Between Shades of Gray was one thing, this is a completely new thing while still connecting to Lina Vilkas.

I will forever recommend Ruta Sepetys' books to everyone until the day that I die because I am in love with not only her stories, but the way she seems to effortlessly craft them into masterpieces.

There isn't a page in these books in which I wasn't amazed by these characters.

I know of people that want to/have named their kids after characters and I always thought I would do that, but I never could decide which character was worthy of such a thing.

Lina and Emilia.

Not only are those beautiful names, they represent the most beautiful, brave, strong, and all around amazing young ladies I've ever had the pleasure of reading about.

This may seem extremely cheesy if you haven't read any of Ruta's books, but if you have you'll understand when I say that she is one of the only authors who truly makes the characters come to life. She convinces you that these were real people and in a sense they were. Maybe they had different names, but these were real people.

9,000 real people died when Wilhelm Gustloff sank. Before this book I had no idea such a ship existed. Sure, the deaths of the Titanic were awful but there were 6 times more casualties on. Wilhelm Gustloff. And I've never learned about it in school or heard anyone talk about it.

What I love most about Ruta Sepetys is that she brings untold stories to light so that these real people can be remembered.

9,000 innocent people.

Read to remember.