Forty Autumns

Forty Autumns: 

A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall

by Nina Willner

I have read many books about WWII, but not about the aftermath and tragedies that occurred in East Germany when the war ended.  This book tells the story of the author's family who lived in a city called Schwaneberg where her Oma and Opa raised a family of eight children and her grandfather served as the headmaster at the local school.  It is a story of their survival and the many atrocities that occurred in the East as communism was forced on their citizens and as the division between East and West became more and more stark. 

Many East Germans were killed or were repeatedly turned back and jailed as they attempted to escape to the West, Hannah, the oldest daughter (Nina's mother) was the only family member that was eventually successful in fleeing the oppressive communist rule. Now living on different sides of the Berlin Wall, there was very little communication allowed between East and West, so they each had to continue on with their own lives and hope that their family was doing okay on the other side of the wall.

This was a very informative book that I would definitely recommend. It is a good reminder of tragedies and injustices that occur with an oppressive government.

The Award

The Award by Danielle Steel

This story begins with sixteen year old Gaelle who is living in France when the Germans invade in 1940. Innocent and young she doesn't really understand what is happening to her country but as the war goes on, she soon discovers how terrible war can be when her best friend suddenly disappears. Eventually the war takes her home, brother, father and mother, leaving her all alone.  The only way she is able to endure her heartache and loss is through her dedication to the French Resistance.  Once the war is finally over, there is nothing left for her in the small town where she grew up so she travels to Paris where she falls into the dream job of being a model for the up and coming Dior.

Gaelle strives to lets go of the past and the many atrocities of war that she witnessed and tries to rebuild her life and move forward.  Her modeling career takes off and she is fortunate to find love again as she marries and starts a family.  But there is still more heartache and loss that Gaelle must endure. 

This is a very interesting story that tells of the some the atrocities that took place during WWII and the challenges that were faced as men and women tried to rebuild their lives afterward. It also shows how much damage can be done when kids have too much money and too little parenting.

String Art for Teens!!

Wounded Tiger

Wounded Tiger by T. Martin Bennett

Mitsuo Fuchida, with a strong hatred for all Americans and a strong sense of Japanese pride, was the flight leader in the attack of Pearl Harbor.  Jaco DeSazer, a bombardier in the United States Army, burning with vengeance after the attack on Pearl Harbor, gets caught and was a POW.  The Covell family, American missionaries in Japan, were forced to flee the country, they went to the Philippines.  Three seemingly unrelated wartime stories come together in this fictional historical account of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

This is a work of fiction based on a true story.  The author researched many sources to find the complete story.  The Japanese felt that defeat in the war was a disgrace.  They would rather die than loose.  However, the atomic bomb changed their direction and they surrendered.  With the war over, the military was left stranded.  The "wounded tiger" lost his direction.  He eventually found direction in the Bible and found that love and forgiveness were keys to happiness.

You can find this book in the adult fiction section of the library.

Heartless

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Long before Catherine became the terror of Wonderland - the Queen of Hearts - she was just a girl who had hopes and dreams for her future.  Catherine was one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts.

Cath had no interest in the King of Hearts. She was a talented baker, her greatest desire was to open her own bakery with her best friend.  Cath's life went crazy when the handsome and mysterious Jest came to Wonderland, he was the new court joker. There was an immediate attraction between the two of them and they entered into a secret courtship, while Cath was also in a public courtship with the King of Hearts.

This is a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, it's an entertaining story involving magic, madness and monsters, and involves all the characters from Alice in Wonderland.  You can find this book in the Young Adult section of the library.

The Other Einstein

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

Twenty year old Mitza must leave her hometown in Serbia, her family and all that is familiar to pursue her dream of attending the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich. The year is 1896 and very few women are allowed to attend the prestigious school. As the only female in the physics department, she must face the ridicule and harassment of the the other students and professors.  She is surprised and somewhat mystified when she is the recipient of positive attention from one of her fellow students.

This is an interesting story about the of life of Albert Einstein's first wife, how they met and their time together. This is a work of fiction, but is based on events that happened during the time they were together. The story portrays the struggles and limitations that Mitza faced as she pursued her dream of an education and then later as a mother to her children and wife of Albert.

The Art of the Handwritten Note

The Art of the Handwritten Note 

A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication 

by Margaret Shepherd

Acclaimed calligrapher, Margaret Shepherd, has created both a tribute to writing and a writing rescue manual.  This book will help those who take pleasure in correspondence as well as those who are intimidated by the task. It provides inspiration and thorough instruction.

In the words of the author, Margaret Shepherd, "A handwritten note is like dining by candlelight instead of flicking on the lights, like making a gift instead of ordering a product, like taking a walk instead of driving... You can still use the telephone or the Web for the daily chores of staying in touch, but for the words that matter, it's courteous, classy, caring, and civilized to pick up a pen."

I found myself inspired to write, and find reasons to send letters after reading this book.  There is excellent advice on writing for any type of occasion.  A wonderful resource full of helpful tips.

You can find this book in the nonfiction section of the library.

USU Extension Class

New Board Members

The Wedding Shop

The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck

The Wedding Shop is set in Heart's Bend Tennessee, in two different time periods. In the early 1930's Cora Scott inherited her aunts wedding shop. Brides come all the way from Birmingham Alabama to visit her shop and experience her special bridal treatment. Cora's true love is a river boat captain and she is counting the days until he returns and makes her his bride. But the days turn into months and months into years and still he hasn't proposed. Meanwhile Birch Good tries to show Cora that he is solid and dependable and in love with her.

In the present time, former Air Force Captain, Haley Morgan has returned to Heart's Bend trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life after the death of her best friend Tammy and discovering the truth about the man she loved. She decides to open the abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played as a child.

This book is the third in a series, but I was able to read it as a stand alone and did not feel lost. It is fun relaxing read that tells the story of two women from different time periods and their struggle through heartache to find happiness.