Elfflame

This book pulls you in. It is not a light book. It is not a happy book. But it is a true book. It is one everyone should read, if they can. Especially in the world of today, where people are believing it's truth less and less. This book is part of my attempt this year to understand better the people my paternal grandfather came from, and to understand what their people were put through during the Reich's reign in Germany.

As Elie says: “...Without this testimony, my life as a writer—or my life, period—would not have become what it is: that of a witness who believes he has a moral obligation to try to prevent the enemy from enjoying one last victory by allowing his crimes to be erased from human memory.” Through his words, I begin to understand my need to read these stories, despite the pain they bring. This needs to be remembered. To be understood. For people to stand witness, now that the survivors are fading. We need to take their places, to remind the world what happened, and why it was a horrific thing, the evils of humans who think themselves otherwise good. We need to know these things. And I am glad for the courage of people like Elie, who survived, who told their stories, despite the pain it must have caused them to remember.

If you can, read this book. It deserves to be read and understood and remembered, as does Elie and his suffering, and his courage. I only wish he were here today to speak out against what is currently happening in the US. I know he would have words to say. Thank you, Elie, for your words, and for your memories.

I miss Carrie Fisher. I miss her sarcasm, her willingness to stand up in a fight, her constant talk about her real problems, not a one of which she ever blamed on anyone else. This book isn't a love story about Carrie and Harrison. It is, however, in some ways, a love letter to the character who took over Carrie's life. To Leia's affect on her in all ways.

For a fan who was there from the beginning, this book is a reminder of life before, and life during the uproar that was Star Wars. It reminds me of who she and Mark and Harrison became, and how fresh and new they were in that first film. We all owe them so much.

Read this if you love Carrie Fisher. Read this if you love Star Wars. Read this if you're curious about the affair (but don't expect a grand, sweeping love story). But most of all read this if you are a fan who grew up during this time, who remembers that time before, who loves the characters, who loves Carrie.

I love Leia. I love Carrie. And I'm so grateful she got to share this with us before the end. I miss her every day.