Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By: Roald Dahl

This book was so much fun an such a cute read. It made me laugh out loud quite a few times. Usually books like this I have a hard time separating from the movies to get into the actual book. But I was able to get into the book and "see" the chocolate factory in my minds eye. I enjoyed this book so much I told my husband, kids and mother that this is a must read. 

Not only do I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to read but this should be on everyone's Must Read!!

Dawn

 Dawn By: Elie Wiesel

I went into this book thinking it was more memoirs from WW2. However it was a fictional story that he wrote to try and see through the eyes of the Nazi's and SS men. He said he wrote it to see if he could try and make a little more sense about what happened to him. 

It was an interesting view; and reminded me of when people try and get into the mind of a criminal. Overall interesting read. don't think Ill be re-reading it though. 

The Last Jew of Treblinka

 The Last Jew of Treblinka By: Chil Rajchman

I have read a lot of survivor stories from WW2 most of them survivors of Auschwitz. I am amazed at what these poor people endured and the absolute evil and cruelty that human beings can inflict upon each other. I have read about the work camps but this is the first time I read about a death camp. I cant even imagine how this poor man faced these horrors. All these survivors are beyond brave, honestly I don't know if that's the right word; it doesn't really seem to fit properly. I guess all I can say about this book is that I am grateful for the survivors of the holocaust, and their willingness to share their stories. To help remind myself and future generations of the power of hate, greed, and a lust for power. So that we may attempt to learn from history to secure a better future.

A Grief Obseved

A Grief Observed By: CS Lewis

I started reading this book because I have been having trouble with the loss of my wonderful Buddy dog. I thought this book might help. It wasn't at all what I thought or expected it to be. Not in a bad way. Just different. It was a compilations of thoughts from the journals of Lewis about his emotions and thoughts after his wife's death. At times it was very sad that I almost wish I could have hugged him. At other times it was very raw and emotional that it took me by surprise. In the end he was able to find peace and it didn't exactly help me with the occasional grief that I feel. However it was a very real and intimate experience to listen to him go through his grief and trails. I don't think its a book I would recommend to many and I probably wont read it again. But I am still glad I got to experience it.
 

Once Upon A Dream

Once Upon a Dream By: Liz Braswell

This started out a little more chaotic in the beginning and was really very hard to follow. But once I started to understand the premise and what exactly was going on. I enjoyed the story very much. I like how Liz builds upon the existing characters. I am looking forward to continuing on with this series.
 

Books for 2022

 I guess having 15 books as my resolution while I am trying to finish up school is a bit of a reach. but I almost completed it. Considering how many classes I've taken this year to try and complete my degree and how little breaks and time I get to read I think I did pretty well.

I was able to read 12/15 books in 2022. I plan to keep this same resolution for 2023; if I can complete it I may up the number. But for now 15 is a good number to try and achieve. Here are the list of books I read in 2022:

• Dragon Watch: Return of the Dragon Slayers
• Beautiful Creatures
• Maus Book 1-My Father Bleeds History
• Maus Book 2: And Here My Troubles Began
• The Hunger Games
• Catching Fire
• Mockingjay
• The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
• Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
• INKHEART
• A Whole New World
• To Mothers: Carrying the Torch of Faith and Family

To Mothers: Carrying the Torch of Faith and Family

 

To Mother: Carrying the Torch of Faith and Family By: Jeffrey R. and Patricia T. Holland

This book took me a lot longer than most books would of this size and length. But that's really my fault and mainly because I love to take my time, study and mark these books. This book has so much wonderful advice, counsel and stories that for me as a mother really needed to hear. This has been such a eye opening and comforting read. I recommend this for all mothers to read.