I'm a Human Library...

So, I've had a bit of time to read this week, and I've pounded my way through three books so far. Here's what I've been up to:

The Hour I First Believed Wally Lamb

Based on factual happenings of the Columbine massacre, this book follows fictional characters who were all tied to (as victims) the shootings. It follows the lives of the main characters as they deal with the aftermath of one of the most devastating events in the last decade. While trying to get away from it all, the characters become involved in a much greater plot involving historical research into the family tree. Although it dragged on a little in the middle, the book turns for the better and displays how the characters are all effected by the deep family history. This was a very touching tale of being lost, finding yourself and then losing yourself once again.

Wally Lamb has also written two other best sellers, I Know This Much is True and She's Come Undone. Both are exceptional.

The Flying Troutmans
Miriam Toews

This was another exceptional read. I read fast, so it only took me a day. This one is about a troubled family, an aunt's sister who has been mentally unstable since she can remember. The aunt has to fly home from Paris to commit her sister once again to the mental hospital and then takes an adventure with her niece and nephew in the mini-van through the States. Dealing with mental illness has its effects on family members differently and as you get to know the main characters you discover the different ways that people handle it. Their 'road trip' is anything but normal and at times I found myself questioning Aunt Hattie's decision making and 'chaperoning' skills. It's a great journey that teaches you how people deal with crises in different ways. Whether it's smoking joints with her nephew or lying to her niece to keep her from crying, this book was definitely a grand and humourous adventure that I would definitely recommend.

Miriam also authored A Complicated Kindness, which I also would recommend.

Last but not least:

Night
Elie Wiesel

Although, I am not fully finished this (I guess I can't ruin the ending for you!) I am already in love. It is a memoir on the events that happened during the Holocaust from a survivor of the concentration camps. There is no end to the despair you feel by the first person accounts of what actually went on. I have no formal history education on what actually occurred in the camps, but this definitely paints a devastating picture for me. This book was originally written years ago, and has since had many different translations. The most current version has been translated by Elie's wife allowing it to take on more of his personality than previous versions. It is definitely an eye-opening read that I couldn't put down (except to write this). Saying I can't wait to finish this book would be a lie, as it is sad to know that human beings are possible of such torture, but it's a page turner, so I will finish.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who are curious about history but not looking to read a history text.


Stay tuned...