Ocean City Free Public Library Book Blog

The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff      If you had a moment to save a life, would you? Two wo men, differen t backgrounds, secrets of their own,  and yet are bound together by a bond of survival. This  is an incredible story of friendship, loss, and bravery. Set during World War II, t he story follows the lives of two strong women, Noa and Astrid, as they make their way on a traveling circus. Author Pam Jenoff transports readers along for the ride. With her rich writing style and strong characterization, readers will quickly become emotionally invested in the story that unfolds, and the final outcome of our protagonists. We enjoyed the story, felt for the characters, and knew that this story will stay with us for a long time.  Be prepared with a box of tissues. Check it out  here  and embark on the journey.    April’s book choice is Thank You For Your Service   by David Finkel. We will meet on April 17 th  in...

Taimi The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley This Newbery Honor recipient takes place in England during World War II. I enjoyed getting to know Ada, a 10 yr. old Londoner who is born with a club foot, and celebrated with her as she overcame many obstacles throughout this novel. Although technically it is a children's book, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or titles that captures the strength of the human spirit. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, "The War I Finally Won" which will be released this fall.  The Plot To Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero  by Patricia McCormick This well-researched narrative describes not only the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but also the German Resistance. McCormick also highlights important historical events occurring in Germany during this time period. I learned much about the German opposition to Hitler during this suspense...

It sounds like it could be a classic Hollywood action film – a plane crashes in a dense jungle in New Guinea and the few survivors aboard must deal with a variety of life-threatening problems, the least of which includes the cannibalistic natives that are all around them. The crazy thing is that what could pass for an entertaining summer movie actually did happen and the events are recounted in Mitchell Zuckoff’s new book Lost in Shangri-La . During World War II, the United States established a military base in New Guinea. On one fateful day, a group of military men and women decide to take a sightseeing trip to an obscure part of the island, dubbed “Shangri-La.” When the plane crashes, only three members of the team manage to survive – a lively WAC (Women’s Army Corps), a young lieutenant who lost his twin brother in the crash and takes command of the trio, and a sergeant with a massive head injury. The group has no food (relying on Charms hard candy), little water, no way to contact ...