Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers and Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give Kathryn’s (at Book Date) “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” meme a kidlit focus, reviewing books in children’s literature (picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, or anything in the world of kidlit). If you enjoy this type of reading, join us every Monday to share what you’ve been reading!
This will probably be one of my shortest posts of 2019. It turns out sanding, priming, painting, installing new doors, cleaning, and beginning the process of packing up a family of seven is time consuming. Therefore, I only finished one book this week AND I believe this is the first post where I don’t have a kidlit, mglit, or yalit book reviewed. Oh my, I’m sure breaking the rules this week. 🙂 I look forward to hearing what all you’ve been reading!
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr
May 6, 2014
Scribner
This title was another one listed on my #MustReadin2019 challenge and it was also part of my #BigBookSummer challenge since it was 531 pages. I’ve been hearing about it for a long time as it was both a Pulitzer Prize winner and a finalist for the National Book Award (and won many other awards, as well).
All the Light We Cannot See is a moving story that centers primarily on the lives of two young adults during WWII. Werner is an orphan, along with his sister, Jutta. Without parents, he knows he has no support, no money, and no future other than working in the mines. However, Vernor is particularly gifted in mathematics and, specifically, radio technology — and he’s entirely self-driven and self-taught. Once his abilities are discovered, he is given a unique responsibility as a soldier for Germany in WWII. The other main character is Marie-Laure. She’s 12 years old, French, blind, clever, brave, and her father is a master locksmith who taught her to see the world with her other senses. At some point, she ends up living with her great uncle, Etienne (who I assume is suffering from PTSD), who adds another level to the story because of his painful experiences.
I love how this story told the truth of these opposing sides in such depth, humanizing the experience of both civilians and soldiers. And as a reader, I felt the push and pull of wanting to be patriotic while worrying about being on the “wrong” side. Also, there’s constant discussion of sounds, colors, and light, which really makes me wish I’d read this in a book club so I could talk it out and bounce thoughts/feelings off others. Maybe I’ll get the chance on down the road because this one is definitely worth a re-read. The depth of love, the worries and fears, and the family relationships were so tangible. Highly recommend!
AWARDS: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2015), Audie Award for Fiction (2015), ALA Alex Award (2015), Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Fiction (Runner-Up) (2015), Ohioana Book Award for Fiction (2015), Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) for International Book (2015), Andrew Carnegie Medal for Fiction (2015), Idaho Book of the Year Award (2014), National Book Award Finalist for Fiction (2014), Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction (2014), and Nominee for Best of the Best (2018), International DUBLIN Literary Award Nominee (2016), any I missed?
You can add it to your Goodreads list HERE.
If you do not have a local bookstore, you may purchase it through IndieBound HERE.
You may also choose to purchase it through Amazon HERE.
To Be Read:
I picked up Arlo Finch: In the Valley of Fire earlier this week when I found it available as an audiobook. I’m doing a lot of listening while I work and this has kept my attention quite nicely. I’m about halfway through this one and should be finished by next week. I also have an ARC of The House at the End of the Road that I hope to review, next week.
Reading Challenge Updates:
Goodreads Challenge 2019 – 168/200
#MustReadin2019 – 21/42
The Miller Memo 
I had trouble getting into Arlo Finch but enjoyed the ending. I did not read the next book. I am thinking it might be better than the first. I was hoping a student might let me know, but I didn’t really have anyone read it this year in my grade 6 class. My wife really enjoyed All the Light We Cannot See. I might have to try that one someday. Thanks for the shares.
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All the Light We Cannot See was so worth two weeks of listening (I rarely read a book for that long)! Such a meaningful book!! And I’m enjoying the Arlo Finch audiobook, so far. It’s kept me company while I’m sweating bullets in these 90+ degree temps and painting my garage. Depending on how it ends, I may go forward with book #2. I’ve been seeking spooky-but-not-too-scary middle grade books this year and I’m thinking this one might fall into that category. Thanks for swinging by, Aaron!
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Best wishes with all that prep, Shaye. I’m so glad you enjoyed All The Light We Cannot See. It’s time for a re-read I think!
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I think I can, I think I can, I think I can… 🙂 And I’m so happy to have made All the Light We Cannot See a priority, this year. This one will definitely stick with me a looooong time! Thanks for visiting, Linda!
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You have been busy! I am exhausted just reading your post. I too loved All the Light We Cannot See. It’s such a powerful read. I listened to it as an audiobook and need to go back and reread it with my eyes.
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I feel the same way, Cheriee — loved listening, but now I want to read it with my eyes. LOVED this powerful book. Thanks for coming by!
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Getting a house ready to sell is hard work! Sending you good vibes! The House at the End of the Road is a new title for me and the cover is intriguing. Definitely will look it up on Goodreads.
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I’m trying to keep motivated day after day. It’s sure tough work, though. Thanks so much for visiting, Laura!
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I loved Arlo Finch! I told people it takes a little bit to get into, but once you do, it’s hard to stop. I thought book 2 was even better and I can’t wait to read book 3!
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Yes! I’m totally in it, now. The spook factor is real (and the humor is making me giggle). Hoping to get to book #2 this summer. I didn’t even check to see how many books there are, yet. lol Thanks for dropping by, Michele, and I hope you have a fabulous reading week!
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All the Light is definitely one of my favorite 55 books of all time.
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I remember being disappointed with All the Light, and my aunt falling on me with delight because she also had been and everyone else loved it. Sadly I cannot remember any details! I vaguely remember thinking it was a bit manipulative as opposed to authentic. Worth the time, though, and with all the sensory details a good fit for a major unpacking/installing/painting project!
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I’ve heard of All the Light many times, but haven’t picked it up yet. Maybe some day. I wish you the best as you pack up!
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Have fun with the move – it’s always tough, am sure, uprooting and relocating. We will be doing the same by the end of August – and it’s going to be an international move, that one’s bound to be tough.
All the Light was a book club pick with my colleagues a few years back and we enjoyed discussing it. I just realized that I often break the mg/kidlit/ya rule as of recent! Hahaha. 🙂
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