A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana: The Tragic Betrayal of Nettie Diamond

Title: A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana: The Tragic Betrayal of Nettie Diamond

Author: Jane Simon Ammeson [EdibleFeast.Com Contributor Bio][Blogger profile]

Publisher: The History Press

ISBN: 9781626194786

Length: 153  pages + Bibliography + Index

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I was curious.

Comments:

The writing could be clunky.  The genealogy parts where the author was explaining her research and potential but not determined answers tended to drag.  Some bits were repetitive, such as ... "Interestingly" they were buried in different sections (paraphrased).  

But I still enjoyed it overall.  The story could fit in well with an episode on an ID (Investigative Discovery) show.  The drama that came from the time increased the entertainment aspect.  The trial dialogue - both of witnessed and lawyers - was especially interesting, because it all came across so melodramatically.  Quite honestly, I had trouble reacting to it as the murder it was.  And Nettie's living and remaining coherent enough to name her killer and change her will showed a strength that was impressive.

The Final Reveille

Title: The Final Reveille

Author: Amanda Flower [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Isabella Alan [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: Midnight Ink

Series: Living History Museum Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780738744735

Length: 326 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've read and enjoyed books by Amanda Flower before, I enjoy museums and history, and I enjoy cozy mysteries.

Comments:

I liked the writing, characters, setting, and the theme.  I did guess who the killer was much earlier than the protagonist figures things out, though.  It you enjoy cozy mysteries, particularly contemporary cozies that do a little historical digging or remembering (and don't mind figuring out the killer in advance), this is a good one for you.

Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times

Title: Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times

Author: Jennifer Worth

Publisher: Penguin Books

Series: Call the Midwife, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780143123255

Length: 319 pages + Appendix "On the difficulties of writing the Cockney dialect" + Glossary

Obtained: Library book club kit copy

Why this book?:

This was this month's book for the discussion I've begun leading.

Note: I read the print and ebook editions of this book. 

Comments:

I was worried this might drag for me the way August's memoir was.  To my great relief, not only did this not drag, but if flowed.  I quickly found myself caught up in the descriptions (not something I usually say) and characters Jennifer met during her time midwifing in the 50s in the docklands of London.

Jennifer discusses the good, bad, and ugly.  Some stories brought a smile, stories of warmth found even during strained situations.  Others were sad or sickening in turn and showed the dark side of humanity.

The book certainly brought interesting discussion (for which I was relieved as well).  I don't have much to say about it now, but I am most definitely glad I read it.

Beyond Courage : The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust

Title: Beyond Courage : The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust

Author: Doreen Rappaport; Read by Jeff Crawford and Emily Beresford

Publisher: Candlewick on Brilliance Audio

ISBN: 9781469206103

Length: 4 Discs ; 4 hours, 37 minutes + Bonus Disc

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I don't know where to start.  This book drew my attention from the moment I first saw it.  I tried checking it out in print first, but just never got around to it before it was due back.  I started listening to it in audio (soon after watching The Devils' Arithmetic, as it happens).  A mixture of mostly horrifying statistics and gripping stories of individuals and groups who fought back make this an inspiring read and a great resource.  It covers everything from when the tension (and deception) was first starting, to ghettos, to labor, transit, concentration, and death camps (and more, really, than you may have realized was involved).  Poems and songs written by Jewish people during that make for all the more impact. 

My problem was listening to this kind of writing and detail took quite a bit of concentration.  When I listen to audiobooks, I tend to be doing something else as well (for instance, driving) and need to be able to pay attention to both.  This meant I missed details.  Sometimes I could backtrack, but sometimes that just wasn't convenient.  I checked out the print version (after listening to the audio) so I could see the pictures, re-read some of the poems, and just absorb some of the information I had heard.

I recommend reading this, and if you listen to the audio, either have the print or bonus disc (contains the photographs and poems plus important dates - requires Adobe Flash) on hand or be able to devote all of your attention to just listening.  Whatever you decided, seeing the pictures and poems are worth it.

This is technically considered a MG juvenile book.  Though I definitely feel adults can read and learn from it (I certainly did), if a child you know is studying the Holocaust, you might recommend this as a reference.