BBBC: The Book Thief

Happy May to you, and welcome Team Kemp to the 8th month of pregnancy! However, we are not here today to discuss my pregnancy, we are, instead, here to discuss the Beauty Blogger Book Club's April book of the month - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

 

Are you wondering who in the world would pick such a dreary book to read? Well, I am the culprit, but let me explain! I found this book listed on Business Insider's 100 books everyone should read list! It is actually ranked as #16, so I figured that it had to be good! Indeed, it was a good book, but not a mood lifter by any means.

Did I like the novel? Yes, though it was a little long, and very emotional in many areas. I mean it is the story of a foster girl living in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. Though she is not Jewish, her foster parents do decide to give refuge to a young Jewish man hiding from the Nazi regime.  And then there is the story of her learning to read and then stealing books from the mayor's house! The novel is narrated by death which was a unique perspective in my opinion. Throughout the novel, the characters grow and change in horrible and beautiful ways; making this a fabulous read when you desire a riveting piece.

If you are searching for a light-hearted read, this is not the book for you!

For the month of May, Ashley from If You Give A Girl A Ring has chosen "Where'd You Go Bernadette" by Maria Semple. Have you read this book? I am really excited to delve into this novel because it is about a daughter searching for her mother. I know I have some time until Little Miss Kemp is an adolescent, but it will still be fun to read!

Now, head on over the the other Members' blogs to see what they thought about the book!

Ashley - If You Give A Girl A Ring

Heather - Love To Be Busy

 

Before I go, I must also share that we have a new Member! Remember, Lisa Compton from my A-Game Attire series? Well, she has jumped on the Beauty Blogger Book Club wagon and I could not be more thrilled!  Make sure you check out her blog too, Uncommon Wife Life! She will provide her first book review in June.

If you are a blogger, and are interested in joining our book club, please Contact Me to learn more. If you do not write a blog that is ok, because you can still join in on the fun!

Each month, one of the Beauty Blogger Book Club (BBBC) members will choose a book for the Club to read. At the beginning of the following month, we each write a book report/summary for our readers to enjoy and share the book for the following month!

Michelyn Cynthia

Questions of the day: What were your impressions of "The Book Thief?" 

If you did not read the book, have you seen the movie?

 

BBBC: One Moment, One Morning

It is April 1st! Later this afternoon, Coach and I head off to Indianapolis for the Final Four festivities! I truly can not contain my excitement to see some of my beloved coach's wives and to make new friends while there!

This year's show will not be going down like last year (Wednesday; Thursday/Friday) but we still have some fun days and nights planned. I guess I can ensure that I am the first one in the hotel gym, since I have no excuses, lol!

For the month of March the Beauty Blogger Book Club read One Moment, One Morning by Sarah Rayner. This book was chosen by Rachel who blogs over at Love To Be Busy. Here is the synopsis of the book:

The Brighton to London line. The 07:44 train. Carriages packed with commuters. A woman applies her make-up. Another occupies her time observing the people around her. A husband and wife share an affectionate gesture. Further along, a woman flicks through a glossy magazine. Then, abruptly, everything changes: a man has a heart attack, and can't be resuscitated; the train is stopped, an ambulance called. For at least three passengers on the 07:44 on that particular morning, life will never be the same again. Lou witnesses the man's final moments. Anna and Lou share a cab when they realise the train is going nowhere fast. Anna is Karen's best friend. And Karen? Karen's husband is the man who dies. Telling the story of the week following that fateful train journey, One Moment, One Morning is a stunning novel about love and loss, about family and - above all - friendship. A stark reminder that, sometimes, one moment is all it takes, it also reminds us that somehow, and despite everything, life can and does go on.

 One Moment, One Morning is an emotional tale of love, friendship and loss as well as strength.Strength found within and between women, at that! The three women are involved in different emotional levels to the death, but in being brought together the incident allows them to examine their own lives in a different light and discover what is important and how they can make changes for the better.

Poignantly, this book had me mulling over so many things. First, it made me realize that I need to cherish those that I love on a more regular basis. Second, I questioned my calling in life, and my overall happiness in all the roles that I play. We only get one chance at this game called life, and I wonder(ed) how I may make my being more meaningful and support my family unit. Lastly, it made me think about becoming a mother and the struggles that will invariably ensue.  

This is no easy read, but it is one that I highly suggest. It will make you cry, laugh and rejoice. You will sympathize and pain for the three women, and then rejoice at the freedom that comes at the end!

Now, head on over the the other Members' blogs to see what they thought about the book!

Ashley - If You Give A Girl A Ring

Heather - Love To Be Busy

For the month of April we are reading "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. I chose this book after stumbling across Business Insider's "100 Books Everyone Should Read" list! This book is ranked #16 out of 100. I do see that it is a little long - sorry ladies - but it has received great reviews for many, many years! 

If you are a blogger, and are interested in joining our book club, please Contact Me to learn more. If you do not write a blog that is ok, because you can still join in on the fun!

Each month, one of the Beauty Blogger Book Club (BBBC) members will choose a book for the Club to read. At the beginning of the following month, we each write a book report/summary for our readers to enjoy and share the book for the following month!

Question of the Day: What did you think of "One Moment, One Morning?"

Michelyn Cynthia