Written by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn
Published at Kregel
About The Book
Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.
Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.
Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.
Who are Heather Munn and Lydia Munn?
Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.
Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.
My Thoughts
Even though this book is listed as a teen fiction, I am enjoying it. It is based on historical events and the characters are believable. I feel like I am drawn into the story as I “live” the day to day life of Julie as well as the one of Nina and her brother. From chapter to chapter you will be transported from one situation to another. You will be with Julien as he encounters the resistance of the young people of the town he is in. You will follow Nina and her brother as they try to cross Italy to go in France.
Based on the 2nd World War, I would not hesitate one minute to let my kids read this when we study the time of history. I find it essential for them to understand and visualize the events of the war. This book is giving you the opportunity to travel in time and discover how the Nazis invaded numerous countries.
The story is well written and will keep you wanting for more. At one point Julien will encounter Nina and her brother and their lives will be intertwine as survival becomes necessary. I literally can’t put the book down when I am reading it. I have to force myself to put the book on my night table so I can sleep at night. *grin*
If you want “experience” life during the invasion of the Nazis, I would recommend How Huge the Night!
GREAT NEWS!
Kregel Publications is sponsoring an $50 Amazon.com giveaway open my readers.
To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about How Huge the Night or share about it on Facebook!
If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use the hashtag (#litfuse).
If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com).
Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea.
TWEET THIS: How Huge the Night - compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages! #litfuse http://ow.ly/4RBXc
FACEBOOK THIS: How Huge the Night by Heather & Lydia Munn is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages late into the night! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13181161
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How Huge the Night is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.
To read the reviews of the team of bloggers for this blog tour follow the links below.
5/12
Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe
5/13
Debra at Footprints in the Butter
Jill at Book, Books Everywhere
5/14
5/16
5/17
Diane at That's What I'm Here For
5/18
Mollie at The Gandy's Home Base
Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
5/19
Melinda Joy: Living, Laughing, Loving
Elana at The Twinners Reviews & Giveaways
5/20
Isabelle at Canadian Ladybug Reviews!
5/21
Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews
5/23
Laura at Day by Day in Our World
Tina at Family Literacy and You
Janet at Home is Where God Sends You
5/24
Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
5/25
Mandie at Taking Time for Mommy
Jacqui at Single Parent Retreat
5/26
I'm so happy you're enjoying the book! I hope the ending also satisfies...
ReplyDeleteIf you get interested in finding out more about the true history behind the book (or even reading some deleted scenes) then come on over to www.howhugethenight.com. We even have a little webforum there, we'd love for you to drop in and say hi. (We're also encouraging teen readers--and adults if they want--to come & have a book discussion there, and we hope to post some additional history stuff maybe once a month or so that teens would find interesting--stories from the French resistance in the region, etc.)
I finished this book last night. I agree that it is great for teens to gain a better understanding and to experience by being part of the story. It really does suck you in!
ReplyDelete