Month: August 2023

A Barbed Wire Refrain by August Kowalczyk

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Genre: Autobiography, Holocaust, WWII
Pages: 200 pages
Published Date: January 1, 2001
Publisher: Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (English Edition)
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 
Age: 14+ 

A Barbed Wire Refrain is the autobiography of a Polish teen, August Kowalczyk, who, while trying to reach France to join the Polish Army, was arrested in Slovakia and then taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau. While in Birkenau, he survived with the help of local women who risked their lives to give prisoners bread, medicine, and water. One day while out doing slave labor, he and other prisoners planned an escape. He was one of the lucky ones. Again, although the danger was everywhere, he had the help of local men, women, and children to ensure his safety. This is his unforgettable story.

I bought this book after I took a tour of Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau. I read it while in Poland, and all the stories of the atrocities were still fresh in my mind. After an emotionally draining three weeks (I also visited Sachsenhausen in Germany), it was good to read a story of people who hated the Nazis and went out of their way to ensure some prisoners were fed (although not enough) and had medicine. And it was nice to read about the people on the outside helping someone who escaped, knowing they could have been put in the same place the escaped prisoner was. This book is not an easy read, but it is a must-read.

The one downside, but it doesn’t take away from the story, is that this book is translated from Polish and has some grammar mistakes or is missing letters from words (at least my copy did). I was able to understand even when this did happen.

If you are interested in history, if you like autobiographies, or want to know more so we, as a society, don’t go down this path again, this is a must-read.

Content warning: violence, war, Nazis, sexual abuse, racism

Ghost Roast by Shawneé Gibbs & Shawnelle Gibbs

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Genre: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 224 pages
Published Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, Versify
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 
Age: 12+ 

Chelsea Grant, a seventeen-year-old, gets accepted to the popular group in her new prestigious school. But one night, when the group decides to break into a cemetery, Chelsea and her friends get arrested and thrown in jail. Unlike like her new friends (who amazingly don’t toss her aside), her parents decide to ground her for the whole summer. Part of her punishment is to help her father in his paranormal business – to help rid New Orleans of all its ghosts. While out at the Harrington Manor (which used to be Plantation). Chelsea finds out that she can see and even speak to spirits. Does she tell her father, whose grandmother, he believed, was killed by ghosts, or keep it to herself and try not to fall in love with a dashing young spirit who may not be who he says he is?

“Ghost Roast” is a captivating young adult graphic novel that breaks away from traditional ghost stories and love tales. The narrative is cozy and charming, blending unique elements to create an engaging experience. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, adding to the visual delight. I felt the story begins slowly; it becomes more interesting when the ghosts appear. The novel skillfully weaves historical insights, particularly about enslaved individuals in New Orleans, providing a deeper understanding of the past. The story handles sensitive topics like race and slavery gracefully, with a historical context that adds depth. The characters are magnetic and endearing, especially Chelsea and her friends, whose heartwarming camaraderie is a highlight, which is usually left out of books with characters/friends of different class levels. And I enjoyed that. Chelsea’s relationship with the mysterious Oliver adds a layer of paranormal romance.

“Ghost Roast” is an enjoyable read with a unique blend of cozy charm, historical insights, and distinctive characters. It stands out for its creativity and the author’s ability to address complex themes with finesse. This novel promises to deeply resonate with those seeking thought-provoking and heartwarming stories.

The book will be released on January 2, 2024, and I had the privilege of reading an early copy through #NetGalley. #GhostRoast

Content warnings: Death, slavery, war, racism, teasing/bullying