YA Book Review: The Extra by Kathryn Lasky

An engaging main character combined with detailed research and an incredible premise make this book by seasoned author Kathryn Lasky a stirring read. The book is about a teenaged girl named Lilo, whose family is taken prisoner by the Nazis along with other Sinti people in her neighborhood. Lilo is immediately separated from her beloved father, but she and her mother are chosen to be extras in a film by one of Hitler’s favorite filmmakers, Leni Riefenstahl. While on set, they are spared the full horrors of the concentration camps, but are still treated as prisoners while the glamorous (and amorous…) lives of the actors go on around them.

Based loosely on true events, this is not an easy read by any means (I was in tears at one point!) but it isn’t completely without hope. When I was finished with the book, I definitely wanted to learn more about Leni Riefenstahl and this strange history of prisoners being used as extras in film. So terrible and so fascinating.

Check out my interview with the author

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley

#bookreview #theextra #kathrynlasky #holocaust #YA

YA Book Review: Sorrow’s Knot by Erin Bow

Sorrow’s Knot by Erin Bow

I knew Erin Bow was a masterful writer after reading her last book, Plain Kate, so I was excited when I saw Sorrow’s Knot on NetGalley. Erin Bow is one of the most talented writers I’ve read. Her writing is lyrical and magical; every word sings a perfect note. I was captivated by this book from the very first chapter and if I’d only had the time to read the whole thing straight through, I would have.

The story is about a young girl named Otter who has the gift of binding, a powerful talent passed on from her mother. However, the power of binding—which involves the crafting of elaborate knots and patterns out of yarn—is a dangerous one, linked to the mysterious ghosts which plague her village. And so her mother, the village binder Willow, the most powerful binder in years, chooses not to train Otter. The consequences are devastating.

The story is haunting and intense, but at times, the writing is so poetic that it’s difficult to follow what precisely is happening (reminds me of Toni Morrison in that way). I was completely unable to picture any of the binds, or knots, which are important to the tale. And while the world building (which, hooray isn’t based on a European world) is vivid and well done, I sometimes found that the names (Otter, Willow, Thistle, etc). were a little confusing because most of them were two syllables. I also felt the story lost a little steam towards the end, but that was partially because I was tearing through the book to find out what was going to happen!

All in all, Sorrow’s Knot is a stunning, vivid, gorgeous read. One that will stay with you even after the book is closed. What writers can look for in this book: —fantasy (paranormal dare I say?) with a unique setting and fresh premise (see this post by Erin Bow on her research for this novel) —strong friendships —complicated family relationships —perfect, beautiful prose

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley (but I might actually buy myself a real copy)

#bookreview #writingtips #erinbow #multiculturalfantasy #ARC #YA #netgalley #sorrowsknot #paranormal #fantasy

A Library Halloween Find: The Three Little Witches Storybook

The Three Little Witches Storybook by Georgie Adams (Author) and Emily Bolam (Illustrator)

What’s more frustrating then falling in love with a book at the library, and then discovering it’s no longer for sale? Arg! Preschooler Monkey absolutely LOVED this illustrated storybook. The illustrations are extremely cute, and the text is just the right amount of silly. I almost didn’t choose it because of its length, which is more appropriate perhaps for a slightly older child, but those adorable illustrations just sucked me in.

The story is about three witches named Zoe, Ziggy, and Zara, and their little mini-adventures around their town. The book opens with a Winnie-the-Pooh like map of the town and the chapters can each be read (mostly)  independently of each other. Of course, preschooler monkey, never wants to read only one chapter, and the whole book is a little long to read out loud in one sitting (takes about half an hour), but it’s  still fun even after the 10th or 11th time. So cute! Definitely worth requesting at the library (I also want to try to track down their other book, The Three Little Princesses which looks similar).

#winniethepooh #preschoolerfavorites #library #halloween #mommyreaditagain