Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Instead of stopping for first impressions after the first chapter, I thought we'd do 3 chapters so we can meet all 3 characters - Caroline, Kasia and Herta. How are you feeling about the start of this book? What are your first impressions of these three girls? Are you eager to continue? Other first impressions?

I LOVE having all three different perspectives. I don't love Herta's character right now, but I do appreciate that this book is going to show a German girls perspective. A lot of WWII books are written from Jewish people's perspectives(rightfully so), but I think it will be interesting to hear how the Nazi regime affected German citizens as well. You can definitely already tell how The propaganda has affected Herta. I'm excited to see how all of these girls meet.

I started this book a couple days ago and have finished these 3 chapters. I find it interesting that they're each in a different stage of life and in totally different countries. I assume at some point the three of them are going to connect, but have no idea how that will happen.

I love how strong and intelligent Caroline is right off the bat. I wonder how she will change and grow as we get farther in. I'm guessing Kasia's chapters will be the ones to make me cry. I am particularly looking forward to Herta's character arch. She's the one who I also didn't love right off the bat, but I bet there were a bunch of young men and women in Germany who felt the same way. I hope her worldview expands as the story goes on and that she gains some empathy and compassion as her eyes are opened to the realities of her world and how it affects those around her. We shall see.

I agree with Robyn, I love the different perspectives in this book. Although, at this point I don't like Herta either, I like getting a German girl's perspective, It's something you don't see often in these types of WW2 books. Herta is definitely a product of the propaganda.

Like Krista, I think Kasia's chapters will be the most heart breaking to read. I also hope we see Herta grow and change as the book progresses.

I really liked the strength of Herta's father to stand up against the propaganda and even his wife and Herta. I can only imagine how tough it must have been to stand against Nazi ways and not look at Jews as less then as a German during this time. He's risking a lot at a time when he could have just lived in privildge. It takes a lot of strength to stand up against Hitler's regime and I'm happy to see this strength displayed in Lilac Girls.

I am definitely eager to continue reading this book.

I'm listening to the audiobook, and I have to admit that I'm not into this book yet. I am slightly intrigued by how the three girls will eventually connect, but other than that, I'm struggling right now. I do like the writing style so far! Maybe it's the narrators (there's three different ones for all three perspectives) that I'm not really liking. All three of their voices are kind of monotonous to me, but they're accents are good!

jenthelibrarian wrote: "I'm listening to the audiobook, and I have to admit that I'm not into this book yet. I am slightly intrigued by how the three girls will eventually connect, but other than that, I'm struggling righ..."
I am also listening to the audio book and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the information. It is hard to take it all in through listening. I am hoping that as the story goes along the narration will become easier to digest. I totally agree that the voice actors are doing a great job with the accents! I am hoping that the more I listen the more they will come to embody the characters. I am glad you are also listening to the audio book, it will be fun to compare reading experiences with the others physically reading the book!

I am starting the book tonight......finally!

Debbi wrote: "I am starting the book tonight......finally!"

I just finished it today and it's a good one. Although all WW2, Hitler concentration camp books are tragic, this is a great story. Hope you like it.

I simultaneously love and hate split perspective books. When Caroline's chapter ended I wanted to skip to the next Caroline chapter and read her storyline. The Herta chapter had my jaw on the ground. I have read books from German perspective during WWII before, but never heard about these "retreats" or birthing places to produce the "perfect" race. So far so good!

Alex wrote: "I simultaneously love and hate split perspective books. When Caroline's chapter ended I wanted to skip to the next Caroline chapter and read her storyline. The Herta chapter had my jaw on the groun..."

Sometimes multiple perspective books take me a little longer to get into, but once I know each of the characters and care a little bit about the story. I like it much better.

Sheesh. FINALLY starting the book tonight and flew through the first few chapters. I've found it engrossing right off the bat. (Did the audiobook ever get better?) Can't wait to see what happens! I wonder whether Herta will stand up against the injustice that she is so far participating in? Or will she be a foil for the other two characters we've met, and remain unlikable?

Katie, don't feel bad. I just started the book too. I think once we get going it is going to be an interesting and fast book to read. We can do it before the end of May. Yes, we can!

Katie and Debbi! Glad you guys are starting! I found it a pretty quick read and read more than half of it in two or three days.

Debbi wrote: "Katie, don't feel bad. I just started the book too. I think once we get going it is going to be an interesting and fast book to read. We can do it before the end of May. Yes, we can!"

Oh I'm so glad I'm not alone! I'm still going to add my two cents into these threads even if I'm yelling into the wind because everyone else has finished the book. haha! ;)

Katie wrote: "Debbi wrote: "Katie, don't feel bad. I just started the book too. I think once we get going it is going to be an interesting and fast book to read. We can do it before the end of May. Yes, we can!"..."

Although I'm one of those that has finished the book, I'll be reading your thoughts Katie. I love your insights into books and I think you will have some great thoughts to share on this book. So, you won't be yelling into the wind. lol :)

It's a pretty quick read. It took me a week to read it and I think I'm a slower reader then you. You should have enough time to finish in May, but either way it's definitely worth the read.

Don't worry Katie, I'm not even halfway through it yet lol!