Not likely to forget

Growing up in Miami, the memory of the Holocaust of World War II was always lurking above my head whether it was seeing "The Diary of Anne Frank'' or visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. One of the first things I remember thinking was how in the world can one man (Hitler) have the influence to nearly wipe out the entire Jewish population in Europe?? Since then, I have taken the liberty of reading many books on what happened and the people who survived. Here are a few that have made an impression on me:

Biographies and Memoirs

Night Elie Wiesel

Once you read ''Night'' you'll never ever forget it. Most of you I'm sure had to have read this for your class at some point or you wanted to do so on your own. This classic cronicles the tale of a young boy whom lives thought the horror of Auschwitz. This was a pick for Oprah's Book Club (about time!).

I Have Lived for A Thousand Years Livia Bitton-Jackson

Young Elli Friedmann's childhood was a time for laughter, playing with friends, and crushes. But that changes when she and her family are forced to leave their home for the ghetto. As the war rages on, she will come face to face with even more tragedy. Yet despite this, she survives and lives to tell her story.

P.S Make sure to read the two other books "My Bridges of Hope'' and "Hello America''

The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust Edith Hahn Beer

This isn't your ordinary survival story: Edith, who's jewish, was actually MARRIED to a Nazi officer!! With a new identity as a Gentile, she tells of her years with her husband and the horrifing fear of being discovered her true self.

In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer Irene Opdyke

A few brave souls during the Holocaust risked or gave their lives to save as many lives possible. This is one of them.

The World Must Know: The History of the Holocaust as Told in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Michael Berenbaum

A reminder of my trip to D.C. and the Holocaust Museum, this amazing book gives you a glimpse of one of the darkest periods in history through the museum's perspective.

Fiction

The Diplomat's Wife Pam Jenoff

Marta Nederman has survived the brutal death camps, with help from Paul, an American soldier who she falls for. But when she loses him, she finds love once again with Simon, a British diplomat. But a horrifing chain of events will confront Marta with her past and a deep betrayal. One of the best love stories I've ever read!

Those Who Save Us Jenna Blum

Gripping tale of a mother's painful wartime past and a daughter's quest to uncover the truth.

The Reader Bernhard Schlink

Before you go off and watch the movie (the wonderful Kate Winslet won the Best Actress Oscar for her role as Hanna. Better late than never) please do read the book about a young boy caught in a love affair with a former female guard from Auschwitz.