To choose the Top Ten for this year was quite the task. During the Winter months, I would read at least eight books each month. But, here goes. Some of the finest.
- “Agent Josephine. American Beauty. French Hero. British Spy” was written by Damien Lewis and is the amazing account of the life of performer Josephine Baker and her work during World War II to support the Allies and to end the Nazi war machine. A profound book!
- More than 50 pages of notes, bibliography, and citations comprise the extensive research done by author Ross King in his 2021 book “The Bookseller of Florence.” Fascinating details emerge from his research so the reader sees in vivid portrayal the Italy of the 15th Century. The Renaissance in Florence showed the “dazzling handiwork of scribes, scholars, the finest miniaturists and booksellers.”
- A true riveting portrait of Sinatra has been written by his closest pal Tony Oppedisano. “Sinatra and Me in the wee small hours” is a kind, compelling, look at the man and his life.
- ”The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris is a chilling Holocaust narrative with a touching story of love and selflessness. A worthy read.
- “A Heart Most Worthy” by Siri Mitchell is a delightful story of three young Italian women working in a dressmaker’s shop when the 1918 influenza strikes. Such a touching story of love and betrayal and redemption.
- “I am a Woman” Hope. Beauty. Inspiration. Authors Tom Sheppard and Mary Sue England look at profiles of more 100 worthy women distinguished in their careers and noteworthy in every field of import.
- ”Saint Joan of Arc” was written by V. Sackville-West in 1991. A detailed account of her life is given in vivid prose and historical accuracy. Joan was 17 when she took command of the French armies. At 19 she was captured by the British and tried as a witch by a church court. She was burned at the stake before her 20th birthday. Canonized a saint in 1920.
- ”America’s First Daughter” written by Dray and Kamoie is a fascinating look at the family and political life of Thomas Jefferson. Drawings from thousands of letters and original sources, it is told by his daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson, in 900 compelling pages.
- ”From Marie-Antoinette’s Garden. An Eighteenth Century Horticultural Album” is written by Elizabeth de Feydeau and is an exquisite collection of some of the flowers at Petit Trianon gardens designed and executed by Marie-Antoinette in the 1770s.
- “Daughters of War” written by Dinah Jefferies tells the story of three sisters living in occupied France during the reign of Nazi terror. The sisters’ bond whether making breakfast of herb crepes or planting the gardens speaks to hope, courage and family. Remarkable and difficult read.
Bonus: John Grisham’s latest title “The Exchange” and “Mary Churchill’s War” are worthwhile reading.