Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account

Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account

Dr. Miklos Nyiszli

Very rarely does a book come along and change you forever-this is such a book. I admittedly have read hundreds of books in my life, and I can confidently state that this book is one of the best- if not the best- book I have EVER read. The biographical account is unfathomable, you can’t make this stuff up, it will shock you. Auschwitz is an emotional rollercoaster, it will have you on the edge of your seat, and the ending will leave you cheering.

Dr. Nyiszli finds himself on a train bound for Auschwitz, once there he’s separated from his wife and young daughter, it’s there that he embarks on his odyssey through the depths of hell. Because of his professional experience as a doctor he finds himself working closely with some of the Nazi leaders over the camp, including Dr Mengele: The Angel of Death. His expertise in the fields of pathology and forensics elevate him in the eyes of his captors, where once ascended he becomes the chief doctor in charge of dissection and autopsy’s of whomever the Reich throws his way. Eventually Dr. Nyiszli gains access to the entire camp, where he provides in horrific details, the inner workings of the Third Reichs efficient extermination process. 

If you want a deeper appreciation for human life and others in general, if you want to learn more about WWII and the holocaust, if you want to know how to cope with depression or how to survive extreme adversity, then this book is for you.

Dr. Nyiszli’s account will hold you captive. It had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to cry, yell out in anger, and stand up and cheer. Auschwitz is a MUST READ. You won’t regret it.

Auschwitz EASILY scores a 10/10 and should be read by all.

Book 4 of 52 - Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

By James and Deborah Howe

Published 1979

A sure classic, Bunnicula is the story of the Monroe family as told through the eyes of their dog Harold. Things get interesting around the Monroe house when they bring home a new pet – Bunnicula.  Harold, the Monroe’s dog, and Chester, their cat, have mixed feelings toward the Monroe’s new addition. Chester thinks Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit but Harold doesn’t quite buy Chester’s theory. What entails is a hilarious set of events that are sure to have you laughing. 

If you are a parent searching for a great chapter book for a young reader Bunnicula is the book you are looking for. An easy read that will bring smiles to all who read it. This book is one that I truly enjoyed, the characters are loveable and the story is filled with great moral points. James and Deborah sure know how to weave a great tale of adventure and laughs.  I strongly recommend picking up Bunnicula. Want a great way to spend time with your kid? Pick this classic up and read it together, you both will be laughing. I promise.  Bunnicula scores an easy 10/10 for great characters and their development, excellent plot, and a very high re-readability value.

Where DO I Find the Time???

I know, 52 books is pretty ambitious right, you probably think that I'm crazy. Maybe I am. But I don't think so. You see, all it takes is time, and finding time is many people's problem when it comes to reading. As I have embarked on this epic quest through some of the literary canyons of our culture I have needed to get creative to come up with time to read. I take the bus to school so I read on my ride to and from school. I read on my breaks at work. I take my own lunch to work so I have plenty of time to read during my lunch break as well. I have found myself watching a little less television, an episode here, an episode there. Sunday afternoons work great as well as Saturdays. Who can't come up with 30-45 minutes a day to read? That's one episode of television. I dare you to make the time to read 30-45 minutes a day! There, it's out there, and you know what? I think you can do it! So go ahead, pick up a book, get lost in Middle Earth, walk the sands on Tatooine, feel the rush of adventure! On second thought, don't, you probably wouldn't like it. It would probably be adventure overload to your mental receptors. Not to mention your wife will be be sure to wonder where her TV drone of a husband went and your boss will be wondering what's up with the strange diction in your emails you send him. I don't want to be the cause of so many wives, husbands, and bosses going through there days confused as to what has happened to the old you. So please, DON"T READ! Forget EVERYTHING I just said. BOOKS ARE NOT FUN! Really, I'm only thinking of you, honestly. Adventure is overrated anyways. Like they always say "That movie was way better then the book."

Suggestions Please!

Wanted: Good books! Simply put, my goal this year is to read 52 new books, new being that I have never read them before. But I need some help, I gotta come up with 52 interesting reads, and how do you think I will do that?! Well, with your help, if you’re willing. If you know of any good books you would like to pass along please go over to my book bag page and leave a comment with the title and author of your book.

Book Review: The Hunger Games

 

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

I am a little late discovering The Hunger Games, I always seem to catch onto these things a little late; I was also late with the Harry Potter series. I liked the premise, the whole idea of a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors are left clinging onto the last ounces of humanity and what's left of its decency is very appealing. The Hunger Games is set sometime in the future after North America - and I assume most of the world - is left decimated after what I can only assume to be a nuclear holocaust of some sorts. The survivors are scattered across the continent of North America and live in districts numbered 1-12, there was originally 13 but it was destroyed when it rebelled against the capital. Every year, to mark the anniversary of the capital's victory over the rebels The Hunger Games are held - it's a literal death match between 2 representatives from each district. The games are meant to be a symbol of the capital's power over the residents within each district. Needless to say, the games don't go quite as planned. 

I thought Suzanne Collins did a good job on this book, not a great job, but a good one. I think it lacked in details especially in terms of background information, a little more details in certain areas would have gone a long way. Also I found the first person narrative a little annoying, compacted more so by the story being told through the eyes of a crabby teenage girl who seems to never be in a good mood.  A little break to see the story unfold through a different characters eyes would have been a welcome respite. I think the character and plot development were good. While I don't think it's an instant classic or grand slam, it does read fast, and leaves one thinking and has moderate re-readability value. I enjoyed it more then I thought and would recommend it to anyone born after 1980. Overall I give it a score of 7.5/10.