book club

This week I read:

The Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a young boy by Thomas Buergenthal

Thomas Buergenthal, now a Judge in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, tells his astonishing experiences as a young boy in his memoir A LUCKY CHILD. He arrived at Auschwitz at age 10 after surviving two ghettos and a labor camp. Separated first from his mother and then his father, Buergenthal managed by his wits and some remarkable strokes of luck to survive on his own. Almost two years after his liberation, Buergenthal was miraculously reunited with his mother and in 1951 arrived in the U.S. to start a new life.
Now dedicated to helping those subjected to tyranny throughout the world, Buergenthal writes his story with a simple clarity that highlights the stark details of unimaginable hardship. A LUCKY CHILD is a book that demands to be read by all.

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(thanks to amazon)

What an incredible tough yet fascinating read, I am always drawn to a good autobiography/memoir and this delivers. It is always astounding and difficult to hear about what all the people in Europe had to endure during the Holocaust,so heart breaking and dehumanizing. Thomas' story is amazing,he truly was lucky and I liked his frankness and reality he shared. The way he has let his past NOT take over his life is beautiful and he has created a life that is centered around helping others in need just like he was. A quick read,I give it an A.


Whispers in the Dark by Linda Castillo

Until now, no one has suspected the truth about down-to-earth book store owner Julia Wainwright. But the arrival of six threatening letters indicates someone has discovered her secret—and wants her to pay for her sins…
Ever since he accidentally killed a fellow officer, ex-cop John Merrick has been tormented by the mistakes of his past. Now, called upon to repay a favor, he will do anything to keep Julia Wainwright safe. To do that, though, he’ll first have to figure out what the gypsy-eyed beauty is hiding.
As the threats escalate, Julia and John must find a way to trust each other. Because if they don’t, a twisted stalker will make sure all the gruesome things he’s promised will come true.
(thanks to her website)

An interesting story, kept my attention, decent characters, was a bit too intimate for my taste at times though. Pretty much knew the ending right away although it took a bit too long to get there;probably my least favorite of hers. Fast read though;I give it a C.

The Healer by Dee Henderson

Rachel O'Malley works disasters for a living. Her specialty? Helping children through trauma. When a school shooting rips through her community, she finds herself dealing with more than just grief among the children she is trying to help. One of them saw the shooting, and the gun is still missing.(thanks her her website)

A great addition to the O'Malley series, I love Cole and Rachel together. Although I felt that at times there was a bit too much going on and it overall wasn't as centered on Rachel's story. A tearjerker for sure,and the mystery bit seemed too open at the end still. I give it a B.

KillJoy by Julie Garwood

When the woman who raised her disappears, FBI analyst Avery Delaney must outmaneuver a brilliant killer who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and vengeance.
(thanks to her webiste)

A lot of back story and details which make the characters more real and likable;I loved that John Paul was carried over from Mercy. Avery and John Paul's connection, relationship and working together moments was funny and sweet. A cool twist (the mother,Jilly, reminded me of the woman character in gone girl,she was just as narcissistic and manipulative) and I couldn't stop reading;I give it an A.

*****
Happy Reading!