1. Night by Elie Wiesel
Synopsis: Born in the town of Sighet, Transylvania, Elie Wiesel was a teenager when he and his family were taken from their home in 1944 to Auschwitz concentration camp, and then to Buchenwald. Night is the terrifying record of Elie Wiesel's memories of the death of his family, the death of his own innocence, and his despair as a deeply observant Jew confronting the absolute evil of man.
Thoughts: I (Shannon) read this book in high school. This book was my first real glimpse into Auschwitz concentration camp and what really happened there. It was eye-opening and saddening all at once.
2. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Synopsis: Anne Frank received a journal for her 13th birthday. Through her journal entries we hear about her life in hiding during World War II. Her journal was recovered from their hiding place after her family was captured. Her father later had it published.
Thoughts: This book is a must read for everyone. One of my favorite things about this book, is that Anne is such a positive person. You really get a good look at her personality and sense of wonder. The hardest thing about reading this book, is that most of us know the fate of Anne and her family.
3. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Synopsis: Set in France during World War II, two sisters must cope with the war going on around them. Vianne's husband is sent to fight in the war, but Vianne never believes the war will reach France. However, her little village is taken over by Nazis, and she is forced to share her home with a German Captain. Vianne's little sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen year old. She is ready to fight the Nazi's in any way she can, including falling in love with a stranger and joining the resistance.
Thoughts: This book was recommended to me by my mother-in-law. I am so grateful she let me borrow her copy! I was completely sucked into this book, and couldn't put it down. I felt an entire range of emotions while reading. I really liked that it was set in a samll village in France, and that the focus was on two women not associated with the war. I think it was an interesting perspective as the women in the story were not in hiding, but trying to carry on with a semblance of normalcy.
4. The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
Synopsis: The Librarian of Auschwitz is an amazing book based on a true story of Auschwitz prisoner, Dita Kraus. Dita was fourteen when she entered Auschwitz with her mother and father. They were placed in the only family camp, where one Jewish leader formed a secret school where the children met, learned, and held onto hope. Dita became the secret librarian of Block 31 when she was put in charge of eight precious books that were smuggled past the guards. This was a dangerous job, but Dita was honored and helped to keep hope alive in Block 31.
Thoughts: This book was amazing. I feel like I learned so much about the Holocaust and Auschwitz that I did not know previously. This book was a slower read for me but I believe that was due to the content (it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows). I did throughly enjoy the story. I loved Dita and her persistence, she never gave up despite everything being against her. It was an amazing story that I feel all should read.
5. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Synopsis: In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as aTätowierer(the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners. Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive. One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
Thoughts: I first picked this book up because I book club I joined was reading it and man am I glad I did. It was an fantastic book with so much history. It also incorporated a romance despite the horrible situation of the characters. It was amazing to see the hope and love in this book.
6. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein
Synopsis: Oct. 11th, 1943 - A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun. When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.
Thoughts: This book was different than others I have read about WWII, but still just as interesting. It was interesting to read about a female pilot and her story of being captured. As I read this book I had moments where I wasn't sure about it, but by the end I couldn't stop thinking about it. This gave a whole new perspective to women's roles in WWII. I have a review posted to my goodreads here.
7. Sarah's Key
Synopsis: When Sarah is ten years old her and her family are brutally arrested during the holocaust. Before her family is taken, Sarah locks her four year old brother in a cabinet to keep him protected, but keeps the key with her not realizing she won't be coming back to her family home. Flash forward to 2002, American Journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about the arrests that took place on the day known as Vel' d'Hiv. As Julia dives into the past, and Sarah's history, she begins to questions things about her own life.
Thoughts: Once again my lovely mother-in-law gifted me this book as well. Thankfully we have similar tastes! I read this book shortly after my first daughter was born, so I was already an emotional mess. This book tore me apart and sewed me back up. Prior to reading this book I had never heard of Vel' d'Hiv, and knew very little about France's involvement in WWII. This book is very raw, and I found myself connecting to both Sarah and Julia. I think if you like history, specifically WWII, this book should definitely be added to your reading list.
8. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Synopsis: It is 1939, in Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still. By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is the Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books form Nazi book burnings, the mayor's wife;s library, wherever there are books to be found.
Thoughts: I read this book in high school and loved it. I would highly recommend it to anyone. This is probably one of the best known books revolving around WWII. I think the perspective from which the story is told is really unique, and as a book lover there will always be a special place in my heart for this one!
9. At The Wolf's Table by Rosella Postorino
Synopsis: Rosa is recruited by the SS to be a taste tester for Hitler as her husband is fighting on the front lines for him. Her and nine other girls are expected to risk their lives tasting Hitler's food. Some of the girls are loyal to Hitler, but Rosa swears she isn't a Nazi.
Thoughts: This is the first book I read in the month of July, and probably my (Sarah's) favorite book on this list! I think the perspective is really unique. A lot of the books I've read the main characters are obviously part of the resistance. In this case the main character is forced to work for Hitler even though she doesn't want to. I love the writing style, its flowery at times, and curt at others. I think this works really well with the story! Originally At The Wolf's Table was written in Italian, and has been translated to English.
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