As temperatures cool, ushering in the flush of fall color, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book. In celebration of Filipino American History Month, these books make the perfect companion to fireside reading sessions. Grab one and snuggle up with a hot drink and a cozy blanket, and enjoy. Happy reading!
When the Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe
The Karangalan family hides out in their cellar from the Japanese military in the final year of WW2. Family stories and Filipino folktales are shared as they attempt to assuage the fear that they might be discovered at any moment. Above ground, three brave Filipinos — a teenage brother and sister and a guerrilla fighter — become caught in the battle against the vicious Japanese forces. A riveting tale of survival sprinkled with the magical.
Hold Strong by Robert Dugoni, Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree
Inspired by an extraordinary true story, this novel brings to light a little-known piece of WW2 history. Two sweethearts are separated by the war. After Sam is sent to fight in the Philippines, he is captured. He suffers the horrific Bataan Death March and brutal Japanese internment camps before being herded into the cargo hold of a Japanese “hell ship” with other POWs. At the same time, Sarah, a codebreaker in Washington, DC, intercepts a coded message revealing the ship’s route and is faced with the most difficult decision of her life. A stunning, harrowing story of faith, courage and survival.
When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner
Based on the true experiences of the “Angels of Bataan,” a Filipina nurse, a U.S. Navy nurse, and a U.S. Army nurse form a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila before the war. When the Japanese military invades the Philippines, the women are captured and are separated. A stunning story of resilience, as these women fight to help the most desperate at the internment camps and to survive.
The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee
After enlisting in the Army in 1941, three small-town friends are sent to Luzon, where they soon experience the perils of the savage Bataan Death March. A tale of grit, survival, friendship, sacrifice and hope inspired by true stories.
When Jasmine Blooms by Tif Marcelo
A mother desperately struggles as she grieves the loss of her daughter while wondering what life would be like if only she’d chosen differently. When her ‘what if?’ becomes reality, she’s forced to navigate a new life — to grieve fully, to reconnect with her family, and to move forward with her life.
Arsenic and Adobo (A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery) by Mia Manansala
In this charming, funny, cozy mystery, Lila Macapagal moves back to her hometown to help her aunt revive her struggling restaurant. Soon, Lila becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her bristly food critic ex-boyfriend after serving him his last meal. Lila takes the reins as an amateur sleuth to save herself, aided by her aunties and her best friend, knowing she must discover the identity of the real killer before it’s too late.
Angela Shupe’s debut historical novel, In the Light of the Sun, is inspired by her family’s story in the Philippines and Italy during WW2. Her writing has appeared in various magazines and literary journals and has been awarded. Before writing her debut, she worked as an editor, and as a communications coordinator for a public school district. She holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Detroit in English with a minor in political science. Ms. Shupe lives in Michigan with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit her website at https://angelamshupe.com.
