Reading in the Garden

  Students and Teachers  Become WWII Prisoners This historical fiction was a remarkable new insight into WWII for me.  Set in China, a missionary boarding school with British, American, and other western students, is taken over by the Japanese and they are later transferred to Weihsien Internment Camp.  It’s an extraordinary story of hope and courage as they lean on the guidance and protection of their teachers and also the principles of respect, honor, and loyalty they formed as Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) all under extraordinary conditions.  The end left me surprisingly emotional and so glad I read this book!     Annette  Other Books About Internment Camps: When the Emperor Was Divine  by Julie Otsuka Hotel on the Corner of  Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

  Left Me Breathless! I would give this book a 10+++ rating if I could!  It's easily the BEST book I've read all year...and I've read many great books. This well-researched, fast-paced, unputdownable story had me in its clutches from page one.  Set during the end of WWII, a group of people evacuating East Prussia try to reach the safety of the Baltic Sea where German ships await to help people escape the advancing Russians.   Told in first person by several people, each short chapter reveals a little bit more about their past and secrets while painting a dire picture of the horrifying trek through biting cold and snow with dangers all around.  And then they reach the port...   The ending left me breathless. This is a young adult book, but would highly recommend it for adults and it would probably be a great selection for book clubs!       Annette 

Which author do you share a birthday with? October 1, 1946 – Tim O’Brien,  The Things They Carried October 2, 1937 – Stanley Crawford –  Log of the S.S. The Mrs. Unguentine    October 3, 1900-September 15, 1938 – Thomas Wolfe,  Look Homeward, Angel October 4, 1941 – Anne Rice,   The Vampire Chronicles October 5, 1950 – Edward P. Jones,  The Known World,  2004 Pulitzer  October 6, 1939–June 17, 2014 Lois Battle,  The Florabama Ladies’ Auxiliary & Sewing Circle October 7, 1907 – September 30, 1985 – Helen MacInnes,   Above Suspicion October 8, 1920-February 11, 1986 – Frank Herbert,  Dune October 9, 1956 – Katherine Applegate,  The One and Only Ivan October 10, 1950 – Nora Roberts (aka J.D. Robb),   Year One, Shelter in Place October 11, 1911-February 26, 1993 – Fletcher Knebel, Political Thrillers October 12, 1982 – Julie Kagawa,  The Iron Fey  Series October 13, 1890-October 30, 1968 – Conrad Richter,  The Light in the Forest October 14, 1950 – Kate