What Stands in a Storm -- Kim Cross

In April 2011, many states experienced some of the worst storms ever recorded. That month, Alabama was hit with several major tornadoes which killed hundreds and wounded thousands. In some cases, entire towns were demolished. This is the story of some of the worst storms that hit on April 27, 2011, particularly the large tornado which destroyed much of the city of Tuscaloosa where the University of Alabama is located. Damaged though many cities were, example after example was found of people working together to help each other and recover from these devastating storms.


***This book was terrifying, intense, and absolutely eye-opening. I read it, because I lived in Tuscaloosa and attended graduate school at UA from 2006-2008. When the tornado went through, it was shocking. Thankfully, none of my dear friends there were hurt. Reading this book gave me a whole new appreciation for tornadoes and the power they have and the damage they can inflict. It has made me want to be better prepared to help others with first aid in the event of a major natural disaster where I live, because this book painted a picture of how difficult it can be for emergency services to reach people after such an event, and how we all need to lean on each other. I could not put the book down and would recommend it. It was very detailed and vivid, though, so it may be hard to read for some.

The Invisible Wall -- Harry Bernstein

In a small mill town in England before World War I began, an invisible wall divided the Jewish families from the Christian families who lived on the same street. They were neighbors, and yet they were far removed from one another as a result of their differences in religion. Nothing was feared more than possible fraternization between their young people, particularly the young women and young men. There were severe repercussions for those who ignored the unofficial status quo and began relationships with the "other" half.

Harry Bernstein was a young boy then. He saw the invisible wall, but he didn't always understand it. He also saw his mother struggle to make ends meet for their family in spite of an abusive and neglectful husband. And, in time, he saw his oldest sister Lily fall in love with one of "them" -- the Christians. Though he knew what his religion required and what his mother believed, he didn't know if he could feel the same. After all, what if true love could crumble the invisible wall?


***I really enjoyed this memoir. I learned some interesting things about the Jewish faith. My heart was touched by many of the stories shared by Harry.