Maus-And Here My Troubles Began

 

Maus ll: And Here My Troubles Began By: Art Spiegelman

This has been such an amazing read. The way Art Spiegelman tells his fathers story as well as his own is so intimate, personal and raw. Not only do we get to learn about his fathers survivors story but his life after. As well as how it affects his son Art. I am truly grateful for people like Art and many others who want to make sure these stories are never forgotten. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and respect for willingly exposing themselves so we may learn from them. The events of the Holocaust as well as many other historical tragedies are there to remind us of our flaws and short comings. It's also there to remind us of the great need there is in the world for love, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and more. We need to study these stories and learn from them. They need to remind us to try and be better than what we were and that we need to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself.

I am truly walking away from this book like so many other survivor stories that I have read. With a new commitment to show more kindness and love to those around me; to not judge people solely off of what they are wearing, saying, etc. To look for the good in everyone as well as the potential to do good. Maybe just maybe by doing this I can help teach my kids and help those who I come in contact with everyday to feel like they are loved, appreciated, wanted and definitely noticed. It may sound exhausting but honestly that can be done by a simple smile, wave or statement of hello or Good day. Start small and see the big changes that can take place.

Maus -My Father Bleeds History

 

Maus Book 1-My Father Bleeds History  BY: Art Spiegelman.

I have been wanting to read this book for awhile, so I was very happy when I saw that it was my textbook for this semesters class.

The way he drew this book is very interesting, with mice representing the Jews, pigs as Christians and cats as the Nazi's. I think this distinction could help young readers identify and follow along with the story. I have read many survivor stories from the Holocaust, but this is the first one that I have felt apart of the actual storytelling like I was present during this telling. This may be because of the format of the book, being a graphic novel, or just with the way the book is structured. Art Spiegelman seems to take you on the journey with him as he talks to his father about the war. Its so intimate, personal and raw. I think that's why I feel like I am sitting or walking right along side them and I can almost hear his father Vladek while he tells his story. I have really enjoyed learning about Vladek and Anja Spiegelman's holocaust story and I am anxious to start book 2 to learn more.