Holocaust Memorial Day

The 27th January every year marks Holocaust Memorial Day - a day of rememberence for the 6 - 9 million Jews, disabled people, homosexuals, communists and many more that loat their lives in an act of hatred. It also marks a day of reflection, one very apt in today's current political climate. This tragedy began with hate - a word used too much in everyday life. One of the lessons I value from reading is the acceptance of people in different races, religions and walks of life. To honour those who suffered because of hatred, I'm going to share some of my favourite Holocaust reads:

1. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank - you can't write about Holocaust fiction without mentionining this book. It's iconic quotes and optimism even in the darkest of hours have meant that this incredible story has made its way to the classics list. This is the true diary of Anne Frank - a young girl who lived in hiding from 1942-1944 from the Nazis. 
2. The Boy in Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne - again another classic book in this genre, this time providing the perspective of a camp inmate and a son of a Nazi commander who strike up an unlikely friendship. For me, Bruno's innocence in this book is what makes it so heart wrenching. 
3. Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin - a slightly different take on the Holocaust - a fantasy about a girl who was tested on in the concentration camps and managed to escape only to discover she has shape shifting abilities. The majority of this book is set after WW2 as if the Nazis had won the war but the Holocaust theme is thread throughout the plot.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - a simply stunning, poetic and lyrical novel that touches on the lives of German's and their views on the Jewish persecution as well as the risk they take to help a freind in need. A definite read for any fan of historical fiction.
5. When Hitler stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr - a book slightly on the younger side, briding into middle grade which doesn't strictly deal with the Holocaust. It is again a true story which explores Hitler's persecution of political opponents and how one girl had to flee her home for safety.
6. Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - again not strictly Holocaust books but these are both set in the same time period. These books were my top two of 2016 and have stuck with me even a year on. They are heart-wrenchin tales based on the true tragic events of World War Two following multiple lives as they flee for refuge and face persecution. Again, two reads which resonate very well with today's current affairs.

Other Holocaust novels which have been recommended to me but I haven't personally read. If you've read any of these or have any more recommendations please let me know in the comments!

Once by Morris Gleitzman
I am David by Anne Holm
The boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
The Zoo Keeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
The Earth is Singing by Vanessa Curtis