[Book Review]- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 

The Book Thief was so epic that I ploughed through it in one sitting. It’s the type of YA novel that you forget is an actual YA novel because of the lack of cringe-worthy teenage angst and drama (#Firstworldproblems anyone)? I’m not saying this book lacks drama and angst, but the fact that it’s set during the real life era of Nazi Germany, makes it all the more sobering and sad. It was an especially intriguing read because of the author’s different perspective on the events of the Holocaust.  Here’s Zusak’s reasoning behind his writing approach in own words:

“I also hope that readers of any age will see another side of Nazi Germany, where certain people did hide their Jewish friends to save their lives (at the risk of their own). I wanted them to see people who were unwilling to fly the Nazi flag, and boys and girls who thought the Hitler Youth was boring and ridiculous. “ — Marcus Zusak

The highlight of the novel, in my opinion, is the fact that Death itself is the narrator. Zusak does a brilliant job of giving Death a complex persona. Rather than depicting the obvious role of bloodthirsty predator who overly enjoys picking up souls, Death is portrayed as “exhausted from his external existence and his job.” Death seems sympathetic yet intrigued by the main character of Liesel and even remorseful towards her best friend Rudy.

I loved every minute of The Book Thief and can find no faults. Death ultimately reveals that humans haunt him towards the end of the novel; I feel the same way about this book. I can’t wait to see how the film adaptation compares to this epic read.    

Bookmas

Honestly, this was a lot harder than it looks. I'm impressed with myself, considering I usually have zero artistic ability, whatsoever. This was a cool idea and a fun little project for me because although I don't celebrate Christmas, I'll always celebrate reading and books.

[Book Review]- Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman

Lately, I find myself increasingly drawn to reading memoirs. Case in point— the last book I reviewed was a memoir. I’ve always been interested in hearing people’s stories firsthand; be it, their own personal account of a significant event in their life, some good pieces of advice they’ve picked up, or just interesting observations about random topics. I just appreciate a good story. (Cool story, bro)

When I first heard about Orange Is The New Black, the original series on Netflix, I had no idea it was adapted from an actual memoir. Upon discovery, I immediately went out and picked it up (shocking, right?). I am a firm believer of reading the book before watching any on screen adaptations. 

The novel is based on ex-convict Piper Kerman’s experience during her 15-month prison term at a federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut. Her offense was a 10-year old drug trafficking charge, a one-off transgression that occurred during a youthful misadventure. It was a stressful and uncertain period in Piper’s life as a new college graduate, one that so many of us can relate to.

The most surprising aspect of this book is the respect and admiration that the author shows towards her fellow inmates. Never does she embody a holier than thou attitude. Instead, she wisely chooses to adapt to her surroundings by befriending her cellmates, (except the crazies) and avoiding conflict at all costs. She experiences many challenges along the way such as almost coming to blows with another inmate at the cafeteria salad bar and having to submit to a form of strip search aptly called the “squat and cough” before and after visitations. Slowly and begrudgingly we witness the author learning to accept the fact that all of the power and control she carried in her life outside prison walls, had been effectively relinquished once she became an inmate in the American prison system.  

In Orange Is The New Black, readers can expect a hilarious true story about love, detriment, camaraderie, infuriating circumstances and redemption. Shocking aspects of prison life are revealed along with important insight in to the out-of-control growth of prison populations in America.  It is the type of memoir that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.      

[Book Review]- Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

In December 2004, Sonali, her British husband Steve and her two English sons, Vikram and Malli were vacationing in the southwest part of Sri Lanka, visiting her parents for the holidays. On December 26^th, a 30-foot wave caused by a massive tsunami, swept over her hotel killing her parents, husband and children. This memoir recounts Sonali’s intense and sometimes unbearable struggle to come to terms with the pain of her loss. 

I’ve been excited to read Wave a memoir by 2004 tsunami survivor, Sonali Deraniyagala since it first became available in stores earlier this year.  This book was far from what I expected it to be. It was raw, honest and lacking any sense of romanticism. Whilst reading along, I found myself relating to Sonali’s “subdued” reaction in the aftermath of the disaster and upon learning the fate of her young family. In her own way, she was preparing herself mentally for her new incomprehensible reality. I find myself wondering what coping mechanisms I would employ to salvage my sanity if put in Deraniyagala’s shoes. Her perseverance and resolve to keep the memories of her family alive speaks volumes of our minds’ capacity for acceptance and recovery.

I enjoyed this book immensely because of the author’s surprisingly calm and lucid voice. Her ability to navigate between her past life and present reality through flashbacks and visions was both comforting and a little unnerving. At the same time, I appreciate that none of her experiences were sugar coated or embellished for the readers’ sake. After turning the last page, I was left feeling melancholy, optimistic for the future and most of all, relieved that our roles were not reversed. I doubt I would have had the strength of spirit to overcome all that Sonali has in her life.