Month: April 2024

Sunday Post: Munich and Dachau

BonnieReadsAndWrites24 Comments

I’m still working in Germany until the first week of June. Yesterday was the first time I got to sightsee (sitesee?). I went on a tour, and the first stop was a difficult but important one–Dachau. Then we went to Munich and were given a few hours to wander around a shopping/food area. I will post a few Munich pictures first, and then the much more solemn Dachau pictures.

Munich:

The area of Munich they took us to had an open-air market and shopping area, and their version of “Rodeo Drive” with all the designer shops. Here are a few pictures:

I wish I had taken pictures of the open-air shopping area, which was much more European than most of the Munich pictures I have here. A Hofbrähaus is a brewery. I got Doug a Munich (Munchen) hat.

Dachau: If you wish to scroll by, do so now quickly

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This is just a portion of what I saw at Dachau, and there was a lot I didn’t see because they didn’t give us enough time.

The first two pictures are historical displays that I snapped photos of. There is a whole museum of displays. The next three pictures are the outside of the crematorium and the ovens inside the crematorium. The sixth picture is a convent that is on the grounds of Dachau. There are also religious memorials from several different religions. The bottom photo is an absolutely unforgettable piece of artwork at Dachau, a sculpture by a holocaust survivor, Nandor Glid.

As I stood in that crematorium and in the room next to the ovens where they stacked the bodies for burning, I felt such a heaviness to be standing in a place where absolute evil had occurred.

Please feel free to share your impressions of the photos, if you wish to do so.

NEXT WEEK: I’m just hoping to post some reviews. Last week I was just too busy working, but I’ll be back home in June and retired in August, and then the blogging will really flow! Meanwhile, it might be stop-and-go, but I’m determined to get some posts up. Please bear with me.

BOOK HAUL

While at Dachau, I picked up this memoir of one of the survivors, which I am reading.

Today I picked up the Audible of Jodi Taylor’s latest short story and I’ve already finished listening to it. Although she has two successful time travel series, she has another series called Frogmorton Farm that has nothing to do with time travel. It does have a magical golden horse, a dilapidated farm, and Patagonian attack chickens though. The first book in the series is called The Nothing Girl. I love it just as much as her other series. This book, Storm Christopher, is about second chances, even if you don’t deserve them.

Review coming shortly.

Have a wonderful week.

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

BonnieReadsAndWrites8 Comments

Thank you to The Book Date for hosting It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Hi everyone! I’m sorry I haven’t updated in a couple weeks. I’m in Stuttgart, Germany for work. I haven’t had time to do any sightseeing yet, but I’m going to Munich and Dachau on Saturday. Above is Schlossplatz, or Castle Square, in Stuttgart.

WHAT I’M READING NOW

(From Amazon) Set in Manhattan between 1912 and 1965. When idealistic Young Irving Friedman and his beautiful, hard-nosed sister Miriam are forced to leave their brutal father’s home, they must make their way amid the sprawling tenements of the Lower East Side. Trapped in the garment industry’s backbreaking sweatshops, Irving is swept into the dangerous world of union organizing, while Miriam finds unexpected new love. As the years pass and one generation yields to the next, the siblings’ hard-won success is imperiled when an old family secret is unearthed that puts Irv on a collision course with Miriam’s ambitious daughter Shelly. Will secrets from the past destroy their family’s bond, or will they find a way to forgive?

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

(From Amazon) As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another expat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and her Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, and sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia’s building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim from a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort, the night before. The murder weapon is recognizable too—a knife from Julia’s kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha’s handwriting, was found in the dead woman’s pocket. Now, from the shadows of the Tour Eiffel, to the Childs’ tiny kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates the city, hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.

WHAT I JUST FINISHED READING

(From Amazon) Licinianus is a reluctant soldier in a very unusual family, one whose ancient gods give special powers to twins. His father, a twin himself, earned the gratitude of an Emperor and gained for Licinianus an honor that he does not want: appointment as a tribune in the army. Against his will, Licianius becomes a Roman officer and watches ineffectually while the army in Britannia, depleted by civil war, collapses before the onslaught of the Northern tribes. Only the arrival of the army of the Emperor Constantius saves the province, as Licinianus, receiving the gift of his family’s gods, becomes an almost legendary fighter.

Meanwhile, a strange new religion, Christianity, is permeating the Romano-British world, plunging Licinianus and his twin sister Severiana into yet more conflict. Christianity denies the very gods that give the family its strength, outraging their beliefs and customs. Nevertheless, it casts its spell on the twins’ brother and Severiana’s husband, threatening to tear the family apart.

I hope everyone is doing well! Now that I’m into my third week in Germany, posting on this blog will commence! I’ve just been so busy. Sunday I’m going to post all the pictures I am sure to take at Dachau and in Munich.

Book Tour and Review: A Prayer for Junie (April 11th)

BonnieReadsAndWrites6 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

BOOK REVIEW

This book is so powerful and so beautifully written that it just took my breath away. There are strong themes of friendship, family, and kindness to others. The question that came into my mind about one of the characters was: Is he evil or just completely damaged beyond repair? The difficult theme of spousal abuse is also prevalent throughout the book. The friendship between Junie and Philomena is one of love, kindness, and sacrifice, and speaks to what true friends will do for one another.

Anyone who wants to read a book featuring strong women in difficult situations, or anyone who enjoys beautiful writing, will enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fran Clark writes Women’s Fiction, both contemporary and historical. Her first novel was published by Indigo Dreams in 2014. In the same year she achieved a Distinction in her Creative Writing MA from Brunel University. In 2016 she was shortlisted for the SI Leeds Literary Prize. In February 2024, her Island Secrets Book Series will be published, starting with Holding Paradise Book 1.

Originally from London, Fran moved to the English countryside with her musician husband. A musician herself, Fran teaches vocals and leads a local choir. She has two sons.

Fran also writes under the pseudonym, Rosa Temple, writing contemporary fiction and published by HQ Digital and Simon & Schuster UK.

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads

Buy Links

Book Tour and Review: The New Son

BonnieReadsAndWrites5 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

BOOK REVIEW

This is an exciting, heart-pounding thriller with an intriguing premise. Nina is in a not-so-great relationship, which also comes with a rude and ungrateful “stepdaughter.” Then the son she gave up years ago shows up on her doorstep. Is he the key to a new life?

The story is full of twists and turns. The present tense is used, and that’s not my favorite, but it works here. The author uses a plot twist that’s been famously used before, but they give appropriate credit to that work within the story, which I appreciated. The secrets, lies, intrigue, and action are woven well together. Readers should hold onto their hats, the edges of their seats, and possibly their hearts. Overall, this is a compelling psychological thriller that fans of that genre will enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s book tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Iain Maitland is the author of three previous psych thrillers for Inkubator Books: The Soulmate, The Perfect Husband and The Girl Downstairs.

Iain is also the author of two memoirs, Dear Michael, Love Dad, a book of letters written to his eldest son who experienced depression and anorexia, and (co-authored with Michael) Out Of The Madhouse.

He has also written a semi-autobiographical novel, The Old Man, His Dog & Their Longest Journey.

He is an Ambassador for Stem4, the teenage mental health charity. He talks regularly about mental health issues in schools and colleges and workplaces.

Find out more about Iain at www.iainmaitland.net  and twitter.com/iainmaitland

BOOK LINKS

AMAZON AMAZON UK

*Kindle Unlimited Subscribers can read this for free.

Three Mini Reviews: Never Too Late, A Midnight Puzzle, and The Underground Library

BonnieReadsAndWrites7 Comments

Below are three mini-reviews, From three stars to five, in order. The reviews are short and to the point. For a book description and purchase options, you can click on each cover.

This one never came completely together for me. There is too much telling and not enough showing, which I know is common for Steel’s novels, but did not work here. A major terrorist attack on New York is mentioned but not too closely explored. Kate was the most complex character, in my opinion, and managed to elevate this book a bit.

All in all, it’s not my favorite Steel novel, but I love most of her work.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is a really clever continuation of The Secret Staircase series, as Tempest and her crew are back, creating illusions in homes and finding themselves in the middle of mysteries. When a former client is killed in their building by a booby-trapped door, Tempest is on the case, trying to exonerate her company and another surprise suspect.

Although this is part of a series, it easily stands alone as the author does a good job of catching the reader up on events. The cast of characters is fun and intriguing, and the story has plenty of twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve always been intrigued by books about The Blitz and books about libraries/book clubs. Since this is a combination of the two, I figured it was a “can’t miss.” novel. I was right. Compelling characters and true-to-life descriptions will transport you to 1940 London as you peruse a book in the underground tunnels while bombs drop overhead. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?