Salt to the Sea by: Ruta Sepetys

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A heart wrenching tale of a group of misfits daring escapades during World War 2. Fighting hunger, wounds, language barriers, and persistent russian attacks each wonderful character has his or her own motives. Only one thing brings them all together, passage aboard the Gustloff. Evacuation may be their only chance at survival. Having already braved such hardships the Wilhelm Gustloff appears to be a light shining gallantly through the darkness. Unbeknownst to them this beacon of hope will turn into one of history's greatest maritime disasters. Wills will be tested, friendships strained, alliances broken, and once again death will strike a mighty blow upon his victims.

Ruta Sepetys is a world renowned historical fiction author who is not afraid to show the true horrors of history. Time and time again she has brought the hidden past to light in gruesome yet glorious displays, Salt to the Sea lives of to her fantastic legacy in more ways then one. She wields words like an artist with a paint brush. The scenery and events play like films for all readers. It is with no doubt I can say that any who read this book will find either a lesson to be learned, a thought to be pondered, or a life to be cherished. It is with that I push you, dear reader, to find yourself lost in the pages of this magnificent novel, and simultaneously get lost in time. 

Vango: by Timothee de Fombelle

Vango is a story about a boy named Vango who wants to become a priest in 1935, but on the day where he's going to be a priest, he is framed for a murder and chased by the police. Unfortunately, that is the ONLY notable thing that I can say. It is the only thing I can actually follow in the plot!


Link to Amazon Page [if you want to read it...]

This book was absolutely hard to follow [and I have to create a book report on it... REGRET], and there are a few characters that I can seem to catch...
Vango: The main character(?), the one running from the police(??), and apparently... part of a love triangle????? Or at very least in a relationship?!?!?!
Superintendent Bourland: The main police officer chasing Vango... I think. And I think he's hitting on a girl who's half as old as him... creep.
Ethel: Apparently, IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH VANGO. ?!?!? And Bourland hits on her. But at least she keeps Vango hidden? Not that the police ever get close. They're always in the wrong country. SO yeah.

There are plenty of other characters, but they don't play too much to the main plot. As for the ending [NON SPOILER], it's very open, and makes you wonder what the heck is happening and why it ended there...
Apparently, there is a sequel, but that isn't actually an excuse for just having a really weird ending. ANd note. This is not supposed to be a metaphorical book. It's a historical fiction. I'm not saying that there can't be metaphors in a book, but it's not meant to send the whole ending into nonsense.
I don't suggest reading this book. It might just be me, but it makes no sense. Overall, I give this book a 2/5.

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