The Cook of Castamar Fernando J. Múñez

     The Duke of Castamar has lost his wife to a horrible accident. It destroys his spirit. He neglects his duties and his family while he mourns. The King of Spain sends a messenger to tell the Duke, he must return to his duties. No more mourning time.

   Clara Belmonte's  father is killed during the war. Clara takes the news so hard she becomes agoraphobic. A monk secures employment for her at Castamar. Clara's mother taught her to cook and then when she died, Clara continued to cook and create recipes. What follows is a story you will fall in love with.

     I watched this movie because I couldn't find the book translated anywhere. It's beautiful and groundbreaking for the time period. I couldn't get enough of this movie. The movie is broken down into twelve one hour episodes. I knew I had to find the book translated. This is just as beautiful and wild as you can imagine. You must read the book and see the movie.

    I did find issues. If you watch the movie first and fall in love with it... don't read the book. You will be disappointed. The back stories in the book are significantly different. Relationships are different. Not just a bit different though, it changes the story. The book is more violent as well. I am so glad I found the movie first.

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because it changes the story too much.

Shmuel's Bridge: Following the Tracks to Auschwitz with My Survivor Father by Jason Sommer

  Jay is ninety eight years old and extremely accomplished. He speaks ten languages,  taught gymnastics and dance. He was awarded New York's teacher of the year and the national teacher of the year . Jay was also a Holocaust survivor. He told Jason, his son, many memories of his horrific experience. The memories were getting harder for Jay to recall and so Jason decided they needed to visit the places in his memories.

  You are going to love this book. It tells you and takes you to some of the most horrific places. It's very well written and should be in your must read pile. You will experience the Holocaust first hand in this book. Mr. Sommer's tells the story in such clear and haunting terms you'll feel like you are there. I love that Jay and his son went back to the places he spent time in. As Mr. Sommers relives those memories you get a first hand "look" at Auschwitz.

   I did find one issue. The book's title is about Jay's brother yet he isn't mentioned much at all. I feel to be true to the title, prying the information about Shmuel from family members memories.

 I gave this one 5 cheers because I enjoyed the book so much. You will as well so get your copy today.

Update

 Hello All,

  I am hanging in there and reading when I can. Somedays my eyes just won't clear and focus like they should.  

  My eye specialist says I have to have three more surgeries before all is hopefully clear. I appreciate everyone who follows me anywhere and for those who stop by here.  It's frustrating to me that I am unable to read as I once did. I feel like a turtle reading right now.  I am following doctor's orders and doing the steps they suggested.

  Thanks again for hanging in there with me. Hopefully I'll get back to reading  my way, very soon.

Hugs and Keep writing!!!

                                                                                                MELANIE