My Dear Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie was enthralling. Although it is historical fiction, the setting is pure history. I listened to the book on Audible (23+ hours!) – and loved every minute. The character of Eliza Schulyer Hamilton comes to life and by the end of the book, I felt as if I’d known her personally. But beyond that, the portrayals of historical events – including the American Revolution, the writing of the Federalist papers, the War of 1812, and the grand return to America of General Lafayette near the end of Eliza’s life – gave new insight into the birth of this country I call home. This book is worth every minute of your time to read or listen to.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne. Oh, my goodness. What more can I say? If you haven’t read this book, you need to. Even if you’ve seen the movie. The Holocaust and Auschwitz through the eyes of an innocent child. It’s a short read, but not easy.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers was the first Francine Rivers novel I ever read. It is a retelling of the story of Hosea, set in 19th century California. If you know anything about Hosea, you know it is a parable of God’s unending love for His people. This book brings the message home that we are never so far away from the Lord that He will stop loving us.
I am rereading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis in 2020 and finding it so refreshing. I’ve never read all 7 books (still have 2 to finish). But even the ones I have read before, I’m seeing through fresh eyes. Everyone – child and adult – should read this series at least two or three times in their lives.
