Book Bag

Vienna Prelude - Bodie and Brock Thoene

I believe the best way to learn history is to read historical fiction. My mom's homeschool history curriculum? Historical fiction books. I have been reading historical fiction since I could first read - for school, aloud with my family, and just for fun. I think the Zion Covenant series is an exceptional learning source for World War II history, while capturing attention with excellent writing and an intriguing storyline at the same time. Vienna Prelude opens in 1936, with Hitler and the Reich gaining power in Germany. Elisa, who is a musician with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, is a part-Jewish German. Her Jewish identity hidden by her Aryan looks and fake last name, Elisa thinks she is safe - until her father is thrown into Dachau prison on his way to freedom in Austria. While frantically searching for a way to help her father, Elisa watches as the Nazi party begins to sweep across Austria. What can she do to help fight the gruesome power that is slowly overtaking the people and the place she loves?

I am now reading the third book in the Zion Covenent series, Munich Signature. All three books have kept me on my toes, and I am also learning an abundance of World War II history that I never knew before!

Creators: From Chaucer and Durer to Picasso and Disney - Paul Johnson

To my own shame, this is the first I have read of Paul Johson. Browsing his other titles, I am certain it won't be my last. Although I've only read a chapter and a half, I'm hooked. Creators opens by talking about what creation is, while briefly mentioning some well known creators. Then Johnson delves into the lives of thirteen different creators, some of which I am familiar and some which I am not. I can't give much of a review considering I have just begun to read this book, but I am almost certain it will prove to be a worthwhile read.

Soon to be Read/Other Current Reads - Reviews Forthcoming!