Historical Fiction: World War II

World War II seems to be trending these days. For decades there have been historical fiction novels set in 1940s Europe, but in the past decade there seems to be even more of them. Could it be that the farther in time we get from that infamous period in human history the more curious we become about it? Most of the youngest survivors from that time are now in their late 80s or 90s, and it won't be long before all the survivors will be gone. There will be no one with firsthand memories of the Holocaust and daily life in wartime Europe.

Some World War II fiction published in the past decade include:

• All the Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr)  The Pulitzer Prize-winning book about two teenagers during the war. One is a blind girl in Nazi-occupied France, the other is a German boy forced into the Nazi army.
• The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah)  Tells the story of two sisters trying to survive in France during the Nazi occupation.
• Lilac Girls (Martha Hall Kelly)  The lives of three women (a New York socialite/philanthropist, a concentration camp prisoner, and a concentration camp doctor) are intertwined.
• The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris)  A Slovakian Jew speaking several languages is put to work tattooing new camp prisoners, seeing the worst and best of human behavior.
• The Rose Code (Kate Quinn)  Three female code breakers at England's Bletchley Park become friends, but after the war, one of them is betrayed by a co-worker and is put in an asylum.
• Eternal (Lisa Scottoline)  A love triangle of three teenagers is told against the backdrop of Rome in Mussolini's Italy.
• The Paris Library (Janet Skeslien Charles)  Based on the true story of librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II.

There are a number of other historical fiction books beside these that are set during the war. Have you read any? Share the titles with us!

Wishing you interesting travels through time from the perch.

Starting the New Year On a Positive Note

Happy New Year! And happy 2nd birthday, COVID-19 pandemic? We had no idea you'd be sticking around for so long. You've gotten rather cozy, making yourself at home all over the world. You're an unwanted houseguest outstaying your welcome, and it seems we can't get rid of you no matter how hard we try. Frankly, our relationship with you is rather unhealthy, both physically and mentally.

So, how do we start this new year on a positive note, especially with the Omicron variant that's been cancelling concerts and sporting events, closing museums, and making schools go virtual again like it's March 2020? Here are some ideas:

• Let yourself grieve.  Even if you've been one of the "lucky" ones who hasn't lost a loved one or a job, we've lost a lot in terms of normalcy. Acknowledge that loss instead of pushing it aside.
• Practice gratitude.  Rather than focus on the things you can't do right now, focus on the things you can.
• Limit your time on social media.  Misery loves company, and there's plenty of it on social media. Curb your exposure to all that negativity.
• Do a hobby.  Whatever it is you like doing--knitting, woodworking, painting, etc.--just do it. When your hands are busy, your brain gets to relax.
• Read a book.  You knew I had to include this. Like doing a hobby, reading allows your mind to rest and think of other things.
• Go outdoors and move.  Fresh air and nature along with walking or doing some other exercise are great for getting those endorphins (a.k.a. "the happy hormones") going. It may be the middle of winter, but put on that coat and get out there for a short while. You'll be glad you did.

A positive attitude can make a big difference in your mood. Being together with other people (even if it's done virtually through video or the phone) can also help. Keep in mind that we're all going through this pandemic and it will eventually end. What things or activities help you stay positive? Share with us!

Wishing you many positive vibes from the perch.