Happy Sunday! We are heading into September and the fourth quarter of the year. Where did the time go? This month we honor the American worker on Labor Day, remember the ones we lost on September 11th, celebrate those who were Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action on the 18th, have fun with International Talk Like a Pirate day on the 19th, welcome the beginning of Fall with the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd, and get silly with Ask a Stupid Question day on the 28th.
Our literary legend of the month is George Orwell and our Contemporary Author is Kristin Hannah. While both authors write stories that are entertaining and educational, George's books will make you think and are must reads, Kristin's historical fiction as well as contemporary stories will tug at the heartstrings.
The ultimate guide to George Orwell’s books. It's probably time for me to read 1984 again as much of the story reflects today with the manipulation of information, the changes in vocabulary, big brother type digital surveillance and the ability to track people through cameras, phones, and more.
"A masterpiece of rebellion and imprisonment where war is peace freedom is slavery and Big Brother is watching. Thought Police, Big Brother, Orwellian - these words have entered our vocabulary because of George Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984. The story of one man's Nightmare Odyssey as he pursues a forbidden love affair through a world ruled by warring states and a power structure that controls not only information but also individual thought and memory 1984 is a prophetic haunting tale More relevant than ever before 1984 exposes the worst crimes imaginable the destruction of truth freedom and individuality."
Kristin Hannah’s books: a complete guide
I recently finished Hannah's historical fiction novel about nurses and Vietnam in The Women. The Nightingale made me cry, whereas The Women not only made me cry, but made me mad for the suffering of the nurses and those who didn't believe them.
"Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets―and becomes one of―the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era."
Both authors are well worth reading!
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