Beautiful story of survival and happiness!
354339
Read this at a friends home this weekend.  Its a marvelous read.  For content - 5 stars.  There were about a half dozen editing errors, which is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars.
926576
I read a lot and this is truly one of the best stories I have ever read.  It gives the word 'survival' a whole new meaning.  It is a story of hope and the will of a human being to survive against all odds.  I would highly recommend it.  I also understand that there is a possibility of it becoming a movie, I will definitely watch it!
2521739
When I first saw this title, I thought "Frozen." I passed it by, then came back to it to read a review because I loved the cover. It was too pretty to pass up! I am glad I came back, because this was one of the most heartwarming and beautiful stories that I've read in a long time. It's told from the perspective of a selfish young girl who eventually redeems herself. It didn't happen right away and so much of her story is heartbreaking. I was in tears on and off throughout. This story has a happy ending. It has a sweet romantic feel to it, but most of the story is about Smitha's self-realization. I haven't read any of this author's other books, but I think I'll give them a try.
4699383
Beautifully written, a gripping story of survival, admittance, acceptance and realism. Definitely an up and coming talent. Great job Jules!
3772327
I was instantly attracted to this book by its cover and title, then once I read the prologue, I couldn't put this book down. It's a beautiful story of  hope, and being strong amidst times that seem like your world is crumbling down, all at once, on you alone. I was very touched by this book, especially in the beginning, and later when Sophie describes her encounters with the ones she loves, her near death experiences. I loved this quote: "No one gets to quit. You keep fighting, every day, and sooner or later, the grief fades a little. You grow stronger, find joy again, and everything gets easier. You come out of it more equipped to handle the next wave, which will come eventually. There will always be waves." Congratulations, this is a truly beautifully written, with a very satisfying end!
4060732
Amazing story of surviving and flourishing after trauma and God's grace and love.  The writer has a good flow of her story and explains things beautifully.
777172
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish! A beautiful story with some surprises along the way. I laughed, cried, groaned, and cheered as the main characters navigated through true-to-life experiences of finding love and healing in the midst of loss and regret. I've enjoyed reading all three of Beth Vogt's novels, and this is the best one yet! I look forward to her next publication!
4910854
A strong personal story about the human will to survive. It pulls on the heart strings!
2332544
Gorgeous story about one seemingly ordinary mans quest to become special.
Beautifully written and well paced story following a shy, socially awkward dyslexic lad with a determination not just to make the people who love him proud, and not just to prove his doubters wrong, but to ultimately live up to the potential he knows is inside him.
I smiled through out this book, and loved the fact that dreams and intuition and hard work made all the difference, proving that persistence really does pay off.
A beautiful legacy for Mr Schneider to leave behind not only for his children & grandchildren, but for the world as a whole.
Mr Schneider...I am willing to bet that nothing about your "specialness" is in question now.
3979598
This is a beautiful and hopeful story that I really enjoyed.  The characters are all facing different challenges in their lives that they are each struggling with.  The main characters Mary and Ruben must face their own fears and insecurities and remain faithful that Gott will answer their prayers.

It was so enjoyable to delve into a world so different from our modern culture, and find that the same universal struggles exist.  The story was so captivating that it was hard to put down.  The characters were so likeable that you couldn't help root for them from beginning to end.  Well-written and inspiring.
944825
Awesome story. We know Frida personally and she is an awesome person. A true story of survival, love and forgiveness! Would highly recommend!
912563
How do you rate a book which so profoundly affects you and touches the deepest, darkest and scariest corners of your heart? And yet leaves me with a sense of hope and respect for the strength of the human spirit.

This narrative is an amazing story of survival against all odds. For 18 months, 16 year old Polish-Jewish born Clara Schwarz and 17 other Jews (including 2 young children) hid in a dug-out bunker underneath the house of a "Volksdeutsche" neighbour to escape Nazi atrocities committed against the Jewish community of Zolkiew, Poland, during WW2. Jammed into the dark and airless space like sardines in a can, unable to stand up straight and suffering from thirst, hunger and disease, the 18 fugitives face the daily threat of discovery and death. Saved only by the generosity and courage of Mr Beck, his wife Julia and their daughter, the group live through a fire, frequent bombings, the commission of the Becks' house by Nazi soldiers and investigations by the Ukrainian police into allegations that Jews are being hidden in the house. All that time, young Clara keeps a diary of their lives in the bunker - excerpts of which are shared with the reader at the beginning of every chapter. The fugitives' survival is not only a miracle, but also a testimony to the human survival spirit and the kindness of others. If the Nazi atrocities will churn your stomach, the courage and generosity of the Beck family will renew your faith in the goodness in people.

I had the audio version of this book, which kept me enthralled for many hours during my daily commute to and from work. Whilst I found the beginning of the book a bit hard to get into, owing to the foreign names of the many characters in the narrative, which seemed overwhelming in the audio version, I was soon drawn into Clara's life and looked forward to my time in the car. It was impossible not to be touched by this story - I cried when Clara's sister died, I rejoiced when the two children were found, and twice I had to turn off the sound just to get a break from the suffering those courageous people had to endure. Growing up in a country of peace and plentiful it is hard to imagine Clara's life in the bunker, and how people who have survived such suffering still manage to lead happy lives afterwards.

Everyone with an interest in history, or an appreciation of human nature in its best and worst form, should read this book. Like the Diary of Anne Frank, this book gives a true and invaluable account of life during WW2, and will stay with me for a long time - giving me a new appreciation of life and peace. A truly remarkable book, told by a remarkable person.
3355470
I love survival stories, and have since I was a teen searching through the YA section for every one I could pick up. I AM STILL ALIVE is a wonderful addition to the genre, and I loved Jess. I loved her resourcefulness, her somber voice, but most of all how she coped with her injuries and weakness and acknowledged that there were things she couldn't do, was angry about that, and used her strengths to compensate for what she couldn't do physically. Plus, the story itself is harrowing, with all the great survival elements I always love. But mostly, thank God we get a badass girl who gets to survive through the elements. Definitely recommended!
4708394
A beautiful tale of redemption and survival.

Maeve Tildon is getting by in her life. With her young son and just the memory of her husband, she struggles to create a normal life. For little Ben and for herself.

Bishop has been nicknamed 'the hermit'. He lives alone, deep in the woods, with only his horse, Jake for company. He has seen too much in the war and is comfortable in his solitude, away from society and people. But he keeps watch....

The days are getting colder and the weather reports are frightening. A new 'ice age' is beginning and no one is prepared for it....

This book is an impressive tale of survival and the strength that can be found when loved ones need help. It also portrays the amazing brotherhood of military veterans and what will never be denied to those who've lost someone. A story filled with action, emotion, and deceit. This wonderful book kept me reading, to finish it in one sitting! A.R. Shaw does an excellent job in describing not only the spirit of true humanity, but the dark depths of those whose greed will not be satiated. Very well done!
2192387
Whoa!  One person should not have to endure so much adversity in one life time. Life circumstances presented Colette many opportunities for growth and discovery.  This book is written from a positive perspective; about how a person can persevere and turn unpleasant situations into something truly positive.  The book is beautifully written, captivating, hopeful, uplifting and hard to put down!
1702872
This story may be about Piper's dreams but all the characters are beautifully written and will hold a place in your heart. The love that is shared between everyone in the story is awe inspiring. This is a beautiful story of being a survivor and finding one's self.
4287483
This is a wonderful story of survival, strength, and finding friendship in the most unlikely places. Abused as a child, rejected as an adult, Tucker has hardened her heart to all outsiders. Then Ella moves in next door. The bond they form becomes the strong thread that keeps them both from falling apart when the unbelievable and unbearable happens.

I was so touched by this story and all the characters - Tucker, Ella, and April particularly. What these three suffer through as parents, grandparents, friends, is heartbreaking. But their love and genuine caring for one another gives them the strength to overcome and brings them all even closer.

I listened to the audible version and the narration was some of the best I've heard. So very well done. All of the accents, personalities, both male and female, were all absolutely wonderful. I would read/listen to anything by either this author or this narrator.

A very powerful and moving story. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read more in this series.