Belleville Public Library discussion

I must confess that in all my years of elementary and secondary education I only had 1 history class that I really enjoyed. I hated all the names and places and dates that we had to remember. I often asked myself, "Why do I need to know this stuff any way?!" Then I was introduced to historical fiction. I LOVED IT!! I got all of the facts and figures, names dates and locations all wrapped up in the story line of how and why the events of history effected families and communities. Historical fiction has become my favourite genre for remembering the heroic acts of those who serve our country.
That being said, my absolute FAVOURITE book about the Canadian role in the World Wars is Vimy by Pierre Burton! Using journals, and letters from soldiers as well as news reports, Burton did an amazing job of making the Canadians who turned that battle into a victory come to life on the page!
I am proud of our Canadian military!
Remembering them with gratitude!

What a great idea for a display! Personally, I had not read much fiction about World War I until I started the Ian Rutledge series by Charles Todd. I found it fascinating to learn, via the main character, about not only experiences during the war, but what the aftermath was like for people trying to return back to their normal lives. Reading some of the books in this series made me look for nonfiction titles about World War I. So I agree with Beverly that historical fiction can really make history interesting!

- Jen

I love documentary storytelling as well as autobiographical works.

I usually watch 'Band of Brothers' in the fall, a well produced mini-series from HBO. It features commentary from original members of 'Easy Company' and while the producers have taken some liberties (as all producers do!) with the stories of these men, it does not glorify war as much as it tells the story of a group of men who bonded in the face of death. I have also read books authored by some of the soldiers featured which offers a deeper understanding of what they went through as individuals and a group of young men in an unimaginable place and time.