Although I rarely try to theme each month’s book choices, in January it seems each told the story of transformative life changes, whether in war, living on the land, or in the aftermath of death.

Book 1: One Man’s Meat by E. B. White

Before E. B. White wrote Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, he wrote a series of columns for Harper’s Magazine. These chatty essays described his new life on a farm in Maine. Up until that point in his life, he was more or less a city boy, so the comparisons can be charming, even hilarious.

I hollered for Farmer Gary to come be read to when the topic turned to chickens, seeds, and country neighbors. It’s offered a cozy way to spend many a winter’s evening.

Book 2: Overture of Hope by Isabel Vincent

This fascinating true story tells the tale of two English sisters who adored the opera. Ida and Louise Cook were such fans that they wrote adoring letters to the stars, the composers, and the conductors. They forged friendships and got to know some of the biggest opera names in the 1930s.

As the Nazis invaded much of Europe, the sisters couldn’t quite believe the transformative changes going on in their world. But since Hitler was an opera fan, too, performances largely continued.

When approached by one of their Jewish opera-star friends to help move individual wealth out of the occupied countries and into England, to pay for their immigration and a safe life abroad, they came up with a scheme. The sisters left England dressed simply and acting a bit dotty. After enjoying several opera performance, they returned to England using a different entry point and wearing jewels and furs.

This book carefully details each person they saved. It makes me wonder how many stories there are like this, where dozens were saved by simple – yet determined – folks.

Book 3: After the Funeral by Agatha Christie

Back to Dame Agatha, as we learn of just how awful and greedy family members can be following the passing of a patriarch.

Darn it! She (and Hercule Poirot) got me again!

Book 4: The Hideaway Summer by Beverly Hollett Renner

While rearranging some books from Mom’s collection, I noticed a personal inscription from the author. I’m guessing she and Mom became friends during the years we lived in Indiana.

It’s a wonderful story, as newly-reunited siblings spend a summer in a hideaway cabin while their father thinks they’re at camp. Their grandma owned the cabin, but recently passed away, so the youngsters find their way through all sorts of challenges together.

Although the author has passed away, I think I’ve found her daughter online. Might just have to slip this sweet book in the mail to her, daughter to daughter.

Book 5: Silas Marner by George Eliot

This is a re-read from high school days. Didn’t remember much, other than I liked it.

Oh, and that “George Eliot” is a penname. The author is female.

A morality tale, Silas Marner was worth that second read. And maybe someday a third.

Book 6: Beloved by Toni Morrison

What took me so long to read this masterpiece? I can only get so much goodwill out of the excuse that it came out while we were raising our family. Reading this sort of book in retirement, though, gives me time to soak it all in …

About halfway through reading Beloved, I learned to relax, knowing all the backstories were being explained little by little.

It felt like sitting on the beach when the tide is coming in, with waves of all sizes and force. Sometimes the story line was so strong it would nearly knock you over. Other times, details would cover your feet with sand, in a comforting sort of way. And then the next wave would hardly make it to shore, but was important not to miss.

Toni Morrison received a Pulitzer for Beloved and a Nobel Prize for Literature for her writings. I won’t wait so long to read another of her works.

Book 7: The Twits by Roald Dahl

After the heaviness of Beloved, it was time for some silliness.

The Twits fits the bill.

I’m looking forward to reading The Twits (and the other Dahl stories) with grandson Cameron. His raucus laughter will fill our house with joy.

Book 8: Eight Stories by Erich Maria Remarque

Gary picked this up for me for Christmas, knowing how deeply I was touched reading All Quiet on the Western Front.

Each haunting story tells of the personal aftermath of World War I on a soldier who, today we know, suffered from PTSD. Chilling tales and fractured families abound. May there never be another world war.

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