Blog Tour and Author Interview with Sonja Herbert

We are super excited to host author Sonja Herbert on one of her many stops 

for her book Carnival Girl.

Fourteen-year-old Sonja has always known there is a God who loves her. But when you spend your life on the road with the carnival, traveling the country in a tiny caravan home, it’s hard to imagine a normal, churchgoing life.

Everything changes when Sonja meets two Mormon missionaries. Even though her parents don’t approve, her brothers and sisters taunt her, and her whole life is on the move, Sonja can’t help how she feels. Now she’ll have to choose between the carnival and her convictions, between her family and her faith.

Based on Sonja Herbert’s real childhood in postwar Germany, this incredible, true story is beautifully written and full of heart—A powerful reminder for readers everywhere how much God loves each one of us and how his strength can make dreams come true.

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Ms. Herbert was gracious enough to answer some questions for us. 
I hope you enjoy learning a little bit about her.

1. You've led such a unique and eventful life.  What led you to share your story?

When I was just a child, I decided to one day write the story of how my mother came to live in a circus. Many years later, as I was interviewing Mutti and putting things together, I realized the story of her life would not be complete without the story of my life with her. I have seen so many miracles happen in my life, I felt as if my story would also help strengthen others. 

2.  I really enjoyed hearing about your life as a child, both your family life and the culture you grew up in.  Is there anything from your life in Germany that you would like to see integrated into the culture that now surrounds you? (traditions, values, etc.)

 Probably a little more of the gentle kind of socialism Germany has. It would be nice to have affordable medical coverage, etc. Otherwise, American values suit me just fine, especially American attitudes about religion!

3.  I'm guessing you've done a fair amount of reading, seeing as you've earned both a BA and an MA.  Do you have a favorite quote?

“Luke, I’m your father! Noooo!!”

But really, it’s a quote from To Kill a Mockingbird:” Before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself.  The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

4.  Is there anywhere in the world you'd like to visit someday?

Japan. And the Sacred Grove.

5.  What would YOU like your readers to know about Carnival Girl or you in general?

No matter where we live, what we do, or how we feel about ourselves, we are all loved by God!  I look back at my life so far and see miracles.  I've been very blessed.

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I recently had the wonderful opportunity to read this book so here's my review.

I thoroughly enjoyed Carnival Girl!  Sonja Herbert's beautiful writing style drew me in and kept me reading while her stories transported me to another time and place.  Her experiences and the struggles she faced in postwar Germany are fascinating to me.  Hers is a story of searching and faith, of finding and believing.   Reading Carnival Girl brought me hope!  The pictures included are fun and interesting.  I love how they show me the story!  Although I've never met Ms. Herbert, her writing makes me feel as though I've made a new friend just by reading her work.  I'm looking forward to reading more from her!


5/5 stars

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We just want to thank Ms. Herbert for her time!  

I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys memoirs, historical works, religious books, or uplifting works!