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This week, we feature the definitive historical fiction set during World War II and a sing-along counting book to get the whole family into the spirit of the season.
Historical Fiction
By Iida Turpeinen
Stranded on an uncharted island along the Arctic Circle, members of Capt. Vitus Bering’s Great Northern Expedition struggle to survive. The discovery of a sirenian proves the salvation of the adventurers, but ultimately the demise of what became known as Steller’s sea cow. This story follows the discovery of this friendly and hapless sea cow that was eventually hunted to extinction before any naturalist could properly study it. Beautifully written and full of memorable characters.
Little, Brown & Company, 2025, 288 pages
Naval History
‘The Atlantic War Remembered: An Oral History Collection’
Edited by John T. Mason, Jr.
For today’s readers, this book opens a window to what World War II veterans remember. It collects accounts from participants in the Atlantic naval war. Capturing virtually all levels of participation, from senior leaders to individuals at the lowest levels of combat, it was assembled from interviews done between 1960 and 1980. All aspects of the naval war are covered. It shows the attitudes and outlooks of WWII participants unfiltered through the lens of today’s political correctness.
Naval Institute Press, 2020, 512 pages
Nonfiction
By Stella Morabito
Appearing when COVID-19 lockdowns were still in force, this book examines the ways tyrants have employed isolation as a weapon to censor critics and divide citizens. Playing on fears of social rejection and loneliness, governments and radical groups can enforce conformity or, at least, silent complicity. Countermeasures against this suppression include strengthening ties with family and friends, building community, and talking openly without fear. A timely defense of vigilance and the private life.
Bombardier Books, 2022, 304 pages
Fiction
‘Earth Dragon Run: A Spiritual Entertainment’
By David Pinault
Daniel Quirk has been suspended from his job at Holy Trinity University. Meanwhile, he volunteers at an animal rescue center in South Africa where he meets Zhang Meixing, one of the Hong Kong Nine dissidents. The Chinese regime has put a price on Meixing’s head. To lure her to a Chinese-controlled area, Chinese agents kidnap a pangolin she tends. Danny and Meixing attempt a rescue, leading to an adventure spanning San Francisco, South Africa, and Cambodia. Entertaining and thought-provoking.
Ignatius Press, 2025, 416 pages
Classics
By Herman Wouk
Originally published in 1971, this novel covers WWII from the 1939 German invasion of Poland to Pearl Harbor. Wouk takes a deep dive into the diplomatic and military strategies behind the events which forever changed the world. A large cast of characters, headed up by Navy Cmdr. Victor “Pug” Henry and his family, includes figures like Hitler, FDR, and Churchill. Here is historical fiction at its best, recreating not only the customs but the thinking and passions of a bygone era.
Back Bay Books, 2002, 896 pages
For Kids
‘The Twelve Days of Christmas‘
By Jan Brett
Jan Brett brings her signature style to the famed Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” illustrating each day’s gifts, from a partridge to 12 drummers, and featuring a winter menagerie of Christmas-time critters. Complete with sheet music and a note about the history of the song, this is a book to enjoy at Christmastime again and again.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 1989, 32 pages
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