With all the stress provided by the news media – a pandemic, wobbly economy, and the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to name just a few – January seemed like a good month to delve into four works of fiction.

Week 1: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

This is Hosseini’s third novel. Somehow, I think that at least part of his haunting stories are based on his experience as a child in Afghanistan.

Desperately poor people take desperate actions. Sinfully rich people take sinful steps to get what they want. And the love of family can never be broken.

This work of fiction will follow you for a while, as all of Hosseini’s stories tend to do.

Week 2: Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell

Taylor Caldwell spent decades researching the life of St. Luke and created this novel as a result. As a child, the boy who would eventually write one book of the Bible suffered repeated loss of those dear to him. His soul turns bitter, he studies to be a physician, and dedicates his life to healing the poor.

I’ve got to admit, the author’s descriptions are very detailed and (for me) caused the story to drag in parts. But it was worth hanging in there, to learn how Luke came to write his Gospel, never having met Jesus.

Week 3: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

This is a novel meant for middle schoolers. It’s told through the eyes of the nine-year-old son of a Nazi who is assigned to be the commandant of Auschwitz.

The German boy, Bruno, is a lonely kid who somehow has no idea he’s just moved next door to a massive death camp. One day, he wanders away from home and eventually discovers another boy, about his age, on the other side of a very tall fence. He and Shmuel gradually get to know each other and become friends. Through it all, Bruno’s eyes never seem to open to Shmuel’s terrifying situation. The German boy brings snacks for his starving friend, but often eats more than his share on the walk to the fence.

I don’t agree with the promo line on the back cover suggesting that this is every bit as important a story as Anne Frank‘s diary. That said, if it’s a first step for young students to learn more about the Holocaust and to perhaps awaken to their own privilege, that’s a good step to take.

Week 4: Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene

Oh, this was a fun one! Usually, Graham Greene novels start out with a lengthy exposition, and it takes a while to figure out whose motivations to question. But this story takes off right out of the gate.

Henry, the protagonist, is a mild-mannered fellow who recently retired from a career in banking. At his mother’s funeral, he meets a previously unknown aunt, who takes him on quite a ride. Lots of wit in this one, but – as always – an ending with a twist.

Reading four books each month provides an odd counterbalance to “What? Another month’s flown by already?” Although the months do fly by, when I think back to reading the “Week 1” book, it always feels like it’s been quite a long while. And that’s a good thing!

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