Zombie Pick:  Nellie Carlson staff want to revive "Salt to Sea" even though it was not one of our official reads.  In a previous blog, we noted that "Salt to Sea" was defeated by "The Hate You Give", a book which we had read.   Good book, not great.  A previous blogger had indicated that they loved "Salt to Sea" but had to pick HYG because of its social relevance.   So... needing some inspiring and inspired literature, some of us chose to read STS.   Wow!

This historical fiction novel is a fast paced thriller.  It is well written, exposing a forgotten chapter in history.   The characters are well developed, believable, and complex.   The plot is compelling, and indeed, is constructed from extensively researched sources.   The author skillfully weaves personal drama with historical fact, to create characters that come to life in the reader's imagination.   The detail, based on research, is realistic and sobering, painting images of the horror of Eastern Europe at the end of WW2.  This is an important, and educational book.   It deserves to be recognized as an influential YA book that will stand the test of time.