What I read in 2017

This post is a miracle you guys, because blogging in this season takes colossal effort. But I'm making it happen because I know if I don't, the Megan of next year will be so annoyed with the Megan of today.

Future Megan: Thank you. 

Current Megan: You'd better be grateful.

Moving along...

This was probably my worst reading year in recent history, but I'm okay with that, because #lifeyo. I'm in an Army course right now that's just shy of Master's-level in both time commitment and work load, so while I can indeed claim copious amounts of reading, only a small portion of that can be relegated to pleasure versus subjects that make me want to gouge my eyes out. (Granted, some of the leadership and military history stuff is mildly interesting, but it can't balance out the other 30 hours per week lost on things like government contracting and how a good idea fairy becomes a tank).

Onward and upward!

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Happily, I wrote a historical fiction book list for the Blessed is She Blog over the summer (those reviews marked with a *), and the more energetic me of 9 months ago actually wrote some decent reviews on this blog during the first quarter of the year, so I'll also link to that post--when you click on it you can get a decent blurb and I don't have to repeat myself. Deal?

Kiss Every Step | Doris Martin 

Previous Review Here

A WWII autobiography of a Jewish family from Poland who all miraculously survived the Holocaust in several different mind-blowing ways.

Everything is Illuminated. | Jonathan Safran Foer 

Previous Review Here

Alternating perspective WWII novel set in Poland and the Ukraine. Fascinating writing, like nothing I've ever read before, but not my favorite book. 

Little Women/Little Men. | Louisa May Alcott

Previous Review Here

This was a re-read from childhood and I was delighted all over again. 

*In My Hands: Memories of A Holocaust Rescuer | Irene Gut Opdyke

This is a haunting, beautiful, poetic, and riveting memoir; one I couldn’t believe wasn’t fiction. Set in Poland during the Second World War, this is the incredible story of a young Catholic medical student-turned-prisoner-turned-renegade whose faith and experiences, one after another, lead her from fear and trembling to action and heroism, right under the nose of the Nazis. Though less graphic than other World War II novels I’ve read, this story shook me more deeply than most because of the knowledge—never far from mind—that every unbelievable experience was actually true, and had to be believed. Impeccably written, with unspeakably painful realities and poignant moments of redemption. Content: Clean language. References to crimes against women, depictions of antisemitism, descriptions of torture and brutality toward the innocent, including one incident involving children.

*Lilac Girls | Martha Hall Kelly

If you’ve read and liked other WWII novels like The Book Thief, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale, I highly recommend this read! This novel follows three women whose lives are inextricably woven together by the brutal realities of war. A fictionalized account based on real people and eye-opening true events, it’s another little-known story of the darkest aspects of the Holocaust set against the incredible human spirit that prevails. Like other all-but-forgotten testimonies, it’s simply a story that begs to be shared. Content: Occasional mild language; some casual treatment of fidelity in marriage; torture and crimes against women, depictions of antisemitism, not overly graphic.

*The Shadow of His Wings | Gereon Goldmann

A reads-like-fiction autobiography of a German seminarian drafted into the German Army during WWII, this memoir is jaw-dropping from start to finish. Written in his own words, Father Goldmann tells how his carefree, somewhat reckless childhood propelled him towards a vocation as a priest. Once drafted into the army and eventually forced to serve in the SS under Hitler, Father Goldmann’s unwavering faith continued, lit by a burning desire to serve God in whatever circumstance he found himself. Through persecution from his own compatriots, daring missions, imprisonment, and possibly the most unlikely path to ordination ever, this priest both survived and led countless souls to Christ. I truly couldn’t put this one down. Content: Clean language. Occasional descriptions of brutality and war scenes, minimally graphic.

*Orphan Train | Christina Baker Kline

An alternating perspective novel set in modern day America with flashbacks to the early 1900s, this tale centers on the moving relationship between two women unpacking their childhood ghosts. It’s also a jarring narrative of the little-known enterprise that existed at the turn of the century, when orphans on the East Coast were shipped across the country by train to families willing to take them—and many orphans found themselves no better off than before. Orphan Train peels back the layers of history to reveal the plight of these children and the spirited ways in which they both adapted and attempted to rise above their condition. Content: some language, some adult content, references to or brief depictions of crimes against women and children.

The Alice Network | Kate Quinn

This was my least favorite of all the WWII novels. The true story behind the characters and subject matter was so intriguing and, I truly feel, a story that needs to be told. But the execution left much to be desired. I wanted to love it -- but the artistic license that author took with one of the relationships had such a depraved, twisted slant that I couldn't stomach several parts, mentally or emotionally. At first it seemed like a good exposé on human nature, but eventually I felt it went too far. The plot is fascinating and tied together well, but between physical and mental torture, sexual depravity/crimes against women, and the ultimate tone of revenge above all else, I can't say I recommend this read for you sensitive souls like me.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky |  Mark Sullivan

One of my new WWII favorites, this is the tale of a young Italian man on the "forgotten front" of Italy. The writing was fairly good, not gold standard, but the true story behind the words absolutely carried it. It has depth and excitement and intrigue, and had me shaking my head more than once that one young man could experience (and survive!) so much in just two years. The sheer range of his experiences and ability to survive reminded me in some ways of Unbroken. [Not to mention the fascinating exploits of his life after the war.] I learned so much about the hidden aspects of the war in Italy and what so many of the civilians went through. I was also impressed by the author's extensive research and moved by his forward as he shared how writing the book changed (and in some ways, saved) his life. Definite recommend.

A Portrait of Emily Price | Katherine Reay

(Shocker - not WWII!) I really, really liked this one and read it cover to cover in 24 hours. It was a romance but extremely clean, with surprising depth. It's the same author as Dear Mr. Knightley which I also enjoyed, and I thought that Katherine Reay nailed human nature in this novel. There were a few (very minute, stupid) little things that annoyed me because I'm insanely nitpicky, like a slightly contrived and unrealistic plot, overly descriptive language for average scenes, and heavy references to modern-day living that will clearly date the writing in a few years {examples: Costco, tapping phones on and off, etc. eyeroll etc.}. That said, I'm an official fan of Katherine Reay's writing and storytelling, and will be looking for more of her stuff.

In Farleigh Field | Rhys Bowen

This was an enjoyable WWII novel with a slightly different take; a mystery/whodunit set in Britain. It has a slight Downton Abbey-esque feel, centering around a circle of the aristocracy who faces changes during the war. It was quick-paced with some graphic descriptions of war and casual treatment of relationships, but for the most part, the emphasis was placed on the good--and the mystery-solving aspect lent an fun flavor while making it a real page turner. The writing was decent, though I felt some of the characters seemed extraneous with little plot threads that just disappeared (probably to keep readers guessing, but I think it could have been better executed). And the end wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste with other threads left hanging--but again, other than those nitpicky little issues I have, it gained a spot high on my list this year. I think it would actually make a fun film if done right!

Read/Listen Aloud with the Kids

The Green Ember/Ember Falls | S.D. Smith

Review Here

This was a epic tale listen/read-aloud with the kids; we read the first two books and they (and we) loved every bit--except for the torturous fact that the 3rd book hasn't been released yet. They ask me to check like every week. 

Redwall | Brian Jaques

Another fun series of epic tales based on animal characters; my husband read these growing up.

A Wrinkle In Time +  A Wind in the Door | Madeleine L'Engle

My favorite author and series from childhood that I finally got to share with the kids -- we just saw that a new movie is coming out in March and we are all besides ourselves!

Currently Reading - Biography and Fiction

Mrs. Oswald Chambers | Michelle Ule

A fascinating biography about the wife of Oswald Chambers, author of the famous devotional My Utmost for His Highest. Not only does she accompany him during WWI to the remote assignment of Africa, after she is widowed she returns to England, survives a second world war, and quietly publishes all of his works. I'm chomping at the bit to finish this one. Thank you to author Michelle Ule and Baker Publishing Group for a copy of this book! 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | Betty Smith

This is a slower read for me and I'm enjoying it thoroughly so far.

In This House of Brede | Rumor Godden

Same with this one. Slower read, savoring every bit. It's unlike anything I've read before in the best way.

Currently Reading - Spiritual Reading 

A Quiet Place | Fr. John Bartunek

For those who don't know, Fr. Bartunek was the priest on site advising Mel Gibson during the filming of The Passion. Back in college, I spent a summer with several other students and Fr. Bartunek in Europe and learned so much as he taught our group - I'm so grateful to have his guidance at my disposal again with this little book! I've only just started it, but it's short and sweet and packed with some of the best of Fr. Bartunek's experience-based wisdom on prayer. It has some really helpful anecdotes and tips that I can't wait to dig into more. Thank you, Beacon Publishing, for a copy of this book! 

Searching for and Maintaining Peace | Fr. Jaques Philippe 

I cannot rave about this one enough, it's rocking my world. It's short and simple writing, but so much wisdom packed into this powerful little book. I'm growing so much already from Fr. Philippe's wisdom. I have it on Kindle but am planning on getting a paperback version I can mark up... as well as well as all the other little books this inspired man has penned (he has written 4 or 5).

Interior Castle | St. Teresa of Avila

This was some amazing reading when I started last year, but then got sidetracked. Picking this one back up to read with some friends next week!

St. Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love | Fr. Sean Davidson

We just picked new patron saints and St. Mary Magdalene adopted me this year. I just bought this book at the recommendation of several friends and am so excited to get started!



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As always, I'd love to hear about your favorite reads of this past year. Happy reading in 2018, friends!