Between Shades of Gray

In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all that summer has to offer. But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother. They are being sent to Siberia. Lina’s father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp. All is lost.

Lina fights for her life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experience in her art and writing. She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive.

It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?

Between Shades of Gray is a riveting novel that steals your breath, captures your heart, and reveals the miraculous nature of the human spirit.

It’s a book that will capture your heart. A brilliant author who wrote a brilliant story. It’s amazing! A sorrowful and terrifying, carrying us to the setting in 1941. The characters are courageous even when they fear the Soviet, they fight through the tough times—living each day knowing that everyday will be another challenge of surviving, hoping to hear news from their relatives from the parts their relatives are sent to.

Lina is a different fifteen-year-old if you compare me to her. She’s very brave and can handle what she sees in front of her and she need not hesitate to face it, she learn to face them. The difficulties. With her mother and brother. Despite her father sentenced to death in a prison camp, she continued to live life with her mother and brother. Her mother give them hope that things are going to be all right.
Let us watch this very moving video from the author:



Now, I really do see what love can do to change our lives starting today. For Lina, I think if I were her, I do not know where I stand anymore. Or much less, any good things will come by my life. *shrugs* Probably, I’m just too weak. My faith is not strong enough and that maybe is the reason why. For her, she continued on. She knows that if she gets through this, there’s a light that will eventually filter through even in teeny tiniest bit of light in the darkness.

Lina found love in a hopeless place. I kinda envy her because she received a love that is selflessly. True love that comes from within even when countries are tearing each other apart or the people are out of their sanity killing thousands of people – Love still stands! My favorite word in the book is krasivaya meaning beautiful. It’s a Russian word. The guy truly knows how to love a fragile heart – he knows what he’s got into. This is what I always get in the books. I’m jealous because guys in it are such gentleman!

Some quotes from the book:
“Sometimes there is such beauty in awkwardness. There’s love and emotion trying to express itself, but at the time, it just ends up being awkward.”

“Krasivaya”

The human nature is love. Read this (from the last paragraph of the author’s note in Between Shades of Gray): …They (the three Baltic countries) chose hope over hate and showed the world even though the darkest night, there is light. Please research it. Tell someone. These three tiny nations have taught us that love is the most powerful army. Whether love of friend, love of the country, love of God, or even love of enemy – love reveals us the truly miraculous nature of the human spirit.

I love this song, Human Nature covered by the Glee cast. This song was originally sang by Michael Jackson. It all connect to us! Love is a human nature! Spread the love to the people who need love! *hearts, hearts*

Enjoy!