August wrap - What I read in August

Honestly, I feel like August was a slumpy month for me, when it came to reading. Although I did manage three books so it wasn't that bad! I also finished reading one that I started in July. So I guess that's FOUR books finished in August.

Here are the books I've read this month -

I read 'The Book Thief' The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 
This has been on my TBR list for a long time. I'd already seen the movie which I really liked. The narator of the book is death, which I wasn't really sure about to start with but I ended up truly loving it. I really enjoyed the book a lot. Set during the holocaust in Nazi Germany about a little girl that goes to live with a childless couple who also end up hiding a Jew in there basement! I connected well with the characters and although the book was a fairly long book (552 page !!) I was hooked and found myself reading it quite fast. You can read my full review here. 

The Girl Who Just Wanted To Be Loved by Angel Hart. (full review coming soon)
"Eight-year-old Keeley looks like the sweetest little girl you could wish to meet, but demons from the past make her behaviour far from angelic. She takes foster carer Angela on a rocky and very demanding emotional ride as she fights daily battles against her deep-rooted psychological problems. Can the love and specialist care Angela and husband Jonathan provide help Keeley triumph against the odds?"

A foster care story by Angela Hart. I have read books by this author before and really liked them. Beautifully written and quite fast paced. And whilst parts of this story is upsetting because Keely had been through rather a lot in her short life. She was taken into foster care by Angela and her husband who gave her a home and loved her. Keeley had many problems which Angela and her husband try to help her through. Angela and her hubby are wonderful people who have been fostering children for many, many years. If you like Cathy Glass and Casey Watson books, I'm certain you will like books by Angela Hart, too!

Finding Tiperary Mary by Phillis Whitsell. (full review coming soon)


"The astonishing real story of a daughter’s search for her own past ¨C and the desperate mother who gave her up

‘I lit the candle and prayed for my birth mother, asking God to take care of her. It was as if I had made some kind of connection with her. Even at such a young age, I found it difficult to understand, but I always feared that she was in danger and needed my prayers. It was the only thing at the time that I could do for her. I feared that she might be coming to some harm and that she was not happy, but I was helpless and had nobody to talk to about my feelings. The only thing at that time was to pray that her guardian angel would take care of her and keep her from harm.’

Phyllis Whitsell began the search for her birth mother as a young woman ¨C and although it was many years before she finally met her, their lives had crossed on the journey without their knowledge. When they both eventually sat down together ¨C the circumstances were extraordinary, moving and ultimately life-changing.

This is a daughter’s personal account of the remarkable relationship that grew from abandonment into love, understanding and selfless care." 

Another true life story. Phillis was put into an orphanage when she was just eight months old and cared for by nuns. She was eventually adopted when she was eight years old by a Catholic couple who already had there own children. Phillis tells her story of how hard it was growing up adopted and how her adoption was a secret and not talked about very much. Phillis goes on to become a nurse. Eventually she decided to search for her biological mother. She doesn't know much about her adoption, if her mother had any other children or even where her mother lives now. She does learn that her mother is an alcoholic. Phillis realises her and her mother have actually met before in her adult life but is her mother still alive? Is it too late? 
I really found this story interesting. Phillis is so brave sharing her story and her feelings with the world. I connected well with Phillis and this book is written really well! 

I also finished reading 'The Sisters' and you can read my review of 'The Sisters' here.  

What are you currently reading?

Sarah xXx

 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Book Review.

"It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul." 

Genre - Historical fiction 
Pages - 552

I was really excited to read this book, I have wanted to read it for a long time! I had seen the movie (or parts of it!) before and couldn't wait to read the book. It's quite a big book though and needs a lot of focusing! It did take me a while to read but I managed it. Anyway... The book is narrated by death.
I really wasn't sure about the style this book was told in but I did get use to it and ended up really enjoying it. A story based in Nazi Germany during world war two and the holocaust. A woman and a man take in a young girl during this time. They don't have any children of there own so it takes a little bit of adapting for everyone. They also take in a Jewish man during this time who hides out in there basement. He is trying to escape Hitler and being sent to a camp.. Or worse. I connected so well with the characters and the story. This book is unlike anything I have ever read before. Markus Zusak did I fine job with this story and it's beautifully written. I really did enjoy it but it isn't one I could read again! It's really hard to write a review on this book without giving away any spoilers. 
(Please note: There is a fair bit of swearing in this book) 

It is much like the movie, there are parts that are slightly different. I do think the book is slightly better but the film is also VERY good, too! 
I rated this book 4.5 stars. 

Sarah xXx

The boy in the striped Pyjamas by John Boyne - Book Review.

"If you start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy named Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence.

Fences like this exist all over the world. We hope you never have to encounter one." 

I have wanted to read 'The boy in the striped Pyjamas' for the longest time. I have seen the movie but really, really wanted to read the book. I have been looking for this book in charity shops for a good few weeks now and the other day, i was passing one of my local charity shops which I wasn't even going to go into when I randomly just thought 'I know they won't have it but I'll have a quick browse in the book section, just incase" And there it was. The boy in the striped Pyjamas. Finally. For the bargain price of £1! I had to have it. I actually couldn't wait to start reading it and read it that same day. It took me overall about 3.5 hours to read as it's quite short. I could easily have read this book in one sitting had I not had distractions. Anyway onto my thoughts about this story. 

The boy in striped Pyjamas is an historical war fiction story about a family who move from Berlin into the countryside. The father is a Nazi soldier and the whole family have to move away with him because of his job. Bruno, the nine year old little boy, is not happy that he's had to move from there big five story house, away from all of his friends and grandparents. Bruno is use to being able to explore and live quite freely but it all changes when the family have to move. They move right next to a concentration camp 'Out With'. Bruno doesn't really understand what the place is and thinks it's perhaps a farm. Bruno goes exploring and walks by the fence where he meets a small boy the other side of the fence who is wearing stripey Pyjamas. He's a prisoner in the camp. They do become friends but Bruno doesn't tell anyone, not right at first anyway.I don't want to go any further as I don't want to spoil it for anyone but it truly is a page turner. 

It IS a little on the unrealistic side in places but again, it's fiction John Boyne has pulled this story off very well, it's written very well. I am in no way complaining as it's fiction and aimed at a younger audience. It is Young Adult style. My twelve year old son has started reading this book  and so far he really likes it, too!
A truly heartbreaking story indeed. I rated this book 4.5 stars. 

I'll just add in here that yes, the movie is fairly true to the book. The ending is slightly different, the movie is a bit more sadder in my opinion. Personally I preferred the book but the movie is certainly worth a watch too. 

A photo posted by ★ sarah (@the.bookhub) on Jul 8, 2016 at 1:21am PDT

What I read in June.

I read quite a few books in June. I got a few crossed off my 'To Be Read' list, which I'm really pleased about. I have quite a busy month in July but hopefully I'll find some time to read. Some of the books I read on my kindle and others I read in paperback form. I find a lot of my books in charity shops and have a book haul coming soon! Anyway, here are the books I read in June and a brief summary.

 

The Cast off kids by Tristha Merry. 

"One hot summer's afternoon, two abandoned infants are brought to Trisha and Mike Merry's door, forlorn and afraid. Their mother walked out on them. (They don't remember her.) Their grandmother tried, but couldn't manage them. And now their young father has given up on them too. These cast-off kids desperately need somewhere to live and a family to love them. They've come to the right place...
Trisha and Mike welcome them into their home and their hearts. There are now ten children under five in this household, where every day is filled with cuddles, fun . . . and more than a few challenges. After ten eventful years of love and laughter, they are reclaimed by their jealous mother, a stranger, who sets fire to their memories and sends them to a succession of care homes. Finally the younger one sets out on a quest to find the only two people who have ever loved him. " 


A true life story about 2 children -A brother and sister- who go into care during the 1970's. There mother abandoned them and there father couldn't cope. They were fostered by Trisha and her husband. Social services don't share any information, or very little as to why they've gone into care - it was very different back in the 70's Trisha and her husband have A LOT of foster children. We learn a lot about the other foster children too. A very fun, loving household, Trisha and her husband are very loving and caring. At one point they have eleven foster kids in there home. I learned so much from this book! For one, fostering and social services have both come a long way since then. A truly beautifully sad story with a good ending. I throughly enjoyed this book and rated it 4.5 stars out of 5. 

We are Liars by E. Lockhart. 

"A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.


We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE" 

A young adult contemporary book. I've seen this book floating around everywhere. It's also a book Zoe Sugg picked for her WH SMITH book club.
I really wasn't sure about this book, it took me a while to get through. It's well written but just not for me. I didn't feel connected to the characters. I may have enjoyed this book more when I was a teenager. I really did like the ending though. I love a good twist in a story. I rated this book 3 our of 5 stars.

The Runaway Family by Diney Costeloe. 

"THE RUNAWAY FAMILY was previously published as EVIL ON THE WIND.
Germany 1937: Fear and betrayal stalk the streets. People disappear. Persecution of the Jews has become a national pastime.
When Ruth Friedman's husband is arrested by the SS, she is left to fend for herself and her four children. She alone stands as their shield against the Nazis. But where can she go? Where will her family be safe?
Ruth must overcome the indifference, hatred and cruelty that surrounds her as she and her family race to escape the advancing Nazi army's final solution..."

Historical fiction set in world war II. Now, I love a good war story and this book was no exception. I've read a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction. You can read my full review here. Set in Nazi Germany about a Jewish family who have to flee and avoid the Nazi's. Ruths husband is arrested for being Jewish. Ruth does all she can to protect her children. Moving from place to place and with very little money. The ending was a little abrupt.. I won't go into detail as it would contain spoilers! I loved the writing style and the story, it was very easy to read, it only took me a couple of days to read this book! 4 out of 5 stars for me!

The Girl With No Past by Kathryn Croft

"A gripping psychological thriller for fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.

Leah Mills lives a life of a fugitive – kept on the run by one terrible day from her past. It is a lonely life, without a social life or friends until – longing for a connection – she meets Julian. For the first time she dares to believe she can live a normal life.

Then, on the fourteenth anniversary of that day, she receives a card. Someone knows the truth about what happened. Someone who won’t stop until they’ve destroyed the life Leah has created.

But is Leah all she seems? Or does she deserve everything she gets?
Everyone has secrets. But some are deadly. "


A none fiction physcholical thriller that follows the life of a woman named Leah who lives a lonely life. All throughout the book it hints that Leah has done something terrible. I reviewed this book on my blog here. 
This book was alright, I found it hard to focus though. It lost my attention in places. It wasn't too bad and there are a few twists and turns in the story. It did keep me in suspense at times. Overall I rated this book 3.5 stars out of 5.


Skin Deep by Casey Watson

"Rejected by her mother and excluded by her school, Flip is a little girl desperate to be loved.
‘Am I ugly, Mummy?’ are the first words that little Phillipa says to Mike and Casey as she stomps into their lives on a hot August afternoon. She has a Barbie doll in one hand and a pink vanity case in the other and the bemused Watsons can only stare in amazement at this tiny eight year old girl who is being guided into the room by her social worker.
Phillipa, known as Flip has Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and life with her single mother has come to an abrupt end after a fire burned the house down. When Casey meets Flip, the child seems remarkably unfazed by what has happened and the thing that seems to worry her is that Casey might find her ugly.
Casey has come across children with FAS in her previous job in a high school behaviour unit, but is now realising that fostering Flip is going to be full of challenges which will test her and Mike’s skills to the limit."

Another true life fostering memoir from Casey Watson. I've read a lot of her books. Casey Watson and her husband are truly amazing people who foster children that have been placed in the care system. Casey and her husband Mike foster Flip while her mother is in hospital after a house fire. It becomes apparent that Flip has been on the at risk register for quite some time and stays in care. An absolute harrowing story. Thankfully Flip has Casey and Mike to take care of her and help her. Flip does have a happy ending but it's so hard for Casey and Mike (and there other foster child!) to say good bye to Flip. I love that there's a follow up at the end about how Flip settles into her new family - I love the way Casey writes her books, too! I rated this book 5 stars.

I also read Still Alice by Lisa Genova but there's a separate post coming on that book! :)

What did you read in June? Let me know in the comments :) 

Sarah xXx 

(All book blurbs are from goodreads)

The Runaway Family by Diney Costeloe.

Source

"THE RUNAWAY FAMILY was previously published as EVIL ON THE WIND.

Germany 1937: Fear and betrayal stalk the streets. People disappear. Persecution of the Jews has become a national pastime.
When Ruth Friedman's husband is arrested by the SS, she is left to fend for herself and her four children. She alone stands as their shield against the Nazis. But where can she go? Where will her family be safe?
Ruth must overcome the indifference, hatred and cruelty that surrounds her as she and her family race to escape the advancing Nazi army's final solution..." 

I found this little gem of a book in a charity shop for 90p. It was already on my TBR list! So I was very pleased with this find.
I really enjoy historical fiction (or non fiction for that matter!) and this book was no exception. Set in the late 1930's and 40's, during world war II, being Jewish, living in Germany was terrifying for Ruth and her family. A family that have to flee Germany after Ruths husband is arrested - because he's Jew. He's taken to a work camp, leaving ruth alone with four children. Ruth doesn't hear anything from her husband for quite sometime, she doesn't know if he's even alive!
She has to protect her family from the Nazis, fleeing from place to place to keep her children safe.This story is very sad indeed but very good, too!


I truly loved this book. I love the writing style. I connected with the characters and I found this book very hard to put down! It is sad in places, which is to be expected because it's a holocaust fiction story. I did find Ruth a little naive at times, I liked her character though. Wasn't so sure about the ending.. I found it a little... abrupt. It was a very good book thought and I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

A photo posted by ★ sarah (@the.bookhub) on Jun 15, 2016 at 2:15am PDT

  What have you been reading lately? Let me know in the comments :)      Sarah xXx