Lost in America

“Lost in America” is another poignant story of a thirteen years old Jewish girl, whose parents and younger sister died tragically during the Holocaust. As usual, the title attracted my attention and it did not occur to me then that “Lost in America” was set in the period of WWII.

Nicole is devastated after returning home one day to find her family taken away by the Gestapo. After that fateful day, the photo album, the charm bracelet and the old blue sweater are the only memories of her family members.

A strong-willed and optimistic child, she buries her emotions and goes into hiding until the war is over. After the war, she continues to stay on in her hometown, Aix-les-Bains, in hope that her family will return. But they never do. After the tragic news is broken to her, she decides to leave for America to begin a new life. By now, she is seventeen and once again, she is crippled. The fast-paced city bewilders her and she is totally lost and alone in America! Will Nicole eventually become a real American girl?

Although this is a fictional novel, the author bases on an account of her close friend, Fanny Krieger. Though I never understand how much suffering the protagonists (be they real or fictitious) have experienced, I admire their determination and how they overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in life. Last but not least, their stories remind me to count my blessings everyday, learn from the past, live in the present and hope for the future.

Author: Marilyn Sachs
Publisher: New Milford, Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press, 2005.
Call No.: Y English SAC
pp. 150

Kite Runner

When I heard that 'The kite runner' was one of the selected titles for READ! Singapore 2006, I decided that I should buy a personal copy. I've no regret in my decision because this is the best read I've encountered for this year.

The novel is set in Afghanistan. It could be the culture and pride that trapped Baba and Amir in a viscous cycle of betrayal, guilt and redemption. The first stab of pain that aroused in me was when I discovered that Hassan has been raped because of Amir, his master. As you read on, the story unfolds the guilts behind the highly respected Baba in the community, his relationship with Ali and Hassan. Isn't a human nature that we tend to cover up our wrongdoings with good deeds?

What I really admire is Ali's and Hassan's unwavering loyalty to their masters, despite the humiliation brought upon them. Even though I'm upset with Baba and Amir, I still can't help to feel for Baba in his later years when his health is deteriorating and when Amir is desperately seeking help to adopt Sohrab, Hassan's son. What sadden me most is Sohrab suffers the same fate as his father - physically abused.

There are more themes in this one book, which the author Hosseini has weaved them together, bringing social issues, war, human errs, loyalty, forgiveness, father and son relationship etc closer to you.

"Listen, Zana, don't let them fill your heart with hate. Whatever happens. Promise me that. Will you?"

Little Zana witnesses her father's and brothers' lives being taken away when the Serbs invade her village in one night. From that moment, death becomes real in the eleven-year-old girl. Injustice and anger seem to overshadow her father words "Don't let them fill your heart with hate".

Personally, I have a liking for historical war fiction. Not that I enjoy reading the fear, oppression and bloodiness but these reads have given me insights of the meaning of life, family and friends. I count my blessings and always thankful that I live in a safe country.

- Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead

Animal Farm by George Orwell

A renowned literature by George Orwell (1945), subtly crafted to critise the Russian Revolution by Stalin. The novel also reflects the imperfection of any government system. However, my liking to this book is not so much of government and politics. I'm mystified by the way Orwell uses animals to bring forth the ugliness of a government system and to an extent - mankind.
The plot begins with the animals at Manor Farm yearning for freedom and a rebel soon takes place. After Mr. Jones and his men have been expelled from the farm, Animal Farm is established under the leadership of the pigs (Snowball and Napoleon). Seven commandments are inscribed on a wall for a better future. However, Napoleon has its hidden agenda - to overthrow Snowball and assume power in Animal Farm. Under the rule of Napoleon, the animals are misinformed and fed with lies of the initial Rebellion. The seven commandments subtly changes and reduces to only one single commandment - "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than other". At the end of the day, the animals at Animal Farm are filled with disillusion as they look on the changing faces of "pigs from men" and "men from pigs".
If you analyse the character of each animal, you will find some of the animals reasonably entertaining. Squealer is Napoleon's "spoke-pig" who twists and turns facts from black to white and vice versa. Just by the name, you may be able to imagine a sly looking porker, squealing away. Mollie is a lazy, vain horse who constantly irritates others by asking innocently dumb questions. And the stupidest animal in the novel is the sheep, who will just response in unison "Four legs good, two legs bad". It is heartbreaking to see Clover looking helplessly as Boxer, the most diligent horse, is taken to knackers's yard. If you think pigs are stupid, read Animal Farm and see for yourself!

Reading Level: Young People

The unsuspecting gourmet by M.E. Rabb
Call no. Y RAB

This is the fourth case that Sam and Sophie Shattenberg have encountered. The two young girls play great Sherlock Holmes, solving missing persons while on the run to avoid their stepmother. An amazing read on "missing persons" to solve the mystery of missing person. Love is also in the air for Sophie and Colin and Gus and Wilda. And food! A simple to read for those who like detective and romance genres. Of course, if you have a sudden craze for matzo ball soup, I dare you to try out the recipe yourself :)

Reading Level: Pri 5 to Sec 2
Other titles: The Rose Queen, The Chocolate Lover, The Venetian Policeman

Walk on water by Daniel Parker and Lee Miller

Call no.: Y PAR

"Walk on water" is the second sequel of "Watching Alice". Alice Brown has mystically vaporised. The only evidence is her dairy. The diary reveals the very real issues of teen angst, relationship and friendship. Alice's dream to be with a "prestige" group and having an influential boyfriend called Carter Roy, has subtly destroyed her being. When she decides to leave the group, all her close friends are indirectly harassed by Carter, in order to pressure her to return to him. A book that speaks of the importance of choosing the right group and best recommended for those who like suspense.

Reading Level: Young People

Other titles:

1. Watching Alice #1: Break the surface

2. Watching Alice #3: Seek the prophet