Chapter 4 - The Winds of War

A very breezy day at the beach today and I started to think about D-Day ( I know only a month after the date) and how difficult that landing on June 6, 1944 must have been. The prediction by most of the British and German meteorologists was for high winds, rough seas, and rain. The British were pushing to delay the scheduled invasion and the Germans were pretty sure nothing would happen on that day. The American meteorologist believed that a high pressure front would deflect the advancing storm and provide sunny skies over the English Channel. General Eisenhower went with the American's predication and the rest, as you know, is history. While seas were still choppy, the invasion was a go and the landing at Normandy turned the tide (no pun intended) of the war.

Here are some terrific World War II books to sweep you away on this windy day and to help you celebrate July 4th tomorrow.

Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian - In January 1945, towards the end of World War II, a small group of people move from their homes in the eastern part of the Reich to the west away from the approaching Red Army.

The Soldier's Wife by Margaret LeRoy - This is the story of a woman protecting her family from the Germans as they take over Guernsey.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - It tells the story of two sisters, just coming of age in France on the eve of World War II, and their struggle to survive and resist the German occupation of France.

City of Women by David Gilham - This is a war story from a German woman's point of view and chronicles how she tries to save even a small part of the world.

City of Thieves by David Benioff - Best know for his work as a screenwriter (Game of Thrones) Benioff's book takes place during the siege of Leningrad where two Russian prisoners are told their lives will be spared if they go behind enemy lines and get eggs for the wedding cake of the mayor of Leningrad's daughter. Equal parts suspense and black comedy make it an exciting read.