Poland: A Novel | Poland

The enmity between Germany and Poland and Russia and Poland isn’t a 20th century thing. It’s been going on for centuries.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | WWII

This book was horrifying in some ways and beautiful in others. In the end, it described war as something that engulfs all, not just adults, not just Jews, not just Nazis. It destroys everything.

Auschwitz | WWII

Every person should read this book because darkness needs to have a light shined on it; it should be acknowledged and discussed and known. 

Escape from Warsaw | WWII

This book was about what love and forgiveness can accomplish, about how it can rebuild. There’s good out there even within the depths of evil.

Read the World Wrap-Up | Greece

I had no idea how deeply love of freedom is ingrained into the Western psyche thanks to the Greeks. For that alone, their heroism and humanity, I give them thanks.

Bahamas | Day 10: Sunrise Run

This was one of my favorite moments, here in the calm and solitude with the sea whispering in an ancient voice that somehow I recognized in my bones.

Unfinished Work

I dreamed about my brother last night. While it broke my heart a little, it also made me wonder: Have I tried?

Natural Born Heroes | WWII

This book isn’t really about World War II or Greeks or fitness or even heroism. It’s about compassion, about love.

Become Inspired

Light chases out darkness, beats back sadness. By choosing to listen to these inspiring messages and work at becoming a better person, I’m choosing light. I’m choosing joy.

Gates of Fire | Greece

There’s something beautiful in the self-sacrifice of those Spartans laboring at the Hot Gates, knowing that they would die in the blood and horror of war. Doing it anyway for their families and their freedom.