If you have ever wondered what a totalitarian government would feel like, take a look at the book Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This is a quick read and a great recommendation for reluctant readers or anyone looking for a series to read.

Russian literature at its finest, hold onto something as we deep dive into the 1878 novel Anna Karenina. Listed in the top 10 greatest books of all time this was our first taste of Tolstoy and he hooked us on the first line. Thanks Mike for inspiring us to read it with your awesome storyteller skills. Here is the episode where we first heard of Anna Karenina https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-i-heard-it-with-mike-rowe/id1087110764?i=1000465269548 Here is the book that was mentioned for kids. The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] https://www.amazon.com/dp/0439199964/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_CG3GV2P0C4DV8E32BJYG

Today we dove into a children’s classic from 1937, The Hobbit. J.R.R. Tolkien created the perfect adventure story full of scary, witty, beautiful and profound lessons. We were captured by Tolkien’s ability to make fantasy feel like reality.

All the Light We Cannot See is two stories in one, this marvel sharpens our senses one by one. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2015 this World War II historical fiction read shows two different perspectives from the same tumultuous time. *Here is the link to the Bible study we are doing this year https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

Last Episode of Season 1 where we share our favorite and least favorite reads of the year and recap our book stack.

Our book stack took us on a journey West with The Call of the Canyon. A lesser known novel from the famous Zane Grey was a quick, descriptive and eye opening read from the post World War One era. Will the city girl socialite Carley be able to handle the wildness of Arizona to be with Glen her fiancé. A solider trying to rebuild his life after the war. A look into the healing and sacrifice of a soldier and the faith it takes to step into something unknown. Here is the link for free e-books! https://www.gutenberg.org/

This book is set during the Dust Bowl/Great Depressions also called the "dirty thirty's". Sandra Dallas, fueled by her parents stories of growing up during this time has created a gritty, uplifting, poignant and fun read the celebrates the meaning of home and teaches us about a forgotten era. Sheila and I make connections, pull out facts and reflect on gems Dallas leaves for us to find.

Please leave us a message and share any insight or connections you had while reading Some Place to Call Home and we will play it on the next episode.

The Engineer's Wife brings to life the story of the gritty Emily Warren Roebling and the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wood’s debut novel tells Emily’s story with so much detail and research it seems to turn back time.

A World War ll story about resiliency, grit, survival, mindset and overcoming extreme odds will have you on the edge of your seat. Unbroken will captivate, encourage and inspire anyone who is brave enough to read it.

Step back in time with us while we recap this fascinating historical fiction read of The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe’, her rise in the public eye and her survival of the Titanic.