The Gospel at 30,000 Feet

Title:  The Gospel at 30,000 Feet

Author:  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Publisher:  Deseret Book

Date Published:  January 1, 2017

Genre:  Religion, Non-Fiction, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Christian

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-  Dieter F. Uchtdorf is a general authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has a deep passion for flying and served as a pilot for most of his life. He flew with the German military and a German airline. This book focuses on the parallels between principles of flying and principles of the gospel. 

-  Elder Uchtdorf is one of my favorite speakers during general conference. I have always loved his stories about flight and airplanes, and I love the way he ties them to life experiences. This was a delightful book that combined many of his stories in one place. 

-  The book was uplifting and helped me visualize things in a new way. I couldn't relate to everything he was saying, but I enjoyed it. 

-  The book is full of Elder Uchtdorf's charm, wit, and wisdom. It was a joy to read, and I loved the pictures from his piloting days.

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics

Title:  Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics

Author:  Tom Scioli

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Date Published:  June 30, 2020

Genre:  Biography, Graphic Novel, Non-Fiction

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    Jack Kirby's life told in a graphic novel? Yes please!

-    I am a Jack Kirby fan. He does not get enough credit for his contribution to the world. Comic books would not be what they are today without this man! He worked for both Marvel and DC, and both companies wanted their artists to mimic Kirby's art style. His art is the OG of comic book art! 

-    I knew a little about why Kirby had a falling out with Stan Lee and left Marvel, but I loved getting Kirby's POV. I've only heard/read Marvel and Stan Lee's side. It would be super frustrating to not get the acknowledgement you rightly deserve. If Stan Lee had played nice with Kirby and given him the credit he deserved, can you imagine what they could have done together!? I feel like we were robbed of some amazing characters and stories. 

-    I am glad Kirby is getting more credit for stuff now, but it isn't enough, and I kinda feel like it is too little too late. 

-    I have always wanted an original Jack Kirby drawing. It would be amazing! I might have to just settle with some trading cards or reproduction though.

-    Just to be clear, I love both Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. I believe they both contributed to the characters and stories we love today. Just look at what they created when they worked together! 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Title:  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Author:  Marie Kondo

Series:  Magic Cleaning #1

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Date Published:  January 15, 2011

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    I know I'm late to the party, but when this was at its peak in popularity, everyone recommended this to me, and everyone compared me to Marie Kondo. I should have been flattered, because I think Ms. Kondo is brilliant, but I was bugged by the comparison. Yes, I'm Asian. Yes, I love to organize, and it is a passion of mine. Yes, my methods of organizing and decluttering are similar to the konmari method. That doesn't mean we are the same. Not all Asians are the same!! I'm not Japanese! *deep breath, step off soapbox*

-    Anyway, despite my experiences, I am glad I read this book. I felt invigorated to declutter even more than I already do. I also picked up some great tips.

-    I don't believe inanimate objects have feelings, but I definitely project my feelings on to my belongings. Yes, I talk to my stuff, and I liked the idea of telling my stuff thank you. It has helped me let go of objects that I was unsure about because of emotional attachment. The fact that I could tell that thing that I appreciated it for bringing me joy when it did and let it go is very freeing.

-    I am experimenting with folding stuff. I kinda like it for certain things, but definitely not for everything. For example, I hang up my shirts. I prefer them hung up and not folded in a drawer, but I do love the konmari folding method for my socks. I no longer bunch them up into potato shapes, and I love it. 

-    How about you? Do you implement any of Marie Kondo's methods? 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

P.S. Just to clarify, I have nothing against Marie Kondo or her method. In fact, I admire it a lot, and have tried to implement certain things into my life. I also love the Japanese and their culture. It was just the constant comparison that irked me. I have faced a lifetime of "all Asians are/look the same." 

Dogs

From Goodreads:    Since the wolf first snuck into the caves of our ancestors to take warmth from the fire, dogs have been man’s constant companion. Dogs, multi-award-winning photographer Tim Flach’s stunning follow-up to the critically acclaimed Equus, delves deep into the psyche of this enduring bond with Canis familiaris to present an exquisite study of “man’s best friend.”

From specimens on show at Crufts and Westminster to shelter dogs lovingly rescued by volunteers; from the grace and agility of racing greyhounds to adored domestic companions; from Afghan hounds to Hungarian komondors to Chinese crested, the images featured in Dogs promise to deliver one of the most appealing, popular, and exciting photographic tributes to dogs ever published. 

My Thoughts:

-    I'm a dog lover! My dad and siblings are dog people. I'm making my girls dog lovers too. 

-    Gnome and I enjoyed this book. It had AMAZING photographs of various dogs. We laughed and oohed and aahed. It was fun. The baby even enjoyed the pictures.

-    We also enjoyed learning about the different breeds and dogs in the book. I liked getting the background stories of the dogs being photographed. 

-    I wish my library had more Tim Flach books. This was fun. 

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well

Goodreads Synopsis:    Denmark is often said to be the happiest country in the world. That's down to one thing: hygge.

'Hygge has been translated as everything from the art of creating intimacy to cosiness of the soul to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things. My personal favourite is cocoa by candlelight...'

You know hygge when you feel it. It is when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort food with your closest friends. It is those crisp blue mornings when the light through your window is just right.

Who better than Meik Wiking to be your guide to all things hygge? Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and has spent years studying the magic of Danish life. In this beautiful, inspiring book he will help you be more hygge: from picking the right lighting and planning a dinner party through to creating an emergency hygge kit and even how to dress.

Meik Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. He is committed to finding out what makes people happy and has concluded that hygge is the magic ingredient that makes Danes the happiest nation in the world.

My Thoughts:

-    This book is full of so many comfy, safe, and wonderfully happy things. I love hygge. I want to hygge all the time.

-    I really enjoyed learning about Denmark. I want to visit there now. I want to visit and learn to hygge from the masters.

-    I liked how the book addressed socializing for introverts. Hygge is the perfect way for introverts to interact with other people without feeling uncomfortable or getting worn out. It was a great section of the book, and it spoke to me.

-    This whole book spoke to me. Hygge appeals to every part of me.

Kid Presidents

Goodreads Says:    The kids who grew up to be president were like a lot of other children. Some struggled with schoolwork and got into fights; others pranked their teachers and infuriated their parents. William Howard Taft was forced to take dance lessons. Gerald Ford struggled with dyslexia. Teddy Roosevelt had a bedroom "museum" full of dead animals. "Kid Presidents" features 20 captivating true stories from the childhoods of American presidents, complete with lively text and more than 200 cartoon illustrations. Laugh-out-loud funny and packed with cool facts, it's the perfect read for all young future leaders of the free world.







My Thoughts:

-    I read this for President's Day, and it was really fun.

-    I loved the opening of the book. They made fun of the Washington and the cherry tree fable. It was SO funny.

-    I enjoyed learning something new about each of our presidents. The book covers everyone up to Obama. 

-    It was weird to think of these men as little kids, but it was also enlightening to see where they came from and what it is like to be a kid in their time. 

-    The illustrations were really great and fun. I loved the style and what was depicted. 

-    I think a lot of kids could benefit from this book when they are learning about he US Presidents.

Other Kid Legends Books

Kid Authors

Goodreads Says:    The series that includes Kid Presidents, Kid Artists, and Kid Athletes now chronicles the lives of Kid Authors! Here are true tales of famous writers, from long before they were famous--or even old enough to drive. Did you know: 
- Sam Clemens (aka Mark Twain) loved to skip school and make mischief, with his best friend Tom, of course!
- A young J. R. R. Tolkien was bitten by a huge tarantula--or as he called it, -a spider as big as a dragon.-
- Toddler Zora Neale Hurston took her first steps when a wild hog entered her house and started chasing her!
The diverse and inclusive cast includes Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, J. K. Rowling, Langston Hughes, Jules Verne, Lewis Carroll, Stan Lee, and many more.

My Thoughts:

-    I loved learning more about several great authors. I learned so much about each one. 

-    I loved that their childhood experiences influenced their books so much. 

-    I found it very interesting that most of these authors were bullied as children, and they loved to read. I'd love to see a study on the relationship between being bullied and reading, and how many of these kids become authors or enjoy writing. 

-    I would love to read another Kid Authors book with different authors. I want to know more!

The Collapse of Parenting

Goodreads Says:    "One of the premier experts on parenting, Dr. Leonard Sax brilliantly articulates the problems parents experience with their children, then gives solutions. If you have time to read only one book this year, read this one." --Meg Meeker, M.D., best-selling author of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters and Strong Mothers, Strong Sons 

In The Collapse of Parenting, internationally acclaimed author Leonard Sax argues that rising levels of obesity, depression, and anxiety among young people can be traced to parents abdicating their authority. The result is children who have no standard of right and wrong, who lack discipline, and who look to their peers and the Internet for direction. Sax shows how parents must reassert their authority-by limiting time with screens, by encouraging better habits at the dinner table, and by teaching humility and perspective-to help their children thrive in an increasingly complicated world.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a really interesting read, and I think every parent could benefit from this book in some way.

-    There were too many statistics and numbers. I skimmed over a lot of them. 

-    The really enjoyed they way the author presented problems in our society, and I liked the solutions he came up with. They made sense to me. 

-    I altered a couple things in my parenting, and I've had great results. Instead of asking Gnome if she was ready to do homework, I started telling her it was time to do homework. I've gotten a lot less resistance, and homework has gone faster and smoother. Gnome has also been more responsive to doing chores and helping me with things. It has been great. 

-    I love how the book emphasizes family time and having good relationships with our kids. It made me want to do more family activities and spend more time with my girls. We can't have good relationships with our kids if we don't spend time with them. 

-    When my husband saw me reading this, he got interested and listened to the audiobook. He loved it. 

Keep Moving

From Goodreads:    Beloved Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 90th birthday in December 2015. He’s an established legend, having starred in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. And yet he’s still keeping himself busy, entertaining America on television, movies, the stage, and social media. Everyone wonders, “How does he do it?” For the first time, Van Dyke shares his secrets and tips on old age: Just keep moving.

In a fun and folksy way of addressing readers, Keep Moving serves as an instruction book on how to embrace old age with a positive attitude. The chapters are filled with exclusive personal anecdotes that explore various themes on aging: how to adapt to the physical and social changes, deal with loss of friends and loved ones, stay current, fall in love again, and “keep moving” every day like there’s no tomorrow.

My Thoughts:

-    I loved this book! Dick Van Dyke's advice and outlook on life is amazing. It is no wonder he is still dancing and singing.

-    I loved the whole idea of not letting the world tell you how old you are. If you feel young, act young. If you don't want to retire, keep working. I hope I keep this advice with me as I get older. I don't ever want to stop moving.

-    I wish all celebrities could be the amazing example that Dick Van Dyke is. I admire him more and more. 

-    I love that Dick Van Dyke practices everything he preaches. He has figured out how to live a fulfilling life, and I'm glad he is sharing his secrets, which really aren't secrets. 

Cool Japan Guide

From Goodreads:    Traveling to Japan has never been so much fun! Visit the land of anime, manga, cosplay, hot springs and sushi!

This full-color graphic novel Japan guidebook is the first of its kind exploring Japanese culture from a cartoonist's perspective. Cool Japan Guide takes you on a fun tour from the high-energy urban streets of Tokyo to the peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto shrines of Kyoto and introduces you to:
-the exciting world of Japanese food--from bento to sushi and everything in between.
-the otaku (geek) culture of Japan, including a manga market in Tokyo where artists display and sell their original artwork.
-the complete Japanese shopping experience, from combini (not your run-of-the-mill convenience stores!) to depato(department stores with everything).
-the world's biggest manga, anime and cosplay festivals.
-lots of other exciting places to go and things to do--like zen gardens, traditional Japanese arts, and a ride on a Japanese bullet train.

Whether you're ready to hop a plane and travel to Japan tomorrow, or interested in Japanese pop culture, this fun and colorful travelogue by noted comic book artist and food blogger Abby Denson, husband Matt, friend Yuuko, and sidekick, Kitty Sweet Tooth, will present Japan in a unique and fascinating way.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a fun and informative book. 

-    I love how the author took the reader with her on a trip to Japan. I enjoyed all her advice and knowledge of the country. She explained everything you need to visit Japan, from travel, to hotels, to food. It was great! I'm sure I'll use this some day, at least I hope I do.

-    I liked the illustrations. They were very cartoony and fun. It was helpful to have pictures of everything the author was talking about.

-    This book made me want to visit Japan even more than I already did. I want to see the manga conventions, shrines, arcades, food vendors, etc. I want to see it all!

How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life

Goodreads

My Thoughts:

-    It is no secret that I adore Audrey Hepburn, so when I saw this at the library, I had to pick it up. I'm so glad I did!

-    I loved all of Audrey's quotes. She had such a beautiful perspective on life. Her love of nature inspires me. I love that her tips for beauty revolved around being happy and not how you look.

-    I also loved all the quotes about Audrey. Everyone who met her was inspired and in awe. She was so full of grace and kindness. I aspire to be like her.

-    I liked all the photos. I hadn't seen some of them. 

The Princess Diarist

From Goodreads:    The Princess Diarist is Carrie Fisher’s intimate, hilarious and revealing recollection of what happened behind the scenes on one of the most famous film sets of all time, the first Star Wars movie. 

When Carrie Fisher recently discovered the journals she kept during the filming of the first Star Wars movie, she was astonished to see what they had preserved—plaintive love poems, unbridled musings with youthful naiveté, and a vulnerability that she barely recognized. Today, her fame as an author, actress, and pop-culture icon is indisputable, but in 1977, Carrie Fisher was just a (sort-of) regular teenager. 

With these excerpts from her handwritten notebooks, The Princess Diarist is Fisher’s intimate and revealing recollection of what happened on one of the most famous film sets of all time—and what developed behind the scenes. And today, as she reprises her most iconic role for the latest Star Wars trilogy, Fisher also ponders the joys and insanity of celebrity, and the absurdity of a life spawned by Hollywood royalty, only to be surpassed by her own outer-space royalty. Laugh-out-loud hilarious and endlessly quotable, The Princess Diarist brims with the candor and introspection of a diary while offering shrewd insight into the type of stardom that few will ever experience.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a fun book that I just couldn't put down. It was made even more poignant from Carrie Fisher's passing. She will be missed very much! 

-    I love how open and honest Carrie is. Her writing was full of charm, humor, and personality. I smiled and laughed at stories, paragraphs, and small simple sentences.

-    Carrie perfectly describes how any fan girl would act and feel when meeting Harrison Ford. I'd also be intimidated and shy while trying to come up with something clever to say. 

-    I wish the diary entries were copies or photos of the originals so we could see Carrie's handwriting.

-    There is a lot of profanity.

-    I was surprised at how much of the book was focused on Harrison Ford. I'd heard about the affair on social media and the news, but I didn't realize most of the book was about Fisher's thoughts and feelings about the whole ordeal and about Harrison in general. I have a lot of mixed feelings about their affair. I don't want to share them publicly, but I will say that I love Carrie's attitude and feelings about it 40 years later. 

-    I really liked when Carrie talked about her parents and her relationship with Hollywood. 

-    This was such a great book, and I'm sad Carrie wasn't able to write about her experiences with Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. 

Around the World

From Goodreads:    A Scott O'Dell Award-winning graphic novelist follows three dauntless adventurers on a Jules Verne-inspired challenge: circling the world, solo!

As the nineteenth century wound down, a public inspired by the novel Around the World in Eighty Days clamored for intrepid adventure. The challenge of circumnavigating the globe as no one ever had before--a feat assuring fame if not fortune--attracted the fearless in droves. Three hardy spirits stayed the course: In 1884, former miner Thomas Stevens made the journey on a bicycle, the kind with a big front wheel. In 1889, pioneer reporter Nellie Bly embarked on a global race against time that assumed the heights of spectacle, ushering in the age of the American celebrity. And in 1895, retired sea captain Joshua Slocum quietly set sail on a thirty-six-foot sloop, braving pirates and treacherous seas to become the first person to sail around the world alone. With cinematic pacing and deft, expressive art, acclaimed graphic novelist Matt Phelan weaves a trio of epic journeys into a single bold tale of three visionaries who set their sights on nothing short of the world.

My Thoughts:

-    I picked this book up on a whim. I was browsing the library and it just caught my eye.

-    The book was pretty interesting. I didn't know people were so inspired by Jules Verne's book. 

-    The book is divided into three stories. I liked the first one the best. Riding an old dangerous bike like that for so long must have been exhausting. It was the most impressive journey to me. The second story was fun. I am surprised that lady made her deadline. The third story was intriguing but the least interesting to me. 

-    The illustrations were simple and great. They were perfect for the time period.

-    I really like historical graphic novels. I think it is a great way to learn history because I get visuals as well as the history. I don't have to wonder what the author is talking about or how things looked.

The Earth Shall Teach Thee: The Lifework of an Amateur Artist

From Goodreads:    This book features paintings, drawings, and wood carvings representing a lifetime of work. As an avid lover of nature, Boyd K. Packer has carefully studied the appearance and habits of birds and animals and used them as his primary subjects. Above all, his art expresses reverence for life. Through artwork he has shared the lessons of life with his family and church members. President Packer wrote, "During those hours working with my hands, I pondered on the marvels of creations, and inspiration would flow. As I carved wood, I carved out talks."--Publisher summary. 

My Thoughts:

-    This book pleasantly surprised me. I thought it would just be a documentary on Elder Packer's artwork, but the whole book is like a short autobiography. It was very enjoyable to read and get to know Elder Packer better. I learned a lot about him. He was a great man.

-    He touched on a lot of subjects like music, math, art, teaching, etc. He found joy in learning about any subject, and he often found art in a lot of the topics he researched.

-    Always the teacher, the book is full of small lessons and information for the reader.

-    Elder Packer was an amazing artist! I loved seeing all his work, and I'm sad that I didn't know about this artistic side of him until he passed away. 

-    I felt very uplifted reading about Packer's art and his inspiration. His love for nature was touching, and I appreciate birds and plants a little more now. 

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir

Goodreads Says:    In this gorgeously illustrated, full-color graphic memoir, Stan Lee—comic book legend and cocreator of Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, the Incredible Hulk, and a legion of other Marvel superheroes—shares his iconic legacy and the story of how modern comics came to be.

Stan Lee is a man who needs no introduction. The most legendary name in the history of comic books, he has been the leading creative force behind Marvel Comics, and has brought to life—and into the mainstream—some of the world’s best-known heroes and most infamous villains throughout his career. His stories—filled with superheroes struggling with personal hang-ups and bad guys who possessed previously unseen psychological complexity—added wit and subtlety to a field previously locked into flat portrayals of good vs. evil. Lee put the human in superhuman and in doing so, created a new mythology for the twentieth century.

In this beautifully illustrated graphic memoir—illustrated by celebrated artist Colleen Doran—Lee tells the story of his life with the same inimitable wit, energy, and offbeat spirit that he brought to the world of comics. Moving from his impoverished childhood in Manhattan to his early days writing comics, through his military training films during World War II and the rise of the Marvel empire in the 1960s to the current resurgence in movies, Amazing Fantastic Incredible documents the life of a man and the legacy of an industry and career.

This funny, moving, and incredibly honest memoir is a must-have for collectors and fans of comic books and graphic novels of every age.

My Thoughts:

-    I LOVE the cover so much! I also love what was under the dust jacket!

-    The double spread of Stan's favorite books in the beginning was so awesome! I loved it! It was fun to see a collage of so many great characters.

-    This was a brilliant graphic novel, and it seriously is the only way for Stan Lee to do his memoir. 

-    I love the artwork and page layouts so much! It was like reading an old 60s comic. I loved it!

-    There was SO much to ooh and aah and geek out over! There were so many great people named and talked about, like Jack Kirby and Roy Thomas. I was sad to learn that Jack and Stan had a sort of falling out. 

-    The book had a lot of history on what happened with the Marvel company. It was interesting, and I learned a lot.

-    I love what Stan had to say about his marriage in the end. Not all marriages last, and I'm glad his is. 

-    This was a very Stan Lee book. It was full of his charisma and humor. I like he broke the 4th wall and talked to the reader. I also like when he spoke to his younger self.

-    A must read for all Marvel/Stan Lee fans!

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

Goodreads Says:    From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.

The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets, backstage stories, and answers to lingering questions about off-screen romances that have plagued fans for years!

With a foreword by Rob Reiner and a limited edition original poster by acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film.

My Thoughts:

-    I grew up with great movies like The Princess Bride. I remember watching this countless times with my family, and of course we like to quote it A LOT! It was such a treat to read this book! It was like strolling down memory lane with an old friend while learning amazing new things.

-    There were plenty of great and hilarious stories about different cast members.

-    Reading this made me love and appreciate the movie even more than I already did.

-    I wish more actors would write books like this. I would love Warwick Davies to write about Willow or Michael J. Fox write about Back to the Future. How awesome would it be if Harrison Ford wrote about making the Indiana Jones movies!?

-    A lot of the cast members were spotlighted in the book, but I felt like there was an overall homage to Andre the Giant. I would love to meet this gentle giant. He seemed like an amazing and fun person. Anytime Cary spoke about Andre in the book, it was with deep respect and reverence. The book, in a way, is almost a memoriam to Andre. At least that is how I felt.

-    The entire book is very tender and heart-felt. I could almost feel the love Cary and the rest of the cast had for this movie, for each other, and for fans.

-    I cried a little towards the end. I felt so privileged to read this and learn all these behind the scenes stories. The way Cary talked about fans of the movie, I felt like he was talking directly to me. 

-    Wonderful wonderful book! Every Princess Bride fan needs to read this! 

Killing Patton

Goodreads Says:    General George S. Patton, Jr. died under mysterious circumstances in the months following the end of World War II. For almost seventy years, there has been suspicion that his death was not an accident—and may very well have been an act of assassination. Killing Patton takes readers inside the final year of the war and recounts the events surrounding Patton’s tragic demise, naming names of the many powerful individuals who wanted him silenced.









My Thoughts:

-    I love these books. I learn so much and they are fun to read. History should always be written this way.

-    I didn't understand all of the military stuff. I'm not military savy, but I don't feel like it took anything away from the overall story.

-    I'm SO glad Patton was on our side!

-    I liked the insights into Hitler's life, politics, etc. I didn't a lot of things about Hitler, especially his poor health. 

-    I also liked the chapters about FDR. I learned a few things about our past president.

-    I knew Stalin and the Russians were bad news during WWII, but dang! Things were more horrific than I knew. To me, Stalin was worse than Hitler. I agree with Patton that it would have been just as bad for the Russians to take over as it would if the Nazis had won. 

-    Thompson should have been punished! How did he get away with what he did? He was breaking all kinds of rules, AND he killed one of our most valued generals. What the heck!?

-    I'm not a big nonfiction reader, but I really enjoyed this. 

Companion Books:

(covers are linked to my thoughts)

 

Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began

Goodreads Says:    Acclaimed as a quiet triumph and a brutally moving work of art, the first volume of Art Spieglman's Maus introduced readers to Vladek Spiegleman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe, and his son, a cartoonist trying to come to terms with his father, his father's terrifying story, and History itself. Its form, the cartoon (the Nazis are cats, the Jews mice), succeeds perfectly in shocking us out of any lingering sense of familiararity with the events described, approaching, as it does, the unspeakable through the diminutive.

This second volume, subtitled And Here My Troubles Began, moves us from the barracks of Auschwitz to the bungalows of the Catskills. Genuinely tragic and comic by turns, it attains a complexity of theme and a precision of thought new to comics and rare in any medium. Maus ties together two powerful stories: Vladek's harrowing tale of survival against all odds, delineating the paradox of daily life in the death camps, and the author's account of his tortured relationship with his aging father. At every level this is the ultimate survivor's tale - and that too of the children who somehow survive even the survivors.

My Thoughts:

-    This really puts things into perspective. I've never read a story so real and honest about the Jews during WWII.

-    What happened to a lot of Vladek's family and friends is so sad. What happened to Vladek and Anja was sad. This was a sad book.

-    I think I'd rather die than live in Auschiwitz. 

-    I'm surprised the Jews didn't die of fright. It would be awful to live in a constant state of fear. 

-    Unlike the first book, I felt like the illustrations were fitting for this story. 

-    The relationship between Art and his dad was funny and sad all at the same time. I enjoyed seeing the modern day happenings of Vladek's life.

-    I'm really glad the author included a real photo of his dad in one of the panels.

-    The ending was good. It was peaceful. 

First Maus Book

(cover is linked to my thoughts)