Mala's Cat

I read Mala's Cat by Mala Kacenberg for the virtual YA book club I'm in. It is a memoir of the author's survival as a Jewish child during WWII. The book description reads, "Growing up in the Polish village of Tarnogrod on the fringes of a deep pine forest, Mala Szorer had the happiest childhood she could have hoped for. But at the age of twelve, as the German invasion begins, her beloved village becomes a ghetto and her family and friends reduced to starvation. She takes matters into her own hands and bravely removes her yellow star, risking sneaking out to the surrounding villages to barter for food. It is on her way back that she sees her loved ones rounded up for deportation, and receives a smuggled letter from her sister warning her to stay away. In order to survive, she walks away from everything she holds dear to live by herself in the forest, hiding not just from the Nazis but hostile villagers. She is followed by a stray cat who stays with her—and seems to come to her rescue time and time again. 'Malach' the cat becomes her family and her only respite from painful loneliness, a guide, and a reminder to stay hopeful even when faced with unfathomable darkness."

This was a really nice read. Mala was an unbelievably brave child, and I am so glad she wrote down her story. She really survived miraculously so many times. This wasn't a book that was written like a typical novel or even biography but instead just sounded like a real person writing and telling her incredible story. The book kept me interested throughout and was inspiring and hopeful despite the many horrors Mala had to witness. I think in some ways it was a gentler Holocaust book than some, just in how the author told the story, so I think my sensitive 12-year-old could maybe be ok with it.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Boys in the Boat

I read Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown for my book club. I think I actually read this like 5 years ago but forgot most of it, so it was like enjoying it for the first time. :) This book is the true story of what the subtitle describes as "Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics." The story focuses on Joe Rantz, "a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world" and also introduces other members of the Washington crew team and their journey to make it to the Olympics.

What an amazing story! I don't know if I am complimenting just the fact that these humans really existed and did all they did or the author on telling the story so well. But I think both. I loved all the characters (and by characters, I mean real people) and their drive and resilience and perseverance. I loved how so many of their successes were so unlikely and yet they managed to do it. Really an inspiring, feel-good story and a great read. I mostly listened to this book on audiobook, and it was very well done.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)