Just in case you miss it buried in another blog, I thought I'd post separately what I am currently reading.
"Rumors" by Anna Godbersen
This is book 2 of a teen historical fiction series.
This is a biographical story of Antonina Zabinski, a polish woman and the wife of a zookeeper in Warsaw, Poland. The story is told of their life and activities during WWII. The author tells the story through other biographies and journals kept by Antonina, and therein lies the 'problem' with this book.
For my tastes this is written much too much like a text book. Instead of creating the story around the events of their lives, the author is overly concerned with keeping to exact truth in her story and often uses quotes from the source or journal to be sure the reader knows how accurate it is. I found this disturbing and distracting from the tale.
The Zabinskis were active in helping many Polish Jews escape the Nazis by providing their villa and zoo as part of the underground resources. Mr. Zabinski battled and fought with the Polish Resistance and was, toward the end of the war, held prisoner. The story should be fascinating and exciting, but told in such a way that I never felt too concerned or frightened for those involved.
I can tolerate some author priviledge in embellishment as long as the basic facts of the story hold true. If the author would have chosen to expand on the horrors or emotions that were being experienced at that time, I would have forgiven her. But she tells only what she is absolutely sure of and I feel she missed making me feel all the empathy and passion I would otherwise have felt.
I give it a C. The content was excellent but the story telling lacked far too much.
I enjoy reading about real-life events - especially if they are written by Christians. If you like the same, might I suggest the following:
Why I Jumped, Tina Zahn -- she jumped from a bridge in Wisconsin and in a miracle of timing and determination, a policeman who had been chasing her snagged her as she started the plunge. She was dealing with severe postpartum depression.
Let's Roll, Lisa Beamer -- story of Flight 93 (9-11) as told by the wife of one of passengers
In The Presence of My Enemies, Gracia Burnham -- story of missionaries to the Philipines held hostage for a year and a half and a botched rescue attempt.
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2 years agoLMAO!! Obviously you have a MySpace ghost living in your computer just to torment you. I noticed he/she didn't increase your font size when you complained about it... I'm thinking it's a youngish type gremlin! =)
Did you read "The Shack"? I thought that was amazing! I am now reading the Zoo Keepers Wife. Do you know that one? It's the biography of a christian woman who helped Jews in Poland. She and her husband ran the zoo and that's involved in their story. I'm not very far into it yet.
Ok, WHY are my posts in 36-point fonts now?!?!
I will write this one down and check it out. You have sparked my interest.
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2 years agoHello. Bets
Is it a recommended book?
For me, English is a beginner. ?I want to read if there is a Japanese version. hehe^^
I wish you sweet dreams!
nao
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2 years agoThis book is not for beginning English. It's very long and involved. I'll think about what I would recommend to you. What do you like to read about?
I love your book reviews. I may have to check this one out.
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2 years agoKari, doncha know I write my reviews just for you? *wink-wink*