Thursday, October 15, 2009

war....what is it good for.


In "The Box from Braunau" author Jan Elvin tells her father Bill's incredible life story from start to finish. She begins with his early life as a Scottish immigrants, then transitions to his war experiences, return to civilian life and progression into old age.


Elvin focuses on war, slave labor and survival going along with World War II and the Nazi concentration camps. She shares her families personal struggle with life after the terrible war, including her fathers Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This book is filled with her fathers letters and journals during the war, and is extremely fascinating.

You cannot help but be captivated by this story.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

sparks new book to movie!


Would you like to know what I love about Nicholas Sparks novels? Yes? Alright, I'll tell you: Things are never what they appear to be. He usually gives us a little hint, a tiny bit of foreshadowing, but usually, readers are surprised.


"The Last Song" was a breathe of fresh air. Sparks last few novels have been a sort of let down for me. I just adored Ronnie as our main character. A seventeen year old wild child, with a conscience. Even though I am twenty-four, I can relate to a teeny bopper character more than one in their thirties or forties. It has a bit of "The Notebook" themes, but is entirely different as well.

Ronnie is forced to live in North Carolina for the entire summer, with her crafty (but cute) ten year old brother, and her father who bounced out on her family. She hasn't spoken to him in THREE years. But of course, things are not what they seem. Reading as this young woman falls in love, learns to forgive and changes lives...it's beautiful. Really. You won't be disappointed!