It's Friday! Book Blogger Hop Time!

Do not even sing the "Friday" song, but if you do, think of me... because I am SOOO excited it's Friday. This is has been a hellacious (is that a word?) week.

Over at Jen's Crazy for Books, we meet Elena from Books and Reviews. Her question was, “When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?”

It varies depending on the time in my life. But now that I'm older, I am truly able to appreciate my love for reading, and now, my love for writing as well. The lessons I've learned over my life, I try to instill on my children. When it comes to books, my girls are always allowed to borrow, buy, or lend. Books are a big deal in our home, and I encourage them to read over watching tv or hopping on the computer. It's helped Noe become the straight A student she is, and why her vocabulary at 13 is so impressive. She's far more advanced than I was at her age, and that in itself, is important to me. 

So, if you are new to our blog, here's a little something, something about us. Noe (on vacation) is our resident young adult critic being that she's only 13. I, mommy and co-blogger, write movie reviews for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine and also enjoy writing book reviews as well. I tend to favor adult fiction as of these days, but I'm swayed by any good story-YA, or Adult. So if you enjoy hearing our thoughts on books and the latest films, follow us. Mahalo!!

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Genre: YA, Whimsical fiction, Faery
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (2010)

Shortened Amazon Summary: Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Review: The beginning of this book, when we first meet Meghan and experience a little of her normal, high school life, I have to admit I was very into the story. This portion, I read very quickly.

Then once we were transported to the faery worlds, I found myself losing interest in the overly descriptive chapters. To be honest, I don't know if I was in the mood for this book, because I found myself skimming many of the pages in hopes of finding solid ground in which for me to devour.

What I felt was something was amiss. I didn't seem to connect with any of the characters, nor did I feel a connection between the characters themselves. We can read there is a bond between Meghan and her guardian, yet, I didn't believe it. As is with the prince, whom we are reminded time and time again, is very handsome. Still, nothing...

The good qualities about this book is that the author does do a good job of creating a whimsical world, an almost "Alice in Wonderland" alternate universe of creatures, dwarves, faeries, etc... But what she excels in creating, is also for me, where she failed. Sometimes you can over indulge your audience, laying it on so thick, that you tend to focus too much on pointing out the wonders, rather than letting your readers imagine their own world. Without rehashing my point, I just honestly did not connect with Meghan, nor did I connect with Grimalkin, Puck or Ash. All main characters. Because of this disconnect, many of parts of the book felt a little sleepy.

In the end, I'm going to give it three stars rather than two (2 1/2 preferable) but I will admit I did struggle. I really wanted to fall in love with the series, but unfortunately, this will be the end of my faery journey.

Tree of Life directed by Terrance Malick

Tree of Life
Rated PG-13 138 min.

Summary: Winner of the Canne Film Festival’s Palm d’Or, The Tree of Life is a film, written and directed by Terrence Malick, focusing on a family from Texas, set in the 1950’s.

My Review: Where to begin... Quite frankly, this film is in fact, three films, if you are to intelligently dissect its contents and articulate respectively its qualities, and in my opinion, its valid but failed attempt to explain life and our relationship with God.

The opening of the film starts with a quotation from the book of Job and offers very little dialogue, only overlays of whispers while we watch a mother receive a telegram, who then becomes stricken with sadness. She then places a call to her husband at work, who also nearly falls to his knees in despair with the images around him swirling in confusion and sorrow. You have an inclination that only death could bring this type of behavior, and the scene is very brief, but confirmed, when the story suddenly flashes forward, and we see Sean Penn, waking up, his face pained in depression. His wife places flowers on an alter within their home and a candle is lit. It is not until Penn’s character is at work, do we hear his conversation on the telephone with his father. It is apparent that it is the anniversary of Penn’s brother’s death. The short flashback and flashforward, equate to the length of suffering the family has succumbed to, and the cause of their deep pain.

But then the film becomes surrealistic, and a good portion of the story is then dedicated to the artistic images; a chronological order of the beginning of existence, from a gas flame, all the way through to the dinosaurs. Because of the length of this tangent and alternative, explanative of creation, I (and my husband) became restless, and literally had to fight from falling asleep. When I had almost reached my breaking point, and was quite tempted to get up and leave, the film then reverts to traditional storytelling and we then re-meet the same couple from the beginning who received the devastating telegram.

The story chronicles Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, known only as the O’Briens, from the time they give birth to their first son, Jack (Sean Penn), to quickly after, their other two sons, with the film then arriving to the age of adolescences for the three boys. It is here, that we come to learn the depth of the relationships, mainly due to the borderline abusive behavior and strictness from the father. Jack, over the course of his tender years becomes conflicted, wanting nothing more than his father’s openly love and approval and the convoluted feelings he experiences, conceives ambivalence towards his middle brother, whom he feels that his father favors. Though the father loves his children, we can see that his parenting skills, either indicative of the era, or harshly prescribed by his own doing, distances the children from him. But faint whispers from the middle brother (whom we come to learn is the one that died), and ultimately, Jack, help us understand that through all their pain, is a soul that searches. As Jack points out, his father struggles and wrestles within him, and in a moment of clarity, comes to understand the inner ghost that haunts him, has a name but as a child, he did not know it. Quite understandably, this is the best part of the film and the acting by Brad Pitt is Oscar worthy. But in addition, the young child actors who portray the three boys do such a marvelous job, so intense with an earnest innocence, that you can feel every tormented emotion the children display. We had only wished this section of the story, had indeed, consumed the plot in its entirety. And just when you find the connection with the characters, as the father learns that he has lost his job and must relocate...

The last portion of the film filtrates to an existential view of death and acceptance of God and his mercy on his children. It is imaginative, and picturesque, but unappreciated by the time you get to this point. At 2.5 hours, I just could not absorb the poetic aspect of the interpretation and felt completely drained by the finality of this journey. 

In the end, Tree of Life did not meet my expectations, and had the film shortened its Stanley Kubrick aspect, could have sustained my interest during the long haul in its attempts to placate our fear and lack of understanding, as a whole, with respect to our relationship with God. As I stated, I certainly can handle imagery, interwoven modestly in to a story, and very much loved the portion that actually allowed us to study the family and its core, but the existentialistic view on life, felt comical at times and just did not seem to correlate. Had I gone to a science museum at night, laid back watching the stars, listening to the Philharmonic softly filter through speakers above my head; then those weird portions of the film would have been acceptable. But to sit through this film, the way it was pieced together, became torturous, and in all honesty, made me sad that I could not fall in love with the film. I would be lying if I said I didn’t struggle watching, Tree of Life, so unfortunately, I have to give it two stars. 

Cast and Credit:
Written and directed by Terrance Malick
Brad Pitt-Mr. O’Brien
Jessica Chastain-Mrs. O’Brien
Sean Penn-Jack
Hunter McCracken-young Jack
Laramie Eppler-R.L.
Tye Sheridan-Steve

Midnight In Paris directed by Woody Allen

Midnight In Paris
Rated PG-13

My Review: As many have noted that this wonderful film, written and directed by Woody Allen, is an open lover letter to Paris, I amusingly say, that my review is an open love letter to Woody Allen.

Midnight in Paris is a romantic comedy set in the beautiful backdrop of Paris, France. When a recently engaged couple, Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams), travel to the city of lights to tag along with Inez’s parents, visiting on business, the trip becomes more than a mere vacation for the two love birds. It is a test of their true feelings, and future life aspirations, and Paris itself becomes a bewitching entity; it’s influences determining their fate.

Gil is a disenchanted Hollywood writer, who has been working on a novel, desperate to free his creativeness from the confides of movie politics, and eager to indulge in the realism of romanticism--his dream is to move to Paris, confident that the city can help him finish and refine his work.

But Inez, his beautiful fiancée, is not keen on that idea and mimics him, calling his dream a disillusion, a frivolous fantasy. From the beginning of the trip, she consistently tries to remind him of his very good paying career, and to toss those silly ideas of moving to Paris and writing a novel aside. Her discouraging words, begin to create a subtle distance between the two and Gil begins to find himself an outsider in his own relationship.

One night after a wine tasting event, Gil and Inez embark on separate adventures; Inez decidedly heading off to go dancing with an old college friend and his wife, and Gil, drunkenly, strolling back to the hotel alone. Lost, he sits on the steps to an old church, defeated--but at the stroke of midnight, something magical and enchanting happens--a vintage Peugeot pulls up, and a man spills out, begging him to get in. Unsure, he climbs aboard and what happens next, is extraordinary and fantastical and I love Woody Allen, even more for it! The couple in the car refer to themselves as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Stupefied, Gil ignores the coincidence but quickly realizes as the night progresses, he has just been thrust back to 20’s, Paris.

The film is a like a literary/art enthusiasts dream come true. A smorgosborg of famous encounters. But it is through these great and poetic scenes, does Allen analyze life’s ambiguity. Though I absolutely loved Ernest Hemingway, and his comedic aspect to writing, I found Gil’s visits with Gertude Stein (played magnificently by Kathy Bates) the most insightful. 

Accepting the unusualness of it all, Gil asks Getrude to read his novel, and it is her poignant critiques that almost give new life to not only Gil’s work, but in his thinking, as well. As she tells him simply, “stopping being a defeatist”, and Gil takes these words to heart, succumbing to many more adventures, including a friendship with a beautiful Parisian. In the end, Gil learns more about life, love and the pursuit of happiness through these magical encounters, and we as the audience, learn that everyone constantly searches, dissatisfied with their present life. But as Allen teaches us, there are no greener grasses than the pastures you currently live in, and if you follow your heart and are lucky enough to find a companion that feels and dreams as you do, then you already know the answer to the questions you seek. 

Truth of the matter, I consumed this film wholeheartedly, from the opening images of Paris, to the final scene of Gil strolling in the rain. I adored Woody Allen’s film and my review cannot put into words how much more this adoration has grown, simply from this story. Owen Wilson captures Allen’s emptiness, and fruitless searches of life’s lessons, brilliantly, and the use of a magical escape, symbolically projects, that no matter the era, people are admittedly unhappy but happiness is not a carrot dangled in front of you, it is a real emotion that can easily be obtained, if you just stop looking for it. Ironically, I was very happy with the film and highly suggest you catch this wonderful movie, playing in theatres now. 

Cast and Credit:
Written and directed by Woody Allen
Owen Wilson-Gil
Rachel McAdams-Inez
Michael Sheen-Paul
Kathey Bates-Getrude Stein
Marion Cotillard-Adriana
Corey Stoll-Ernest Hemingway

L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories by Rockstar Games

L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories

Presented by Rockstar Games

Published by Muholland Press

Stories by Megan Abbott, Lawrence Block, Joe R. Lansdale, Joyce Carol Oates, Francine Prose, Jonathan Santlofer, Duane Swierczynski, and Andrew Vachss.

My Review: First, I have to give credit to Rockstar Games for coming up with such an intriguing game, so detailed and so interesting. My son bought and finished it, and I have to admit, I sat on the couch watching him, totally involved in the stories. 

Well, much to my joy, is the book format, a collection of short stories of crime, deception and murder. 

The best part, I downloaded this book for free on the iPad!! (iBooks)

Short stories are unique. They are quick reads, but still must find a way to draw the reader in. Skeptical, because I downloaded the book for free, I dove right in and started with the first story. 

I’ll briefly talk about that one. 

What I loved about it, was the writing. Written by Megan Abbott, the story is about a woman in the forties, who clearly at one time, desperately wanted to be an actress. But naive, and young, L.A. tore into her, teaching its wants and its ways. She reminisces quiet a bit and you begin to understand, she is no longer that young, bright eyed girl. She is a woman, and though married well, still yearning to succeed in Hollywood. 

Led by her agent, she is brought to a very obscure mansion, eerie, with a sinister ambiance. The tone is slightly edgy. The party that is going on seems to be very dark in nature, with many women, clearly drugged and unaware of their actions. But before she knows it, the woman herself is drugged, and what happens next is a spiral of unusual encounters. 

The story, though brief, had me from page 1. I sat and hungrily finished it. So if you are intrigued by short, but benevolent tales, then you will love L.A. Noire. 

Fun fact: Film noire is a cinematic term to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, especially those that depict cynical attitudes, and sexual motivations. 

Super 8 directed by J.J. Abrams

Super 8
Rated PG-13

Summary: In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.

My Review: Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, Super 8 is an epic tale, an homage of great Spielberg films such as, The Goonies (Spielberg wrote), E.T. (Spielberg directed) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Spielberg wrote/directed). Abram’s delicately walks the fine line between a scary and dark movie about an alien, and a heartfelt story about a group of kids forever changed by one single occurrence. Super 8 is quite simply stated, the ideal summer film, that not only entertains adult audiences with its special effects and graphics, but captures younger audience’s with its fresh cast, relatively unknown kids, who are bound together by their willingness to be at each other’s side, regardless of the outcome.

Set in rural Ohio, the story takes place during the summer of 1979, when a group of boys in the process of filming their Super 8 zombie movie, sneak out late at night to film a poignant scene near the railroad tracks on the outskirts of town. With the addition of Alice (Elle Fanning) as the female lead, the boys use a passing train as background scenery, and eagerly begin filming until the train unexpectedly collides with a runaway truck. The accident is catastrophic, as debris and wreckage fly through the air nearly killing the young teens who scatter to take shelter. Dazed and confused, they emerge and begin to walk amidst the carnage, trying to absorb what had just happened, until they stumble across the driver of the truck. Badly hurt, the driver sternly warns the kids that they must run and tell no one what they witnessed. The kids flee, as the military quickly descends upon the pile-up, unaware that their camera had captured the collision, including one of the train compartments and frighteningly, what escaped from it.

The story itself is very layered and on the surface, clearly a government conspiracy regarding the contents of the freight train and the harm and damage that it can cause to the unsuspecting residents of the local town is at the heart of the film. Beneath that, is something deeper, and the story’s true driving force is its focus on complex relationships, and how events that happen in our lives either separate us, or bring us closer. For these young kids, fueled by wild imagination, determination to continue their zombie film, and the conviction to question the mysteriousness of the cargo’s contents, hurdles them headlong into a dangerous encounter with an otherworldly force.

Super 8 is the most epic Goonie adventure EVER and I loved every minute of it, including the viewing of the kids final edited zombie movie which plays as the credits roll at the end. Funny, how Abram’s give additional praise to George Romero(Dawn of the Dead & countless more), by having the kids name their villain after the Zombie godfather. Just thought you’d like to know.

Cast and Credit: 
Written and directed by J.J. Abrams
Joel Courtney-Joe Lamb
Ryan Lee-Cary
Zach Mills-Preston
Riley Griffiths-Charles
Gabriel Basso-Martin
Elle Fanning-Alice

Super directed by James Gunn

Super

Rated R (for violence, and sexual content)

My Own Summary: Super is an indie film that stars some really great actors and actresses, such as Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Ellen Page and Rainn Wilson. It's the story of an unusual, but honest man named Frank that loses his wife to a drug dealer. Under the impression that she is being held against her will, he tries several times to rescue her, but fails. It is not until he is convinced that he has been spoken to by God, that he determines the correct course of action; become a super hero and fight crime... which in turn, will lead him to the drug dealer that is holding his estranged wife hostage. 

My Review: I had to see this movie twice to fully absorb it's awesomeness. It's dark, and super graphic at times, but strangely, freaking brilliant. 

The story is basically about a man, who in all fairness, is a little strange. But the thing is, he means well. When he falls in love with his co-worker, a waitress recovering from drug addiction (played by Liv Tyler), the two form a strange, but beneficial relationship and get married. 

Unfortunately, Sarah (Liv Tyler) reverts back to her old ways and leaves Frank (Rainn Wilson) to live with her new drug dealer boyfriend, (Kevin Bacon). Frank does try to rescue her a few times, but she doesn't really want to be rescued and he ends up getting beaten up pretty bad by the drug dealer's body guards. 

He's at his wits end by this moment. 

Then, the movie gets really trippy. Frank has visions. (I won't describe those visions. Those are sweet gems, that you should see on your own. And no, you don't need to be stoned to watch it.) In summary, he thinks that God has spoken to him, encouraging him to become a super hero. So quite literally, he sews (yes, sews) a costume together and becomes "The Crimson Bolt". Do you have any idea how freaking fantastic that is? 

Getting his butt kicked the first few times, he learns from a young woman named Libby (Ellen Page) who works in a comic book shop, that if you don't actually possess powers, you need weapons. Sweet 8lb baby... This is when things get even better in the film. Frank grabs a wrench, paints it red, and fights crime. His calling, "Shut Up Crime!" Come on! You can't say you don't want to see this movie? 

Without revealing every detail to the film, I'll just add that Libby becomes more than just an friend at the comic book shop that Frank shops at. She convinces him to let her be his side kick, "Boltie Girl". I have to say, Ellen Page offered up so many laughs, I was amazed at this character that she portrayed. This is a different side of Page, and I loved it. 

There are a lot of odd moments, and severe ass kicking as the two, Crimson Bolt and Boltie Girl, perfect their skills. In the end, the two form a power duo of spectacularness (yes, I made that word up) and all hell breaks loose, as the duo prepare and execute a covert operation to rescue Sarah in the middle of the night. The ending is shocking, and jaw dropping. 

Overall, the film was funny, but in a weird and very wrong way. It's probably not for everyone because it is so violent, but I appreciated it's uniqueness and attempt to stand out as a super hero story. I loved that Kevin Bacon was the bad guy, and he does an amazing job of being sorta cool, but evil. Does that make sense? Rainn Wilson is perfect as Frank, and Liv Tyler did a great job of being a strung out heroine addict. Ellen Page, LOVED-her presence definitely contributed to the movie in a comedic way. 

Super is an indie film, so it maybe very hard for you to find it in a local theater but as it makes it's way across movie houses that play such films, I highly recommend you see it. I have to say, I give it five stars.

 

Book Blogger Hop and Feature & Follow Friday!

Holla, we haven't done a Friday Book Blogger Hop and FF Friday in a long time. But is it just me, or has the first half of this year flown by... I mean, are we really already into June? 

Anyway, if you're not familiar, the book blogger hop is hosted by Jen at Crazy For Books. It's a gathering of sorts; a way for readers and other bloggers to discover each other. It's a great idea!

This week's question is, “Share your favorite post from the last month and tell us why it’s close to your heart!” 

I honestly don't have a post from last month that is near and dear to my heart but I do this month. If you want to read a book that I just recommended, that I adore, and highly regard, then check out Sarah's Key. Set in Paris, historical non-fiction and fiction, fiction, some romance. I inhaled this book over the course of three days (I was also deathly sick). Just. Loved. This. Book. 

Over at Parajunkee's View, we meet Amy from Backseat Reader. Her question was, "What are you doing to prepare for an upcoming zombie apocalypse and/or the return of Mel Gibson to the silver screen?"

A: It is so funny that you ask that, because in our home, we joke constantly about the Zombie Apocalypse and how horrifying our world would be. Then we dissect it to pieces, and get over it. But so far, Noe has decided that there is an island within kayaking distance that we could go live on. If the zombies tried to swim out, they would be eaten by sharks since sharks adore the smell of dead meat. 

As for Mel Gibson, I've heard some positive reviews from his performance in "The Beaver". I never thought he was a bad actor, that I'm not fearful of. As for his real life antics, that's entirely a different issue and ultimately, sad. 

Well, thanks for hanging out with me on this fine Friday... Please let us know if you are a new follower, so we can return the love. 

And btw, Noe will be on vacation this summer as she flies out to Orange County, CA to spend time at Camp Grandmas! Let's hope she gets to do some reading while she's there. 

As for me, you can catch me on twitter at @truebldtwilight or over at insideouthawaii.com where you can read my weekly film reviews for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine. 

Have a great weekend!

Even The Rain directed by Icíar Bollaín

Even The Rain (También la lluvia)
NR Spain (2010)

Summary: Spanish director Sebastián has decided to make a controversial film; what he feels is a truer adaptation of Christopher Columbus; the obsession with gold, the slave trade, and the horrific and violent methods the Spaniards imposed on the Indians in order to force them to comply. Sebastián's film also lends voice to other characters, lesser know: Bartolome de las Casas and Antonio Montesinos, the first priests to raise concerns about the unethical treatment of the natives.

Another aspect of the proposed film, to showcase the defiant but brave Hatuey, the first Indian to be burned at the stake; he was to be made an example of, if any other Indians further refused Christianity.

Costa, the producer could care less of the content, and is only concerned with the cost of production, thrilled that they are able to film in a town in Bolivia, for nearly pennies. His main concern, to finish the film. That is until, he is met with conditions that he never could have anticipated, and in the end, he must decide what is more important to him. The safety of his crew and actors, or finishing his film.

My Review: This gem of a movie is opening this week in Hawaii as a part of our local theatre's efforts to bring acclaimed independent and foreign films to our islands. However, I'll share a secret with you. It's on Netflix instant. So definitely, check it out.

Onto to my thoughts...

On the surface, the film is about a Spanish production company set to make a movie about Christopher Columbus. To keep costs low, and to give a more authentic look to the film, they have chosen Cochabamba, Bolivia as their set location.

Arriving in the country, the producer and director begin to cast their background actors to play the Indians. In search of who will play the role of Hatuey (an important figure in the movie), Sebastián goes against Costa's wishes, and gives the lead role to an unknow local by the name of Daniel. Sebastián sees something within him, a quiet passion, a fire. Yet, it is this fire that scares Costa, leading him to believe that casting him is going to cost them more money in the long run, and ultimately, delays if the unknown actor cannot pull off the demanding schedule and learn the lines to the film. Yet, they begin as scheduled.

What they do not know is what is brewing around them. Set in the year, 2000, Bolivia and in particular, Cochabamba, is experiencing political unrest. The government wants to privatize water, and with that, will come tremendous rate hikes. Yet most of the area is very poor, and undeveloped. As the people claim, and thus comes the title to the film, "even the rain" is not free.

While the film is underway, and nearly complete, there seems to be a shift in the balance of relationships. Though Daniel is doing an excellent job with his role, it is his lead role in his real life that begins to upset the production company. Daniel instigates many rebellious demonstrations against the water company and the government, and in the end is beaten and arrested.

At the climax of this story are many tangled webs. We have the "water wars" beginning in Bolivia, and ironically, as we see the background actors portray Indians in the Columbus film, abused and being taken advantage of; so are the people today, from the low pay that they are receiving from the production company, to the unrealistic rate hikes imposed by the government and water company-it is a never ending struggle for the impoverished people of the country. Unrest is imminent, and the production crew begin to fear for their safety. There are unsure if they can finish the film.

And then there is the relationship between the filmmakers and Daniel. Costa, had severely misjudge him in the beginning, and in the end, risks his life to help save his daughter who is caught up in the city by crossfire and violence from the demonstrations and strikes that have begun. Costa learns that the cost of the film... is nothing compared to the cost of life. There is an unspoken bond between the two men, and Daniel leaves Costa with a parting gift; along with his gratitude, a small bottle of water.

Not only did this film open my eyes to a true and historic event in Bolivia, the "water wars" of 2000. But it reminded me that there are people out there willing to help, willing to do what is right... at all expense. I really enjoyed this movie, it was simple, yet effective.

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Icíar Bollaín

Gael García Bernal-Sebastián

Luis Tosar-Costa

Juan Carlos Aduviri-Daniel/Hatuey

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

Genre: Fiction, Historical non-fiction and fiction
Author: Tatiana De Rosnay

Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (June 12, 2007)

Goodreads Summary: Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

My Review: I feel ashamed of myself because this book was given to me by a friend who really wanted me to read it, but sat on my shelf for over a year. I'm not sure if it was the cover, the title, or the fact that my friend generally reads books that are "too friendly" for my liking. But, I wasn't feeling well last week and confined to my bed. So I grabbed the book and started reading. 

Literally, I could not put this book down. Even though my head was throbbing, and my nose draining like a leaky faucet, I did my best to sit up and finish it. 

What made the book really easy to follow was the fact that the book would shift from past to present, in very short chapters. We get to know simultaneously, a little Jewish girl living in Paris, while reading about an American woman journalist asked to write an extensive article on the historic events of that dreaded summer in Paris, 1942. 

To read from Sarah's POV, broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I found her chapters addictive, and yearned to know her outcome. I had never heard of these tragic roundups in Paris, and was horrified to learn of how many women and children had actually died, specifically through this little girl's accounts of what she was seeing (in the chapters, told in present tense). I began to imagine what it must have been like to have been so young, so naive, and to learn in one single moment, you were hated... and ultimately, destined to die, exterminated as if you were a pest. The suffering that Sarah reveals, is simply conveyed. There are no need for poetic words, elaborate descriptions. I understood, and I cried while reading... 

To read from Julia's POV, was encouraging and just as addictive, as the author uses Julia as the connection between the past and present, and how this one little girl, in this one instance, ultimately affected many. Julia was very real to me, and being an American journalist living in Paris, I found her accounts of daily life, humorous (Though the author is ironically, French. How she captured an American spirit, is truly great on her part.) It is Julia that begins to discover the truth and bring awareness to a past event, that seems many would rather ignore, then forever remember. For Julia, nobody should ever forget what happened during those two days of roundups. For Julia, it is a quest to find out what happened to the little girl named Sarah, who used to live in the apartment she is renovating. The more Julia unraveled and discovered, the more vested I became in both lives. 

In the end, not only did I desperately want to know what ever became of Sarah, but I wanted to know that after all her hard work, the harsh looks and unkind words by her Parisian side of her family, that Julia had grown from this experience, and that she had some sort of closure from her pursuits into the past. I wanted to know if Julia had her happy ending, was it worth all the trouble, and the problems it created between her and her husband. By the time you get to the last page, you will understand.. and you will smile. 

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. It is very easy to read, and a quick read at that, but a tragic, dark, yet beautiful tale of two women, one young, and one old. Both connected by a horrific event, and in the end, brought together. I give it five stars.