Books from the Backlog #3

Posted April 12, 2018 by Carole in Books from the Backlog / 38 Comments

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.
If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  
This week’s neglected book

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Release Date: February 6, 2016
Publisher: Philomel Books

Between Shades of Gray meets Titanic in this epic WWII-era novel that shines a light on one of the war’s most devastating—yet unknown—maritime tragedies.

It’s 1945 in East Prussia. World War II is drawing to a close as Russian forces overtake the Germans, and thousands of refugees are on a frantic trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among the throngs of people seeking safety are Joana, Emilia, and Florian: each one borne of a different homeland, yet equally desperate to escape a life marked by brutality and war. As their paths converge en route to the Wilhelm Gustloff—the former cruise ship that promises each character’s salvation and future just beyond the Baltic Sea—the three are forced by circumstance to unite, and with each step closer toward safety, their strength, courage, and trust in each other are tested.

Yet just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, Russian torpedoes strike the massive ship. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival. Most will not make it.

Told in four alternating POVs, Ruta Sepetys delivers a masterful work of historical fiction inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, the single greatest maritime disaster in history (far more deadly than the sinking of Titanic). Just as she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

Why did I add Salt to the Sea to my bookshelf?

I bought this book right as it was being released in February 2016.  I actually was able to get the book signed at a local stop on the book tour for this book.  I thought the book looked good before hearing Ruta Sepetys talk but by the time I left I was really excited.  It really was one of the most interesting author events that I have been to and I was amazed by the research that went into Salt to the Sea. (see my post from the author event – here)  So I have a signed physical copy of this book that has been waiting to be read for over two years.  I do feel a little less guilty about it since my daughter has taken the book off the shelf to read and really enjoyed it.  Hopefully, I can squeeze this one into my reading schedule by the end of the year.

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

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38 responses to “Books from the Backlog #3”

  1. chucklesthescot

    Nice book cover! I really need to dig out some of my older books and show them some love. I've got quite a few from as far back as 2010 to get off the tbr!

  5. Bark At The Ghouls

    I haven't read this one but you're doing pretty good. It's not too old yet 🙂 I have books on my shelf unread that I bought in the 90's! I'll probably feature one of them next week.

  6. Sophia Rose

    I've heard her books are great. I have a different one of hers moldering on the shelf that needs my attention, but I want to read this one, too.

  10. Abby Miller

    I read this book back in January and rated it 5/5 stars. It was so amazing and heart-wrenching. Between Shades of Gray is also an amazing book by her.

  14. Alyssa

    Ooooooo. I always meant to read one of this author's book, but haven't yet. Award winners are both intriguing and daunting. If you read it, I hope you love it, Carole!

    Have a fantastic weekend. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

  18. Katherine P

    This looks gorgeous and this is an author I've been meaning to read since Between Shades of Grey came out. I have so many books sitting on my shelf staring at me just waiting to be read. One day!

  19. Olivia's Catastrophe

    I read this one last year and it is well worth it. It's beautifully written, very informative and also emotional too. I do hope you get around to it this year!