Kelly reviews "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay

Title: Sarah's Key
Author: Tatiana de Rosnay
Published: St. Martin's Press, 2006

After finishing a book about WWII, my initial reaction is "NO. NEVER AGAIN. THAT WAS TOO SAD AND I DON'T WANT TO SOB UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE READING. I HAVE TOO MANY FEELINGS" (or something like that). But seriously, WWII books are real downers, for obvious reasons, and I tend to avoid them. So why on earth did I pick up Sarah's Key? Obviously I like torturing myself.

We get a split universe of sorts in Sarah's Key. One world is that of Sarah, and young girl in 1940s Paris. When police officers come to round up her and her Jewish family, she locks her little brother in a cupboard for safe keeping until they return. Her last words to him are a promise that she'll come back for them. Unfortunately, to her unknowing, she and her parents are to be taken to a concentration camp. We follow her amazing and heartbreaking story through the concentration camp as her only wish is to get back to her brother.

On the other hand, we also meet Julia, a journalist in modern day Paris. She does some research on Paris' involvement in WWII and digs up information on Sarah's story and family. Feeling deeply connected to her, Julia tries to track down Sarah's fate and see if she's still alive. Normally I don't like when there are two characters with completely different storylines in a book; usually it seems that one doesn't belong. However, I really enjoyed Julia's story and her own family problems. It's a book I would've read on its own.

I really can't stop raving about Sarah's Key. I've recommended it to everyone I know, even those who aren't readers. It's an amazing story that may not always have happy endings and will leave you feeling sick to your stomach at times, but will still inspire you the same. 5+ stars!

Has anybody seen the movie? I've heard it's a good adaptation, but always feel wary about these situations.

Kelly's review of "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See

Title: Shanghai Girls
Author: Lisa See
Published: Random House, 2009

Shanghai Girls is a short and easy book to read, yet is is so beautiful, cultural, and deeply human. It tells the story of Pearl and May, sisters in 1937 Shanghai (also known as the Paris of Asia). They are young, beautiful, privileged, work as models, and are engaged to wealthy business heirs. In short, their lives are perfect. This abruptly ends with their father's financial demise and the outbreak of WWII. Their homes and lives are completely destroyed. They endure the worst sorts of heartbreak as they make a dangerous escape to America and try to find their fiancees.

Once in California, they are held on Angel Island for months where they wan and are on the brink of starvation and mental breakdowns. When they are finally released, they make their way into their new lives. The rest of the book follows them for the next 25 years. We meet their fiancees and new families, learn about their adjustments to living in America (in a time with much prejudice towards Asians) and watch as they face their new identity struggles.

I loved the sisters' relationship. Even though they were complete opposites and often did not get along, they were very devoted and protective of each other. Well into their 40s and 50s they wouldn't leave each other's sides. They clung to each other because they were all they had left of China, their parents, and their old lives. Pearl and May perfectly complimented each other and it was great to read about the different paths they took in their new lives in America.

I can't wait to read Lisa See's other book, The Snow Flower & the Secret Fan, if I know it'll be half as good as this one! I also discovered that a sequel to this book recently came out, focusing on Pearl's daughter, Joy.  I'll have to pick it up soon!

4.5 stars.

Jana Reviews Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

Title and Author: Bridge Of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

Publishing Info: February 28, 2012 (March 2012) by Kensington US, Avon/HarperCollins UK (will be released in Original trade paperback, retailing at $15 US/$16.95 Can.)
Special Features: Discussion Guide and Asian-fusion recipes

How I got this book: Kristina contacted TB&TB, and offered up a copy if someone was interested. I snatched it up immediately.

Why I read this book: I was born in Japan, and was excited to read a book with ties to my birthplace.

Stars: 4

"A skilled violinist sacrifices her career aspirations and family's approval to secretly elope with her Japanese American boyfriend -- the night before Pearl Harbor is bombed. Torn between sides, she will make choices few people in history dared.

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy. 

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost. 

Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss--an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit."

 (Watch this trailer. It's amazing, and tells a lot about the book, and what inspired Kristina to tell this story.)

I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to read this book. Japan is filled with amazing people, and I can't imagine the prejudices they have dealt with, especially during the time period of this story.

I really felt for Maddie and Lane throughout the entire book. Their relationship was kept a secret, they had to elope last-minute because Lane's father had already picked out his wife, and then the war and accompanying tragedies split them apart and made their lives so much harder than anyone deserves. Both their families were incredibly against their marriage. Maddie's brother was so mad about it that it solidified his decision to join the army and fight the Japanese. I admire both Maddie and Lane for their strength, for following their hearts, for looking past the opinions of others, and for sticking with each other, no matter the hardships involved.

I learned a lot from this book. I was not aware of the camps the Japanese-Americans had to stay in once Pearl Harbor was bombed. You only had to be 1/16th Japanese to receive this kind of punishment. Children were taken from their families. Some of the Japanese-Americans were forced to enlist in the US Army and spy on the Japanese, translating documents and sneaking into the fields at night to eavesdrop on their plans of ambush or attack. I'm grateful to Kristina for educating me.

Kristina's writing style is gorgeous. She uses symbolic and lyrical passages that distract you from all the underlying sadness. I felt so many different emotions throughout. The heartwarming romance, the constant hope of a better life for these people, and the devastating tortures and death.

The Bridge of Scarlet Leaves a versatile read, and has a little bit of everything. Kristina painted the war as it really was, and I think it's good to be reminded of what mankind is capable of. I think the main message of this book is to remember our pasts, learn from the, and make changes to better the future. I love that!

 About the author: Kristina McMorris

The recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards, Kristina McMorris is the author of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, declared a "gripping story [that] hits all the right chords" by Publishers Weekly and a "sweeping yet intimate novel" by Kirkus Reviews. Her critically praised debut novel, Letters from Home, inspired by her grandparents' WWII courtship, achieved additional acclaim as a Reader's Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, Kristina has been named one of Portland's "40 Under 40" by The Business Journal. She lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.

Author Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Tahleen's Favorite Mystery Series

There are a lot of great mystery series out there, as I'm sure many of you know. I'd like to call your attention to two particular series that I'm a huge fan of—one is written for middle grade readers, but I highly encourage you to check them out. They're fast reads, and completely entertaining. The second series is written for adults, but they have great appeal for younger readers as well.

1. The Sammy Keyes Mysteries by Wendalin Van Draanen

I started reading this series in 6th grade, and haven't really stopped since. Sammy is snappy and sarcastic and very clever, especially when putting together clues that I can't fit together at age 24, let alone age 12. She's just really curious and will sort of spy to get the answers she wants, though she only does this in the name of justice. And this might annoy other people, but I absolutely love how she uses vocabulary that not many 7th-graders would—phrases and words that seem out of place but add so much to her character. Plus she names people according to how they appear to her if she doesn't know their names, which I think is hilarious.

These books do not shy away from tough stuff, either. In the 10 books I've read in this series, Van Draanen has included issues like homelessness, gangs, domestic abuse, underground meth labs, illegal gambling rings, and of course, murder attempts. These are no light mysteries with Scooby Doo endings; Sammy often gets herself into dark situations and narrowly escapes death a number of times. And yet, Van Draanen manages to keep the tone light throughout each book.

Also, did I mention she's secretly living with the Grams in an apartment complex for senior citizens because her mother is trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood? And that she has an archenemy named Heather who is hell-bent on sabotaging her? I still love these books. There are 12 in the series at this point in time, and I hope Van Draanen will continue to write them.

2. The Flavia de Luce Mysteries by Alan Bradley

Flavia is just a delightful character. Eleven years old and very precocious, this is a great mystery series with crossover appeal. Technically written for an adult audience, I've seen these on a number of lists for young adults as well. Flavia is the youngest of three sisters, with a single father trying to raise them alone after their mother's death when Flavia was just a baby. Fascinated by chemistry, Flavia has her own lab in their large estate, Buckshaw (despite her father's lack of funds—Flavia lets us know it was her mother who had money, not her father), and has a particular penchant for poisons. Though there are only three books in this series, Bradley will continue to add to it over the years. The fourth book is due to come out in 2012 and will be called I Am Half-Sick of Shadows. Oh yes, I forgot to mention: each title is a quote from some sort of literary piece, and I just love that. It looks like there will be six books altogether at this point. Jess reviewed the second in the series, The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, on The Broke and the Bookish not too long after its release—you can read it here.

Not only are the mysteries engaging and have unexpected endings that aren't always simple, they are a little portait of life in rural England just after World War II. Anyone who likes reading about small towns will love Bishop's Lacey.

If you get the chance to listen to these, please do. The narrator, Jayne Entwhistle, is just perfect and I love listening to her. You can hear the relish in her voice as Flavia recounts particularly juicy tidbits. I'm eagerly waiting for book three, A Red Herring Without Mustard, which I requested on CD from the library.

So what are your favorite mysteries? Are they series, or do you have a standalone you love?

Kelly's Review of "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden

Title: Memoirs of a Geisha
Author: Arthur Golden
Published: Random House, 1997
Where I Got It: A yard sale

One word: WOW. I devour anything and everything historical fiction related, but had somehow not managed to delve into anything Asian related (maybe excepting The Joy Luck Club). Not wanting to break my personal rule of ALWAYS reading the book before watching the movie, I gave this one a try.

Memoirs of a Geisha brings to life the exotic lives of geisha living in 1930s/40s Japan. Our geisha in particular was born as Chiyo, a poor girl in a small fishing village. She, along with her sister, is taken to the city of Kyoto at the age of nine, where she trains to become a glamorous geisha. Her new life of hard work, backstabbing and betrayal is a shock to her at first, yet she grows up to become very clever and successful.

What amazed me most about this book is the fact that Arthur Golden was able to write an American novel about Japanese culture from a female perspective so well and believable. I was doubtful at first whether or not he could voice a female effectively, but boy, did he ever. His imagery is unbelievably vivid.


However to me, the most fascinating part of this book was the culture. I learned so much about the customs, clothes, fashions, and practices of geisha (and also the fact that geishas is not a word, neither is kimonos. Who knew?). The time period it is set in was also interesting; early 1940s Japan was not a pleasant place to be. Another strong point is the wide range of characters. I found myself seething at Hatsumomo, sympathizing with Pumpkin, and rolling my eyes at Mother.


Towards the end, things got pretty so-so for me. I was much more interested in Chiyo's (later named Sayuri) struggles to become a geisha, not necessarily what happened after she became so successful. I will say that I'm glad a typical Hollywood perfect ending wasn't included. If everything had wrapped up just perfect, it wouldn't have had the same feel to it.


4.5 stars. Now off to watch the movie!

Kelly's Review of "The Reader"

Title: The Reader
Author: Bernhard Schlink
Published: Vintage, 2008 (originally 1995)
Where I Got It: Creeping around the shelves of Goodwill
Why I Read It: I refuse to watch a movie before I read the book

When fifteen year-old Michael Berg becomes sick on his way home from school one day, he is rescued by Hanna, a much older woman who cleans him up and escorts him home. When he later goes back to thank her, they begin a hasty and secret love affair. A large majority of their time spent together is simply Michael reading aloud to Hanna, literally acting as “the reader.” About six months into their affair, she simply disappears. It isn’t until several years later when Michael, now in college, finds Hanna again, in court being accused of Nazi war crimes against Jewish people.

In order to properly read and understand this book, you need to look past the fact that a thirty-six year-old woman is getting it on with her fifteen year-old boy toy. I could write an entirely separate review on the Freudism of this relationship. It is actually an unimportant part of the story, no matter how hard it is to ignore (hence the ‘icky sex’ tag).

It wasn’t until their sixth or seventh day together that Michael finally asks the woman her name. This is our first hint of how secretive Hanna is (or how dumb Michael is). She is also very moody, kicking Michael out when he says that school is pointless and hitting him when he goes to the store without telling her. Just as easily as she loses her temper, she becomes her normal passionate self. When Hanna picks up and moves away without telling Michael, he is consumed with sadness and regret. His body yearns for hers and she is all he thinks of until he learns to let go. Her memory does not follow him anymore and he can move on with his life.

When Michael next sees Hanna, he is in law school and observing a courtroom seminar dealing with Nazi war crimes. One of the defendants of interest is Hanna. Michael learns that Hanna was a concentration camp guard and how she inadvertently had a hand in the death of dozens of Jewish women. We don’t get a lot of emotional reaction from Michael, we get it through the viewpoint of the sole Jewish survivor. You would think that Hanna’s past as a Nazi guard in Auschwitz would be her most disgraceful secret, but to her, it’s not. The secret that she finds more shameful and refuses to reveal is keeping her from defending herself. The price she pays is immense.

I’m not revealing the verdict of the trial or what happens to Hanna or Michael; you can find that out for yourself. The Reader is a book full of secrets, love, guilt, and their consequences. It is written in memoir form, which makes me feel as if we lose the in-the-action feel. I am glad I read it, but I don’t think I’ll ever read it again.
3.5 stars.