The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History

 The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History  BY: Robert M. Edsel

I have owned this book for some time and it has just been sitting on my shelf. I finally read it and I am so very glad I did. I really enjoyed learning about the various men and women who rescued and helped restore the worlds art back to their rightful homes. I am currently working towards my degree in Art History. This book and the story of the monuments men really spoke to me and made me think/feel that if I lived back then I probably would have tried to become a monuments men myself to help in the recovery effort. I am so grateful for people who think of preserving heritage and culture through such horrible times such as war. 

Mockingjay

 

Mockingjay BY: Suzanne Collins

I know that I seem to be repeating myself because of my last reviews. But when you've read the book once its hard to critique it the same way. But it does speak loudly when books are re-read multiple times. I really enjoy Suzanne Collins writing style. Again there are details that I forgot about so it was nice to remember those. Now that I have re-read the books and it being so fresh in my mind I have been watching the movies again. Overall I think they did a very good job depicting and trying to stay close with the book.

Catching Fire

 

Catching Fire By: Suzanne Collins

It's been so much fun revisiting this series. There are actually a lot of details that I had forgotten about and that aren't mentioned in the movies. It is fun to see the relationship between Katniss and Peeta and the other victors. Also Suzanne writes about the more human side of trauma. That is to say the way humans react to trauma and just how much their body can take. It makes the story more real, raw and believable. I really love that. It helps to really relate to the characters on a personal and real level. Its a little harder to do that with the "supernatural" characters that can take a massive beating, get up brush themselves off like nothing happened and then rush back into the battle.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

 I have been in a slump as far as books recently. I have had a hard time choosing my next commitment. Do I want to start a series or just a single book. Should I read fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, historical non-fiction. It has been a struggle. I recently revisited these movies with my sister and brother in law who have never seen them. It gave me the idea to re-read the first one and see where it takes me. I love re-reading books because it's like visiting old friends and the great thing is if I want to continue with the series I can but if not I have already read them and know what the outcome is.

 

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.

Beautiful Creatures

 

Beautiful Creatures BY: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

It took me a long time to get through this book. At times I found it interesting and wanted to see what was going to happen next. Then at other times I would wonder if I really wanted to try and finish it. But I persevered and got through it. I'm glad I finished it but at this point I am not jumping ahead to the next book. Eventually I may want to continue the series but at this point I am not very interested.