Escape to Manila Part II

Ephraim continues to impress and enlighten in Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror. This engaging novel continues to state facts that are both interesting and informative. I've already learned so much about a topic that I thought I was well-informed about. In fact, in Global, we are currently learning about World War II and the Holocaust. I've heard stories about people escaping from the wrath of the Nazis by going to countries from all over Europe, but going to Asia and the Philippines specifically was a shock. I like how Ephraim makes this account so personal with the people he talks about and their connections with even others. Even though this book reads as a textbook at some points, it's been an enjoyable read.

Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror by Frank Ephraim

I decided to take a break from In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner in order to read a book that I had never heard before about a topic that I never knew about written by an unknown author. The book is entitled Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror by Frank Ephraim highlighting the journey of a young German boy under Hitler's reign who finds safety in the strangest place: the Philippines.

You could say that I found out about this book by chance. Last weekend I, along with my brother and my cousin's cousin and aunt, journeyed to a Connecticut Filipino-American association annual dinner/dance. The guest speaker happened to be a German Jew by the name of Ralph Preiss who shared his story of the freedom, safety and hospatality found in a country his family had never heard of before a newspaper advertised it. When most of the world's countries refused to allow Jews across their borders, the Philippines implemented an Open-Doors Policy and allowed for 10,000 visas to be given out.

This story really struck me because I was not familiar with it as I'm sure most people aren't. As I left the building, books were being sold. It was the book written by a boy Ralph Preiss met in the Philippines all those years ago and by buying it I would be donating to the association's surgical trip. It was two for one: a good cause and a good book.

Although the book has many names and facts, I actually really enjoy it. Ephraim describes in detail the situation during the WWII period as well as the subtler facts about being a German Jew in the Philippines.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

In Her Shoes tells the story of two sisters aged 30 and 28 who have nothing in common but the size of their shoe and the mother that died when they were so young. Rose Feller has the brains going from school after school and finally settling as a lawyer at a law firm while her younger sister Maggie relies on her good looks to get through life. I like this book because it shows two really strong characters that are also opposing forces. It goes back and forth between the characters and is in the perspective of other minor characters as well. Oddly, there are perspectives from people you don't know connect to the characters at first which could be a little confusing and boring. Overall, it's been a good read though.