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Salt to the Sea
Salt to the Sea
Ruta Sepetys | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Young Adult (YA)
6
8.8 (12 Ratings)
Book Rating
This isn't really something I normally read. I wasn't enthralled and I didn't "get lost" inside the book, but I did feel heartbreak, anger, disbelief, hope. I had never heard of Wilhelm or any of the other tragedies mentioned - when I hear WW2, I think of the Holocaust. It is obvious that war is a time of suffering, when horrendous actions are committed by both sides, but it's hard to remember that when your mind is taught about the opposing sides' atrocities. Reading about the things done by both Russians, their allies, and Germans broke my heart. Even if I didn't love this book, I definitely learned something new and gained more perspective.
  
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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Sarah's Key in Books

Jan 15, 2018  
Sarah's Key
Sarah's Key
Tatiana de Rosnay | 2006 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
10
7.4 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
The first wors that pops into my head as I sit here trying to think of what to write is moving. I don't know what else to say about this book. I love reading anything about the Holocaust (The Book Theif being another favorite.) I wasn't sure about this one just from reading the back cover. I'm thrilled however that I didn't let that deter me from reading this book.
There are so many twists and turns. The past is firmly and solidly entwined with the present. I love that this book was able to teach me more about occupied France during WWII. Most books focus on Poland or Germany. I like that this book captivated without being too familiar.
  
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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Educated in Books

Apr 5, 2018  
Educated
Educated
Tara Westover | 2018 | Biography
9
9.3 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Harrowing and inspiring
It seems almost impossible that Tara Westover is an academician from both Harvard and Cambridge given that she had never been to school. Her story is important, revealing how women are treated and subjugated in fundamentalist societies.

Brought up in a survivalist, Mormon family, Westover speaks about a poverty-stricken, difficult childhood where education is seen as secondary and violence is rife. Her relationship with her abusive brother is horrifying, And moreso is her family's acceptance of his behaviour. So gaining scholarships to top universities in the world despite having had no clue about the Holocaust, the civil rights movement, and Napoleon, is no mean feat.

While parts are repetitive, it is engaging and harrowing to hear her inspiring story.