Night by Elie Wiesel

     The picture to the left is the cover of a 3-in-1 collection of Elie Wiesel’s Night Trilogy. Night, the first of the trilogy, is a memoir. Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor, tells of his time at Auschwitz. From his home, to the ghetto, to the camps and the separation of his family… he and his father had only each other to help each other survive.

I will never understand the depths of human cruelty. Wiesel’s account will leave you feeling almost as if you were there. His words are simple and straightforward, but they have such an impact. I have no words to even begin to express my feelings when reading this. Is this a classic? Most definitely. This book captures a moment in time when men showed ultimate evil, and yet others showed ultimate strength – surrounded by death, knowing that the same fate would soon be their own. It is most definitely a classic, though I (and I’m sure Elie Wiesel) wish history had never given it the opportunity to be so. I will always consider this to be one of my top five, must read books.

I have removed accuracy from the rating. As Wiesel’s personal account I have no way to verify, yet absolutely no reason to doubt, that his words are true.

1) Is it understandable? = 5
2) Presentation of Information = 5
3) Accuracy
4) Quality of Writing = 5
5) Overall Enjoyability = 5

Average of  score 5
Overall grade = A

For more on Elie Wiesel and his humanitarian work, please go to his foundation’s website.

Where to buy the book: CBD | Amazon | B&N

This was book 52 in my 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge.

This was book 12 in my Classics challenge.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

     In the middle of World War II, Gene and Phineas are coming into their last year of high school. Roommates, away at boarding school, they find themselves growing closer over the summer session. As Gene tries to find himself, he also senses a rivalry building between him and his friend. After a serious accident (or was it an accident after all?) neither of the boys will ever be the same.

This is an interesting read; seeing how the idea of being drafted or the decision to enlist into the military affects these boys. Especially since we no longer have the draft here, even in times of war most people don’t think about the military very often. Gene’s journey is interesting as well. He’s telling this story, so we understand everything from his perspective. You get to see his inner struggles and get insight into his reactions, which you sometimes want to smack him for… or maybe that’s just me. Overall, it’s pretty good. I would suggest reading it at least once.

1) Overall Plot = 4
2) Characters = 4
3) Flow/Pace of the story = 4
4) Is the story easy to follow? = 4.5
5) Overall Enjoyability = 3.5

Average of  score 4
Overall grade = B

Where to buy the book: CBD | Amazon | B&N

This was book 49 in my 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge.

This was book 10 in my Classics challenge.

Monday Mashup 4/25/11

This is the coolest kid’s bedroom ever!

Proof that we’ve become desensitized to violence: the School Shooter: North American Tour 2012 video game. Many commentors on this article are saying it’s a hoax, but no one has provided any sources to verify that and there is news footage everywhere of clips of the game. If anyone can provide proof that it’s a hoax let me know and I’ll say so in another post, but if this is true I think every parent should know about it.

Dozens of photos here from the Pacific battle of WWII. I think we should never forget these things. We should never forget the sacrifices of our military and the brave people who fight to defend our country.

This one is embedded. Carrie Underwood (with Vince Gill doing harmony) singing How Great Thou Art! This is probably the BEST Carrie Underwood has ever sounded.