Books and Jams Readalong discussion

You're almost 1/2 way. What thoughts do you have at this point? BTW, I write these topics before I ever start the book, so please feel free to add ANY thoughts you have along the way. Don't feel like you have to just answer my questions!

I can't believe people treated other people like this. The medical experimentations, slow starvation, etc. I had moments that I felt physically ill. Especially the scene with the teacher, when her baby got taken away I wanted to scream for her, and then how she just lost all hope (I would too). I try not to think about kids in the camps, but I know it was a reality. So sad.

I agree Robyn it was hard to read. Ever time I read a new WWII book I learn something new. The medical experiments made me sick. I couldn't believe one human would do that to another. Just horrible.

I agree that the scenes with the teacher were heart wrenching. :(

I didn't know about the medical experiments either. Absolutely horrible!

This was a hard section to read, but it was well written. It made me feel even more for everyone who went through this time in history.

Becky wrote: "I agree that the scenes with the teacher were heart wrenching. :(

I didn't know about the medical experiments either. Absolutely horrible!

This was a hard section to read, but it was well writte..."

And it's crazy to think that all of that took place less than 100 years ago!

Robyn wrote: "Becky wrote: "I agree that the scenes with the teacher were heart wrenching. :(

I didn't know about the medical experiments either. Absolutely horrible!

This was a hard section to read, but it w..."

Exactly!

BTW I posted a comment on your YouTube channel too Robyn, but your newborn little boy is adorable. Congratulations!!! :)

Becky wrote: "Robyn wrote: "Becky wrote: "I agree that the scenes with the teacher were heart wrenching. :(

I didn't know about the medical experiments either. Absolutely horrible!

This was a hard section to ..."

Thank you Becky!

I shouldn't have gotten this far right before bed. I'm so heartbroken and angry reading about the medical experiments done to Kasia and the other girls! I can't figure out why or what they're trying to accomplish. The outright cruelty to young girls is so horrifying!

I have such mixed feelings about Caroline and her storyline. I know Paul and his wife don't have an ideal marriage, but I just can't agree with cheating. On the other hand I love that she is still working to send clothing and other items to French orphans. I am still curious as to how she will end up in Europe. She must right? In order for them to all connect?

It was nice to see Herta showing some level of compassion to Halina (Matka), but after hearing some comments I'm much more wary that she will truly have a change of heart.

I am really captivated by these three women and the way their stories are developing. Hoping to get close to finishing this weekend.

Ugh. This book is so heartbreaking. There are moments that I have to put it down because it is almost too heavy for me to bear. After becoming a mother I have a really high intolerance in hearing about children or babies being abused. The fact that babies were taken from their mother and killed is horrifying to me. HORRIFYING.

Some other thoughts: A few times they mention animals...either the freedom of the birds or the dogs owned by German officers, and I can't help thinking about how the prisoners are being treated as if they were less than animals. It's hard for me to wrap my head around how humans can treat other humans without it haunting their conscience at all! I refuse to place myself on any moral high ground...but it's hard to imagine. I knew about that a lot of experiments were done on prisoners, but the more I hear, the more I am appalled. In some ways one would hope that some value could have been gained so that these unfortunate souls did not suffer and die in vain (I hope that doesn't seem callous. And it opens a bigger can of worms about the ethics of using information gained unethically...), but it seems unlikely that there were actually any medical advances made. It was just one more method to torture people.

Just curious...is it ever explicitly talked about what happened to Kasia's mother, Halina? I am on chapter 21 and so far we know she's gone, but i don't know the circumstances. Is this ever addressed?

I am wondering the same thing. I am on chapter 38 and it hasn't said what happened to her so far. I really hope we find out.

Katie wrote: "Ugh. This book is so heartbreaking. There are moments that I have to put it down because it is almost too heavy for me to bear. After becoming a mother I have a really high intolerance in hearing a..."
It is revealed in one of the last chapters I believe!