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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Child Who Lived in Books
Aug 13, 2023
Although a work of fiction, The Child Who Lived is based on true events and tells a little told story of female prisoners within Mauthausen.
The book starts in the divorce courts in 1946 where Lore's husband is filing for divorce due to her 'unacceptable behaviour'. There, she tells the story of her remarkable life before and during the war.
Lore was a political prisoner initially interred in Ravensbrück but sent to Mauthausen with another group of women there to service the needs of the men. Lore and the other women soon become like family; looking out for and supporting each other whilst trying to survive the brutal regime inflicted by the SS. Against all the odds and rules, Lore finds love and unexpectedly becomes pregnant ... a death sentence for both mother and baby. How is she going to survive and save the life of her unborn child?
This is a story of bravery, strength, love and survival and although a work of fiction and therefore there is some 'artistic licence' and a suspension of reality at times, it is a story that hits all the emotions and the characters stay with you long after you finish.
Recommended to those who enjoy reading historical fiction from this era and thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Child Who Lived.
The book starts in the divorce courts in 1946 where Lore's husband is filing for divorce due to her 'unacceptable behaviour'. There, she tells the story of her remarkable life before and during the war.
Lore was a political prisoner initially interred in Ravensbrück but sent to Mauthausen with another group of women there to service the needs of the men. Lore and the other women soon become like family; looking out for and supporting each other whilst trying to survive the brutal regime inflicted by the SS. Against all the odds and rules, Lore finds love and unexpectedly becomes pregnant ... a death sentence for both mother and baby. How is she going to survive and save the life of her unborn child?
This is a story of bravery, strength, love and survival and although a work of fiction and therefore there is some 'artistic licence' and a suspension of reality at times, it is a story that hits all the emotions and the characters stay with you long after you finish.
Recommended to those who enjoy reading historical fiction from this era and thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Child Who Lived.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Team Human in Books
Feb 15, 2019
As I started reading Team Human, I couldn't help but feel this was written as a good-natured poke at Twilight and all the vampire ridiculata left in its wake. However, the story leaves its parodying fairly early on and becomes a book in its own right, with characters who have flaws and an interesting world with its own set of rules. All the while written with wit, feeling, and reality.
Mel Duan is the protagonist of the book, who is full of character flaws. She is prejudiced against vampires, rude, thinks she always knows the right thing to do, and is a big buttinsky (I call her Meddling Mel). She's also caring, loyal, helpful, well-meaning, funny, and charming in her own way. Basically, Mel is a real human being. There are two main storylines in the book, the first one about her BFF, Cathy, and her relationship with an uptight vampire. The other dealing with a mystery involving another close friend and her parents. Both are incorporated into the story well, as are the smaller B-plots. Mel doesn't always come across in a very good light, which helps me fall into the world and believe it could be true. Nothing takes me out of a story more than an unrealistically perfect character. Not one of the characters in this book is like that, even Cathy, who does come close. I also love the fact that Mel would typically be the sidekick in any other story and Cathy the main character who falls in love with a vampire. Instead it's the other way around, so we see the over-the-top relationship from the outside, and also from Mel's rather small-minded point-of-view. It's a great idea that luckily works thanks to the talented authors.
The book moves along nicely without seeming hasty, it has lessons that aren't heavy-handed, it features love aspects but it isn't a love story, and most importantly, it has character evolution and believable characters, mainly Mel herself. In the end I was surprised that I had gotten so caught up in outcome of the story and actually cared what happened to these people. Kudos, I'll definitely be reading more from both Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier, and can only hope they conspire to write another book in the future.
Originally Reviewed: February 20, 2013
Received: Amazon Vine
Mel Duan is the protagonist of the book, who is full of character flaws. She is prejudiced against vampires, rude, thinks she always knows the right thing to do, and is a big buttinsky (I call her Meddling Mel). She's also caring, loyal, helpful, well-meaning, funny, and charming in her own way. Basically, Mel is a real human being. There are two main storylines in the book, the first one about her BFF, Cathy, and her relationship with an uptight vampire. The other dealing with a mystery involving another close friend and her parents. Both are incorporated into the story well, as are the smaller B-plots. Mel doesn't always come across in a very good light, which helps me fall into the world and believe it could be true. Nothing takes me out of a story more than an unrealistically perfect character. Not one of the characters in this book is like that, even Cathy, who does come close. I also love the fact that Mel would typically be the sidekick in any other story and Cathy the main character who falls in love with a vampire. Instead it's the other way around, so we see the over-the-top relationship from the outside, and also from Mel's rather small-minded point-of-view. It's a great idea that luckily works thanks to the talented authors.
The book moves along nicely without seeming hasty, it has lessons that aren't heavy-handed, it features love aspects but it isn't a love story, and most importantly, it has character evolution and believable characters, mainly Mel herself. In the end I was surprised that I had gotten so caught up in outcome of the story and actually cared what happened to these people. Kudos, I'll definitely be reading more from both Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier, and can only hope they conspire to write another book in the future.
Originally Reviewed: February 20, 2013
Received: Amazon Vine
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The Selection in Books
Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)
I finally sat down to read this book and I freaking loved it so much that I had to read it all in a day because I simply refused to put it down.
A beautifully written story line that quickly found me endearing myself to America as she is someone people could actually look up to.
America does not want to sign up for the selection but her love interest Aspen asks her to do it so that later on in life there are no I wonder ifs and so she does it thinking that she won't be selected. However, she does and things quickly begin to change for her.
This emotionally charged read is fast paced, full of strong characters and the world building was enchanting. A story full of love, heartache, revelations and perseverance. Can't wait for the next book to arrive in the mail!
A beautifully written story line that quickly found me endearing myself to America as she is someone people could actually look up to.
America does not want to sign up for the selection but her love interest Aspen asks her to do it so that later on in life there are no I wonder ifs and so she does it thinking that she won't be selected. However, she does and things quickly begin to change for her.
This emotionally charged read is fast paced, full of strong characters and the world building was enchanting. A story full of love, heartache, revelations and perseverance. Can't wait for the next book to arrive in the mail!
Georgina DeBurca (2 KP) rated Seducing the Sergeant in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Wow. Just... WOW.
What an amazing read. I was hooked from the first line. This story draws you in and holds you a willing captive until the very end.
So. What can I say to persuade you to buy and read this? Firstly it was well written, Well paced and never boring. Secondly... it was sci-fi. That in itself is more niche. Don't get me wrong, I love paranormal romance but Mina Just took this idea and ran with it. A part of me wished I was in the world of this story.
The lead characters are a joy to get to know. All three of them. ;) Love scenes are steamy as hell and the emotions in it give this whole tale more depth.
I'd definitely suggest this to friends, family... hell. Anyone that will listen to me. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.
What an amazing read. I was hooked from the first line. This story draws you in and holds you a willing captive until the very end.
So. What can I say to persuade you to buy and read this? Firstly it was well written, Well paced and never boring. Secondly... it was sci-fi. That in itself is more niche. Don't get me wrong, I love paranormal romance but Mina Just took this idea and ran with it. A part of me wished I was in the world of this story.
The lead characters are a joy to get to know. All three of them. ;) Love scenes are steamy as hell and the emotions in it give this whole tale more depth.
I'd definitely suggest this to friends, family... hell. Anyone that will listen to me. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.
Red Rosa: A Graphic Biography of Rosa Luxemburg
Book
Rosa tells the life story of philosopher, economist, publisher, writer, organizer, political leader,...
The Winter's Tale
8.0
Rate It
Book
HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Considered...
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Midnight Sun (2018) in Movies
May 15, 2020
Tissues definitely needed
Contains spoilers, click to show
The story follows 17 year old Katie as she battles with a life threatening illness Xeroderma pigmentosum. XP means she can not be exposed to sunlight or it can be fatal.
Growing up, Katie falls in love with a boy called Charlie who would pass by her house every day and one day whilst playing a song at the train station they finally meet face to face and hit off straight away.
The story revolves around teenage love whilst battling this disease, but after staying out with Charlie until early hours in the morning and becoming exposed to the slightest bit of sunlight, Katie's health begins to deteriorate until she eventually passes away.
As a lover of romantic movies I really enjoyed this movie. Cried like a baby at the end though, so I definitely recommend being prepared with tissues at the ready.
Growing up, Katie falls in love with a boy called Charlie who would pass by her house every day and one day whilst playing a song at the train station they finally meet face to face and hit off straight away.
The story revolves around teenage love whilst battling this disease, but after staying out with Charlie until early hours in the morning and becoming exposed to the slightest bit of sunlight, Katie's health begins to deteriorate until she eventually passes away.
As a lover of romantic movies I really enjoyed this movie. Cried like a baby at the end though, so I definitely recommend being prepared with tissues at the ready.
The Kid
Book
Dan Savage's nationally syndicated sex advice column, Savage Love, enrages and excites more than...
I Have Lost My Way
6.7
Rate It
Book
A powerful story of empathy and friendship from the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of If I...
teens ya
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The White City in Books
Mar 1, 2019
The Characters (3 more)
The Plot Line
True Crime Elements
Writing Style
Fantastic Debut!
I am a lover of true crime, historical fiction, suspense and romance. I mean a huge lover of all of them. So, when I saw that this was the best of all of those worlds, I was ecstatic. This is a debut novel from Grace Hitchcock and let me tell you what. The detail she includes in this story, made me feel like I was right there in the center of the World’s Fair, following these awesome characters, and reaching an ending that left me wanting another story just like it.
Winnie and Jude’s characters are wonderful! I loved them so good. The detail with which Hitchcock created the scenes that Winnie saw, and went through, and how Jude fell for her, was awesome. I felt like I became Winnie and fell for Jude instantly. Jude was a sweet soul and Winnie was absolutely full of spunk and sass!
The real life serial killer aspect woven into the story was incredible. I had no idea about that time period having someone like that, and it really made the story that much more captivating. The twists and turns of the roller coaster story, seeing Winnie going “undercover” to prove to her Police Chief father that she was right, was fantastic and had me reading this book and finishing it in a 24 hour period.
If you love historical novels, love the thrills of a great suspense story, and enjoy reading a God-filled romance book, then look no further than this 4 star debut. Ms. Hitchcock has extreme talent and is sure to be on the best sellers list before long! I sing the praises of this story loudly and can’t wait for the next book from this talented author, as well as another incredible installment in this new series from Barbour!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Winnie and Jude’s characters are wonderful! I loved them so good. The detail with which Hitchcock created the scenes that Winnie saw, and went through, and how Jude fell for her, was awesome. I felt like I became Winnie and fell for Jude instantly. Jude was a sweet soul and Winnie was absolutely full of spunk and sass!
The real life serial killer aspect woven into the story was incredible. I had no idea about that time period having someone like that, and it really made the story that much more captivating. The twists and turns of the roller coaster story, seeing Winnie going “undercover” to prove to her Police Chief father that she was right, was fantastic and had me reading this book and finishing it in a 24 hour period.
If you love historical novels, love the thrills of a great suspense story, and enjoy reading a God-filled romance book, then look no further than this 4 star debut. Ms. Hitchcock has extreme talent and is sure to be on the best sellers list before long! I sing the praises of this story loudly and can’t wait for the next book from this talented author, as well as another incredible installment in this new series from Barbour!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*