Stolen Secrets
Author: L.B. Schulman
Publication Date: September 19th, 2017
Publisher: Boyd’s Mills Press
Synopsis: When Livvy’s mother abruptly moves the family across the country to San Francisco, sixteen-year-old Livvy is shocked to find that she’s been lied to. Instead of working for a bakery, her mom is actually taking care of Adelle, Livvy’s grandmother who she thought was long dead. Suffering from Alzheimer’s, Adelle begins to shout strange things, mistake her own name, and relive moments that may have taken place in a concentration camp. When Livvy and her new friend, Franklin D., find journal entries from the Holocaust in Adelle’s home, Livvy begins to suspect that her grandmother may have a shocking link to a notable figure — Anne Frank.
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Praise for STOLEN SECRETS
“The author captures the desperate uncertainty of life with an alcoholic and having to parent a parent. Whip-smart Franklin has a uniquely drawn personality and his dialogue with Livvy sparkles…VERDICT An engaging coming-of-age novel recommended for libraries looking to highlight issues of alcoholism, Alzheimer’s, and family estrangement.’ ―School Library Journal
“Stolen Secrets is a solid mystery with family drama and teen angst. Livvy is a likable character who is smart and perceptive at times, yet, like most teens, naive and clueless at others. The novel is easy to read and would be a good companion read for students reading Anne Frank’s diary. Stolen Secrets will need some hand-selling to teens, but once they pick it up they will not be disappointed.” ―VOYA
“This is a well-written book that sympathetically examines the roles of Holocaust survivors on both sides of the war as well as guilt and forgiveness. The main and supporting characters are funny and engaging…a good addition to those who want to read more books with a Holocaust theme. Recommended.” ―School Library Connection
“A…contemporary story with a Holocaust secret at its core….a jam-packed narrative with a full complement of tropes and topical elements: new girl; friend issues; alcoholism; family secrets, neo-Nazis; predatory elder care; armed robbery—and a romance. The grandmother’s mysterious past intrigues…” ―Kirkus Reviews
If you haven’t already read this one, get ready to pick up your next 5 star read with Stolen Secrets by L.B. Schulman. This beautiful historical fiction/coming of age story is such a perfect read for any age, and it will make you sit down and reflect on its brilliance long after you finish reading it.
When I first started reading this, I had no idea that it was going to be such a moving and powerful book. It was unlike anything I’ve read lately, and that was fantastic to me. It had the perfect amount of excitement, characters that I instantly fell in love with, and an intriguing story that really made this book perfect. All in all, I found myself wanting to read it again as soon as I had finished it.
I absolutely loved The Diary of Anne Frank and I’ve always been fascinated with her story, so I knew that this book was going to be good, I just didn’t know how good. I love how the author linked real historical events in with this novel, and made it really come to life and grab the attention of the reader. Whether or not you enjoy historical novels, this one will captivate you and move you.
Livvy’s character was incredibly well written and rounded, and I had such a great connection with her from the very beginning. I wanted to know everything about her, and I loved reading what she was going through.
It had to have taken the author a great amount of research and care to write this book, and it really shows. She has clearly poured herself into writing this book, and the writing is so good it was so easy to get lost in the story.
Note: I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
STOLEN SECRETS is L.B. Schulman’s second young adult novel. Her debut, LEAGUE OF STRAYS, was published in 2012. She grew up in Maryland and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of loveable mutts. When she isn’t writing, she’s visiting genealogy sites, trying to find famous people she’s related to. You can visit her online at LBSchulman.com.
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1 Winner will receive a STOLEN SECRETS Swag (Signed Copy, Bookmark, Pen & More) by L.B. Schulman.
ENDS: February 5, 2018
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This isn’t my kind of book personally, but I’m SO glad you found something you loved so much! <3 And I really admire authors who put so much work into their research, to make sure every detail is there for us to intake. Awesome review! <3
Aimee (Aimee, Always) recently posted…A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Read a Book (the Proper Fangirl Way)
Thank you! This is the kind of book that I knew I was going to adore from the start, and I was right. I also admire authors who spend so much time researching! Thanks for stopping by!
Fantastic review! This isn’t my cup of tea but I’m glad to hear that you loved it! It really sounds like an incredible read. 🙂
Raven recently posted…One Of Us Is Lying By Karen M. McManus [Review]
Thank you so much! This book has so much to offer and it’s amazing!
I love the premise of this one! Great review
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse recently posted…Review: Unqualified by Anna Faris
Thank you! It was definitely interesting and such a wonderful story.
Wow, I’ve never heard of this one but it sounds great! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing,
~Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
Brittany recently posted…BATMAN: Nightwalker by Marie Lu Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway
Thank you! It was such emotional read and had so much to offer!