The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

I did not know anything about Bletchley Park or what the site was used for during World War 2, prior to reading this book. I found it completely fascinating. I loved how the author used a combination of real people and fictional characters to tell this story. A couple of the fictional characters were, for the most part, based on a blend of two real-life people. Mab and her husbands were truly fictional, but Mab represented the women "worker bees" of Bletchley Park.

Bletchley Park was a top-secret decryption facility during World War 2. The codebreakers of BP were so incredibly intelligent it's astounding. I think that Beth would fall on the Autism Spectrum, if that sort of thing was diagnosed back then. The way her mind worked - and her tunnel vision and lack of awareness about her surroundings/environment and other people - seems proof of that diagnosis. (Beth was actually a combination of two real-life people).

The three main characters, Osla, Mab and Beth, came from very different backgrounds. They never would have met each other, much less been best friends, if they hadn't all been sent to work at Bletchley Park. It was a "defining moment" in each of their lives. Many of us don't think of the codebreakers who helped end the war in the same way we think of the men and women involved in the actual conflicts. They were an integral part of the war effort however. I think it would be super hard to have such an important job and then not be able to talk about it. Ever. They talk about codebreakers having nervous breakdowns and some ending up in an asylum. The stress would have been incredible. It's a different kind of "combat fatigue".

The author included Prince Phillip (of Greece) in the narrative, and eventually his marriage to Queen Elizabeth in 1947. Osla (the real-life Osla) was Prince Phillip's long-term girlfriend before he marriage Elizabeth. I was happy to read that they remained good friends after his marriage and throughout their lives.

The explanations of how the codebreakers actually worked - and the machines and equipment they used to break the codes were complex. I don't really understand how they did what they did. They used an Enigma machine and a British bombe machine. The men and women who used these machines - and their minds - to break the numerous codes in numerous languages were absolutely amazing.

I loved this book! It was very informative, well researched and well written. I highly recommend it!

Wendy's Rating: *****

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Sometimes the titles of books put me off from reading them. This is one of those books. Even though it is a Newberry Honor Book, I have next to no interest in Al Capone. But, I like to read what my son is reading, so I decided to give it a try. Well, you can't judge a book by its cover. I really liked it. 

First of all, it's not about Al Capone, even though he is peripherally "involved" in the story. This is a story about the families who lived on Alcatraz Island when it was a functioning prison. Specifically, it's about the Flanagan family who move to Alcatraz after Mr. Flanagan takes a job there as a prison guard. The main character is Moose Flanagan, who is a twelve year old boy. Moose has an older sister, Natalie who is 15, but his mother tells everyone she is 10 years old. Natalie is on the autism spectrum, but since no one knew about autism in the 1930s, she is just "special" or "different". Mrs. Flanagan's mission in life is to get help for Natalie so that she is more "normal". Her latest plan is to get Natalie into the Esther P. Marinoff School in San Francisco, which is a special school for young children. The school doesn't take children older than 12, so that's why Moose's mother lies about Natalie's age.

What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Moose & Natalie. This is a true coming of age story for Moose as he develops a deep bond with his sister after being forced (by his mother) to be her primary "caregiver" after school every day. Natalie's "growth" into her own self & her being able to express (through words) some of her feelings, needs and wants is accomplished by Moose treating her "like a normal sister" and taking her everywhere he goes. Moose's friends become her friends. Even though Natalie initially starts school at the Esther P. Marinoff School when they first move to Alcatraz, she gets kicked out after 36 hours. Mrs. Flanagan is told about a woman, Mrs. Kelly, who can help Natalie by working one-on-one with Natalie until she is "ready" to give the school a try again. Mrs. Kelly's methods of working with Natalie and Moose's caring for Natalie every day brings about the change in Natalie. It's really heartwarming.

Moose also develops a crush on the Warden's daughter, Piper, after telling her again and again throughout the book that he doesn't want anything to do with her. She IS a troublemaker for sure! Anyway, for someone who works in social services with people who have disabilities, I really loved Moose's love for his sister and I loved watching their relationship develop. I also loved how Moose's friends, including Piper, accepted Natalie for who she is.

Wendy's Rating: ****