is young and fresh, but a bit repetitive in parts. Definitely a worthwhile read. 
4/5 stars 

32.  The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Although this book was a little tedious in the middle, I ended up really liking it. You can't help but love the very ordinary Harold Fry who has decided to do an extraordinary thing. I even shed a few tears at the end. A very sweet story about how life can knock you on your rear-end, and your only choices are to stay down or to get up and walk. I'm glad Harold Fry decided to walk. I'm, also,glad Rachel Joyce chose to write this touching tale.
4/5 stars



Overall,  I had a good year of reading.  The perpetual problem is that there will never be enough time to read all of the books I already own, much less the ones I haven't purchased yet.  I think I'll set a higher reading goal for 2013 and a goal to review each book I finish on this blog.  I plan to mainly read from my already purchased stack (2013 Challenge), but I'm sure I won't be able to resist purchasing a few new books along the way.  So, here's to a great year of reading in 2013!

-Renee-

2013 TBR Pile Challenge

I have decided to join the 2013 TBR Pile Challenge hosted by Roof Beam Reader.  I was thrilled to stumble on this challenge.  It's exactly the push I need for my 2013 reading goals.
 
 
The Goal: To finally read 12 books from your “to be read” pile (within 12 months).
Each of these 12 books must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. This means the book cannot have a publication date of 1/1/2012 or later (any book published in the year 2011 or earlier qualifies, as long as it has been on your TBR pile).


I have always struggled with having WAY more books than I will ever have time to read.  I've joked that I just want to live long enough to read what is currently on my Kindle.  I could possibly read all of the books I own if I read 18 hours a day for 40+ years.  Considering that I do have a full-time+ job, two children, three dogs, and a hubby, I don't think that's a reasonable goal.  So, how about knocking out at least 12 of these shelf-sitters in 2013?  
The books I've chosen for this challenge are ones I was really excited to purchase, but never actually got around to reading.  Some have been on my shelf for much more than a year.  Sadly, I probably have another 25-30 books that I could have chosen for this challenge and at least a dozen published in 2012.  I guess I'll add them to the 2014 list.

Below is my master list for the challenge.  I will most likely not read them in the order listed.  I will be updating as I finish each one, so stay tuned. 

1.  The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (publication date April 7, 2009)
2.  The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (September 9, 2008)
3.  The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness (September 8, 2009)
4.  Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness (September 28, 2010)
5.  Looking for Alaska by John Green (December 28, 2006)
6.  State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (June 7, 2011)  Finished 01/13/13
7.  Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (October 13, 2009)
8.  If I Stay by Gayle Forman (April 2, 2009)
9.  The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey (September 22, 2009)
10.  Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (February 21, 2006)
11.  Redfield Farm:  A Novel of the Underground Railroad by Judith Redline Coopey (August 3, 2010)
12. Mary and O'Neil: A Novel in Stories by Justin Cronin (January 29, 2002)

My two alternates in case any of the above prove to be "unreadable":
1.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (September 11, 2007)--I know, I know.  I'm the only person on earth who hasn't read this book. 
2.  Down River by John Hart (October 2, 2007)

I really had to work to narrow down my TBR pile to these 12.  I've changed it 4 times already.  If I took any more time to write this, I'd probably change the list again. 
 
I do hope to read at least 30 books in 2013, so I'd better get started.  If you would like to join this challenge (and I really think you should), just click on the link above for Roof Beam Reader and sign up. 

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
--Renee-- 


 

Fall Into Reading Wrap-up

Thanks again to Katrina for hosting the Fall Into Reading Challenge.  I was pretty successful with my list (original post), but didn't finish everything.  Thank goodness for Audible.com or I wouldn't have finished as many.  Here's my wrap up...


Fiction
The Witness by Nora Roberts:  I liked this book, but I didn't love it. It was a little predictable. This was my first Nora Roberts book and I do think I will read more. 3.5/5 stars
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (faculty book club October selection):  I ADORED this book.  It was beautiful.  I have recommended it to many, including my 12 year old daughter.  Fabulous book.  5/5 stars 
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron:  I thought this was so-so.  I have 3 dogs, so I guess I am a "dog person".  I just didn't get into this book.  3/5 stars
Winter of the World (The Century Trilogy #2) by Ken Follett:  Great second book in The Century Trilogy.  Follett is a master storyteller and I always learn so much from his epic historical fiction.  I'm looking forward to the final book in the series.  4.5/5 stars 
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker:  I found this book to be delightful.  I really had no idea what to expect, but I ended up loving this book.  It seemed so realistic, especially for a dystopian novel.  I can understand the buzz around this book.  Excellent read.  4.5/5 stars
Mary and O'Neil: A Novel in Stories by Justin Cronin:  I didn't get to this one.  It's on my winter reading list now.  I also have The Twelve on my winter list, so I guess I'll be spending a fair amount of time with Justin Cronin in the next few months.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey:  Very interesting adult fairy tale.  I liked the first 1/2 better than the second.  I'm still not sure how I feel about the way the book ended.  Very well written.  3.5/5 stars

Nonfiction
Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie J. Davis (faculty book club November selection):  Katie Davis is an amazing young woman.  This book tells an incredible story and makes you ask a lot of questions of yourself.  The writing is young and fresh, but a bit repetitive in parts.  Definitely a worthwhile read.  4/5 stars 
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown:  I enjoyed this book, especially the writing style of Brene Brown.  What an interesting life and career Dr. Brown has had.  I think most could benefit from her well researched ideas of how to embrace imperfections.  3.5/5 stars
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas:  I have not finished this book.  It's massive and very detailed.  I'm not giving up on it, but I have had a bit of trouble sticking with it.
Pathways to the Common Core: Accelrating Achievement by Lucy Calkins, et al:  I haven't finished this book, either.  I will have to read it for work, so it's staying on the TBR list.


I'm looking forward to the 2013 Spring challenge and am already compiling my list.  Happy reading, all.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

--Renee--