Lilac Girls

Author: Kelly, Martha Hall

When I’m reading a book, in my mind, I’m rating it for Goodreads. This was going to be a three- or four-star, but leaning heavily to a four.

There are three main characters telling the story. Caroline is from a wealthy New York family, working for the French Consulate. Her family has ties to France and both Caroline and her mother are very involved in charities in France.

Kasia is a young g Polish woman, really just a girl, when she, her mother and her sister are transported to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. While there the Nazi’s used her and her sister for medical experiments.

Herta is a German woman, trained as a doctor. Because women in Germany were not allowed many career opportunities Herta accepts a position at Ravensbrück and conducts many of the experimental surgeries.

As I finished reading I was expecting the three women to meet and everyone would have a happy ending. There were connections made between the women but it was so much more than I expected. Finding out that this was a true story bumped the rating to a solid five.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *

Out on a Limb

Last fall I was ready to pass many of my quilt tops to the Guild’s Community Quilts project. I took photos of the quilts I was planning to give away and asked family if they wanted any of them. Much to my surprise there were a number that went back in my bin to be completed. This is the top that Will picked out; I should have warned everyone that the quilts weren’t actually finished but no one so far has asked about them.

The pattern is one that I got from Stacia and the fabric jelly roll I used was purchased with a gift certificate that she gave me. I didn’t put the appliquéd border on the quilt so it is a bit smaller and, given Will’s height, it will be no more than a lap quilt.

Will has just completed testing that will allow him to fly solo as he works towards his private pilot’s license so I put an airplane on the back.

Pick 6 Placemats

When I made placemats for Madison and Walid it was mentioned that Elizabeth really liked them. I decided I’d make a set for Elizabeth for her birthday but by the time her birthday came around I had forgotten all about it.

I was searching in “her” bin and came across the fabrics but it was too late to make them for her birthday so she got them just because.

I have fabric set aside for at least one more set but I may not stop there.

The Reason You Walk

Author: Wab Kinew

I’ve admired Wab Kinew from his time with the CBC and, most recently, as the Premier of Manitoba. Although this book gives good insight into his life it is also a memoir of his father, who was a residential school survivor.

I’ve borrowed this from the library but if I ever find it in a store I’ll buy it and keep it on my shelf.

To be hurt, yet forgive. To do wrong, but forgive yourself. To depart from this world leaving only love. This is the reason you walk.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *