I don't have a witty title for this one.  It's always been my opinion that the best kind of literature is the kind that can completely take us out of our own reality.  It's not every book that makes you feel transplanted into the story.  It's not every book that makes you feel as if you are the main character.  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is exactly that kind of book.  The existence of those living in a concentration is explored through the eyes of a child on the outside looking in.  The point of the book was to make the reader really explore what it means to put up a fence between two groups of people.  It's something that is still happening today.  A real tearjerker and definitely worth a read.

I wanted something a little more lighthearted but I'm not entirely sure I've chosen wisely.  The Fault in Our Stars is written by a fantastically nerdy man by the name of John Green.  I came to his literature through his vlog that he started with his brother Hank.  He's the reason that I know there is such a thing as a nerdfighter and that I know I am most definitely one of their number.  Anyway, he is highly popular among young adult readers and one of those reasons is because he doesn't shield the reader from hurt.  He throws it all out there in your face and you just have to take it (or stop reading I suppose).  I haven't the foggiest notion what this book is about but it was recommended to me by several people.

Edit: I just read the dust jacket blurb and I am in big trouble here.  I don't think there are enough Kleenex in the world!

Well, I'll be danged

Thank goodness a riveting story is all it takes to get me back into the groove of reading.  I've finished The Ever-After Bird.  I strongly suggest that if you decide to read this book that you be aware of what you're getting yourself into as regards to subject matter.  If you're familiar with anything to do with slavery in the South you know that it's not a pleasant subject.  This book doesn't pussyfoot about what life for a slave was like on the plantations and the attitude of the majority of the people during this time to what they felt was nothing more than "handling property".  The book focuses particularly on a little girl and her growing understanding of what it really means to be a slave and why what her uncle does with the Underground Railroad is so important. The story line was fast paced and gripping.  I'm not ashamed to say that I had tears in my eyes by the end of the book and I wouldn't be surprised if you fare the same if you give this book a shot.

I guess I'm on a journey of tears because I'm reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne next.    The main character is a small boy named Bruno but this isn't a book for children.  In fact, I'm sure it will give me nightmares and I'm nearly 30.  I'll say this about it only: Holocaust.

Maybe I should watch some kitten videos before I attempt sleep tonight.

I'm finishing up A Brief History of Time and contemplating my next read.  I'm thinking The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.  What do you guys think?

PS I hope you're prepared for the hot weather tomorrow!  Great reading weather!! ;o)