The book is a novel, but it packs in a huge amount of 20th-century history. The story follows two young men, both living in New York, both representing to various degrees the past of their people; however, the plot also follows for periods of time a Jewish professor who claimed to be Episcopalian in order to get a job in 1940s Chicago, a young Jewish girl in Poland in the years just before WW2 and then later in the camps, a beautiful black social worker whose marriage is crumbling, and many many more.

At the beginning, we are introduced to Lamont Williams, a young black man recently released from prison after serving his sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. Lamont is a fundamentally decent man who more than anything lacks self-confidence. He lives with his grandmother, and wants desperately to find his daughter, now 8, whom he hasn’t seen since she was 2. He has been given an opportunity—a job in Building Services at Sloan-Kettering Cancer hospital, where he is on probation for six months. During his first week on the job, a patient who’s been left out on the sidewalk insists that Lamont help him return to his room. Lamont does so, and a reluctant friendship springs up between the two. The patient, a survivor of Auschwitz, insists on telling Lamont his story, and has Lamont repeat it until he has it memorized, learning the difference between death camps and concentration camps, and about inside uprisings at Auschwitz. Shortly before his death, he gives Lamont a present, and you don’t need the gift of prophecy to foretell that will spell trouble for him.

The other main character is Adam Zegnelik, whose career as a history professor at Columbia is on rocky ground, and who is struggling out of the great shadow cast by his father, a Jewish lawyer who was hugely instrumental in the civil rights movement. When we first meet him, Adam is lying awake at night reliving moments in black American history—the desegregation of schools and how terrifying it was for the first black students in white schools, the 1963 church bombing that killed 4 black girls, and more. He is paralyzed by the future, and breaks up with his long-term girlfriend because he knows he won’t make tenure. His life turns around when he discovers a huge cache of first-person interviews with Holocaust survivors in refugee camps.

“Tell everyone what happened here,” says one of the women. “Tell everyone what happened here,” says Lamont at one point after he is false accused, yet again, of crimes he hasn’t committed. The Street Sweeper moves between vantage points and times, but it is ultimately a story of connection, of human beings, of unimaginable crimes but also of small beauties and justice. It’s an incredible book.

Elizabeth enjoys learning history through novels. This one made her thankful for the times and place in which she lives. Learn more at her blog Planet Nomad.

Australian writer Anna Funder was also fascinated. She lived in West Berlin during the 1980s and obsessed a little about what was behind that wall. In 1994, 5 years after the wall fell, she lived for a while in Leipzig, and later returned to live again in Berlin. She interviewed many East Germans and has written their stories in Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall. The subject matter is endlessly fascinating, and Funder interviews both regular citizens and former Stasi officers. What takes the book up a notch, however, is her writing ability. The book is as easy to read as a novel, as beautifully-crafted as literature. It feels very personal, as the author shares her own thoughts and reactions to people and places.

She interviews Miriam, who nearly escaped to West Berlin as a 16-year-old and was caught and punished brutally, who later was let out of prison and happily married for only a short while, until her husband was taken in for questioning and died in a Stasi remand cell. Her life since liberation has been spent trying to find out what happened to him. The rumours are that the Stasi buried an empty coffin, that her husband hanged himself, that he escaped and is still somewhere. Miriam only wants the truth. She tells Funder of the “puzzle women” in Nuremberg. When the Stasi finally fell, they quickly shredded incriminating documents, but left the shards in huge garbage bags. Volunteers are now painstakingly piecing together these documents. Maybe, Miriam dreams, they will put together something about her husband Charlie, and she can finally be at peace.

Funder, a couple of years later, visits the “puzzle women” and finds both men and women working in pleasant offices, windows wide open. It takes hours to piece together a single sheet of paper, and there are millions. It’s a hopeless, Sisyphean task.

Funder hears tales of live behind the wall; of state-owned television, of underground rock stars (she drinks with the former frontman of a rock band who was once told to his face that he “no longer existed” by a Stasi officer). She sees first-hand the unrepentance and callousness of the former Stasi officers, some of whom act as if the state never died. She meets a woman separated from her sick baby by the overnight building of the wall, and meets that baby, now an adult, raised by doctors and nurses in a hospital ward because his parents were trapped in East Berlin. And over and over she asks the question: is it better to know what happened and bring it all out in the open, or is it better to bury the dead past and begin anew? She doesn’t answer the question per se, but instead leaves it hanging, allowing it to percolate in the reader’s mind as we meet people who have answered it in different ways in their own lives.

Stasiland is an excellent book. It won the Samuel Johnson prize for nonfiction (prestigious prize in UK. I had never heard of it either) and has been translated into many languages. I am also giving it my first ever 5-star rating. It’s that good. I highly recommend it.

Elizabeth is an avid reader who loves well-written books on a variety of subjects. Learn more at her blog Planet Nomad.

We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People (American Empire Project) is full of stories such as the $2.58 million the American government spent to build a chicken-processing plant. No market research was done ahead of time to see if impoverished Iraqis would spend three times more for a local, hallal-certified chicken as opposed to the cheap, imported from Brazil, also hallal-certified variety, and it turned out that a chicken you could kill yourself more than satisfied any market demand. So the chicken-processing plant sits empty, except for a guard paid for by the US Military, who is usually moon-lighting at his second job somewhere else.

He describes visiting a nonworking sewage treatment plant with the goal of getting it operational again. The sole engineer confirmed that the plant processed no sewage, although he and 28 workers remained on the payroll. He shows them the new TV and laptop given to him by the US Army; he watches the TV all day but isn’t sure what to do with the laptop so it just sits there, unplugged and dusty. (p. 66) Another suburb doesn’t lack water but it is dirty and needs to be cleaned up in order to be made drinkable. There’s an existing treatment facility, and all that is needed is for the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to run power about 200 metres into the plant. “Simple as this sounded, it was the single point of failure for the whole project,” states Van Buren. “In the absence of a responsible bureaucracy nothing was ever done. We ran out of time and went home. The people do not have water.” (p. 71)

Van Buren describes a meeting with Yasmine, an educated and thoughtful municipal services director, about the local trash pickup. After she has described the problem and presented a possible solution, she speaks to the Americans. “She was of an age, she said, where all she could remember were the wars with Iran in the 1980s, the long years of sanctions in the 1990s, and the US occupations from 2003. She asked when her daughter would lead a peaceful life. I thought she was talking to me, so I told her I didn’t know and it was time for us to leave, as our security team said we had been in one place too long.” (p. 61) He means they need to leave the meeting, but reading this now, it resonated with a broader sense.

Van Buren says, “The harm was this: We wanted to leave Iraq stable and independent, with the strength to resist insurgency. But how did we advance that goal when we spent our time and money on obviously pointless things, while most people lacked access to clean water, or regular electricity, or school and hospitals? How did we help stabilize Iraq when we acted like buffoons?…We grasped that military action could take us only so far, but we failed to understand the next stage.” (p. 251-2)

Van Buren also describes in great detail what life was like for the American military in Iraq, the monotony of base life enlivened by brief forays into heightened alertness and even terror. In some ways, this book is terribly depressing, redeemed by Van Buren’s sardonic style and all-around snarkiness. There were moments I laughed out loud, and things I could relate to (I spent 9 years living in Mauritania and Morocco).

I highly recommend We Meant Well—I sort of think that everybody should read it, no matter her politics or viewpoint. I realize this is an awfully long review, but there’s so much more I want to say, and so many more bits I want to quote. So I will just say—go get it, read it for yourself. Then come tell me what you think.

Elizabeth works for an organization that helps Iraqi refugees settle in the US, but she believes that she would have reacted to this book just as strongly even without knowing any Iraqis. Read more about her Iraqi friends at her blog Planet Nomad.

Mark Adams, working a desk job editing adventure travel stories, decided to find out the truth for himself, at least as much as possible. He set out to the Andes to retrace the famous explorer’s steps and in the process to study Bingham’s life and writings as well as Inca history. The result is Turn Right at Machu Picchu, a fascinating read which combines a history of Inca-Spainard clashes in Peru, Bingham’s adventures in exploring, and a travelogue of Adams’ own adventures in Peru, with an Australian guide right out of Crocodile Dundee and Indiana Jones.

I really, really liked this book.

Although I was thankful for the historical parts which gave me background, my favorite parts were the first person travels. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of his travels all over Peru, and the characters with whom he was traveling. First off, there was Australian guide John Leivers, who wears the same clothes every day no matter the weather, always has a machete on hand, and has no permanent address. He just has a different way of looking at the world, due to his experience of it. Then there were the muleteers and cooks, with their coca leaves to combat altitude sickness and bags of sweet snacks and sugary soft drinks, telling crazy tales and responding to events with stoicism and humour. There are the people he meets along the way, both locals and other travelers. I loved the story of the two Quechua kids, asking Adams where he was from. They had not heard of New York or the United States, but they said to him, “Is it true Michael Jackson is dead?” And finally, there is Peru itself; the steep hikes that take the travelers through different climates in the course of a single afternoon, the Inca ruins and the mysteries hidden within them, and the travails of its history. Because, although I have confessed to enjoying the modern bits best, the history is actually fascinating—gory and bloodstained and full of excitement, lots of double-crossing from both sides, fleeing Inca warriors and kings, and pursuing Spainards in search of legendary gold. Adams is a good writer, and he makes his subject matter live, infusing all with a subtle humour and wry turn of phrase.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time actually encompasses several trips that Adams takes to Peru, including his account of hiking the famous Inca Trail and even arriving to see the sunrise of the summer solstice and having a mistico in a vest embroidered with astrological signs tell him the morning had been a “major bummer,” with “hundreds of harmonically inclined people assembled…and then nothing.” (p. 285) And it ends as all good adventure yarns should—with Adams back home, talking to John Leivers, and starting to plan and hope and dream of yet another trip.

Elizabeth makes no secret of the fact that she loves to travel, and if she can’t go to a place herself, she wants to read a well-written account of someone else’s adventures. Learn more at her blog Planet Nomad.

After 47 days afloat their raft finally brought them to a Japanese-occupied island, and Louie soon missed the raft and sharks that surrounded them. He was held as a POW for 2.5 years, targeted by a sadistic guard for beatings and humiliation that were unbearable. But through all of his experiences, Louie remained unbroken. After his rescue – Zamperini and other POWs firmly believe that the atomic bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved their lives – Louie sank in to a deep depression and alcohol-infused existence. Louie credits the evangelist Billy Graham for turning his life around and has spent the 65+ years since the war’s end — yes, he’s still alive and kicking — working with troubled youths and telling his story.

In Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand tells Louie’s amazing and at times unbelievable story, mixed in with statistics and facts about the Pacific POWs and Japan’s role in the war. Germany takes the brunt of blame for World War II but Japan’s cultural attitude toward surrender and the associated shame resulted in atrocious conditions and treatment of the POWs. The guards became extremely power-hungry – they starved, beat and humiliated the prisoners just because they could. The prisoners rebelled in their own small ways, maintaining their dignity and will to live, and Hillenbrand tells their stories with respect and admiration. Unbroken is well researched, well written and required reading for anyone with even a mild interest in World War II and its effects on the Greatest Generation, and I’ve added it to our Five Star Reads.

Notes on the audiobook: Unbroken is narrated by Edward Hermann. I have mixed feelings about listening to books read by well-known actors, my initial reaction is always one of excitement of hearing a voice I know, but then it takes some time to separate the picture in my head of a character that actor may have portrayed — such as Rory Gilmore’s grandpa –from the story being told. Hermann reads Unbroken with energy and emotion and quickly put my trepidation to rest, and it wasn’t long before I stopped listening to him and started listening to the story.

Nancy writes about her 2 boys, books and life in Colorado at Life With My Boys and Books.

Me, I was just thankful I didn’t have to read it. But Elliot thoroughly enjoyed it, and would give this book five stars!
This is what he had to say about it:

The Storm of War is a great analysis of WWII. Andrew Roberts does a great analysis of the Axis Strategy and quickly points out the strengths and weaknesses of the Nazi Strategy.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge of WWII. Though long, it is well worth the read, and rarely gets boring. This book is well researched and thought out, and gives accurate and precise information. I was very surprised upon finishing this book to learn how easily the Axis could have won. If they had been a little more patient and had been a little more coordinated, they could have won the war without too much opposition. The Russians had weak strategy and poor commanders; the British were ready but didn’t have the resources to sustain prolonged conflict; and the United States was avoiding war and was unprepared militarily.

Whereas the Nazis had been preparing their army for years and had gained experience from the Spanish Civil War; the Italians were not quite as prepared but still had good equipment and experience; and the Japanese had a strong Navy and Air Force. With some patience and coordination (which the Fuhrer was desperately short of), the Axis would have found that the Allies were no real opposition to their plans for world domination. But decisions like halting the Panzers outside Dunkirk, fighting the Russians as well as the British, and not informing the Japanese of their plans led to the downfall of Hitler and his plans for global domination.

The Storm of War begins with the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia, as well as the invasion of Poland and Norway, and then continues chronologically. Roberts states the facts, gives background information and then gives his analysis of that particular event. I found many facets that he presented interesting: I had not known the full extent of Russian casualties due to lack of experienced commanders, and I knew little about the African campaigns. This book will vastly increase your knowledge of the war, and I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in WW2.

Elizabeth enjoys history but prefers fiction over thick and serious tomes. Fortunately, Elliot doesn’t. Read more of their interactions at her blog Planet Nomad. The story referenced in the opening paragraph is found here.

I hope you will click over to the Kirkus Reviews site to read more about The Notes. This book would make a great Father’s Day present or gift for anyone interested in politics, public speaking, or American history. Be sure to check it out!

You can also now subscribe to the Kirkus Book Blogger Network feed. Go to the home page, and then click the subscribe button to get the feed in your favorite feed reader.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

Mirjam Pressler is a beloved German author, and the award-winning translator of Anne Frank’s Diary. She organized these notes and letters and adds in some information about what others of that day would have been doing or wearing or were thinking, so that Treasures from the Attic: The Extraordinary Story of Anne Frank’s Family reads as a continuous narrative, not just a series of letters. Gerti and Buddy were additional sources that she used for clarification.

At first it was hard for me to get into, especially the audiobook version, because I was trying to make connections and draw the lines on the family tree, but then I relaxed and let myself enjoy the stories of this warm, loving and silly family, going all the way back into the late 1800′s. We learn that other relatives placed importance on keeping a record of their thoughts via a journal. It’s grave to consider the likelihood that Anne would never have journaled her time in hiding from the Nazis were it not such a valued habit in the family.

After the somewhat slow start (just because it wasn’t connected to the time period that I associate with Anne Frank), bits of information about the prejudice against Jews throughout Europe begins to surface. And here’s the real irony — though Jewish by birth, the Frank family was quite secular in practice, even celebrating Christmas as a holiday, and not even attending temple on the high holy days.

Less than halfway through brings us to the low point in Otto Frank’s life, as we find out that Edith, Anne, and Margot have all died, as we wrote letters and telegrams back home after he and the other concentration camp inmates were freed by Russia (a fact that was new to me). At this point, the story becomes quite absorbing — perhaps because it’s familiar, and perhaps because of the way we’ve gotten to know the rest of the extended family. We experience this shocking news along with them, as they feel guilty for their relative ease and safety in Switzerland during this time.

The last half of the book continues to focus on the other family members, grandmas Alice and Ida and their children and grandchildren, but primarily looks at Otto’s work getting the diary published in many countries, and protecting its reputation by fighting those who claim it’s fiction. The book did not become a bestseller until the Tony-award winning play was staged and traveled throughout the world. Then the movie followed.

Otto used most of the proceeds from the success of the book, play and movie to set up the Anne Frank foundation to fight racism and encourage religious tolerance, and built a museum at the site of the secret annex, which is now one of the top ten most visited museums in Europe.

Hearing all that was preserved in this family’s letters to one another, and how much it told — not just about the horrid events of the day, but of their close-knit ties, jokey manner, and the way they expressed love — makes me think about what sort of legacy important and influential teens of our day are leaving behind. Surely the text messages, emails, tweets, and wall posts of this generation will not be preserved.

In addition to fans of Anne Frank or those who want to know more about the Nazi occupation, those who enjoy late 19th and 20th century European social history will no doubt enjoy this look at daily life, along with the struggles to overcome the extreme prejudice and persecution of the Jews at that time. Since the last half of the book also deals with the family’s loss of Anne and Margot and their mother Edith, I would think that someone who’s suffered the loss of a child might feel comforted or at least understood in these pages.

AUDIO NOTES: Treasures from the Attic: The Extraordinary Story of Anne Frank’s Family is a quiet book about a serious topic, and the reading follows this course. Sherry Adams Foster fooled me! I assumed that it was a German reader, but she wasn’t. However, hearing the accent definitely helped me become more fully immersed than if I had just been reading it.

I also find that in history books such as this, listening to an audio version helps me stick with it. I enjoyed this audiobook very much.

Jennifer Donovan has a stash of love letters from her husband in her closet and during those college years, she also wrote long letters to her best friend from high school. Her day to day memories are now preserved in cyberspace at her blog Snapshot.