Six Degrees of Separation---Wild Swans

Six Degrees of Separation. 

We begin with

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Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

I haven't read this book but I've heard great things about it and I certainly intend it someday. It is story of three generations in the twentieth century and the effect that Mao had on their lives.
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Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng

This is the very first book I ever read about the Cultural Revolution in China and it was an eye-opening reading experience.

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First They Killed my Father by Loung Ung

Another memoir that I read in the same time period as the above book. This is set in Cambodia during the reign of the Khmer Rouge which terrorized its citizens for several years, killing thousands, maybe millions, of people.
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In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

Also set in Cambodia when the Khmer Rouge come into power. This novel is exquisitely written and really emphasizes human resilience. Told from the point of view of a young girl.
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Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron

Another novel about a real historical event of epic and horrifying prepositions---the systemic slaughter of the Tsuti people by the Hutu tribe in Rwanda. The main character is hoping to go to the Olympics as a runner and it ends up being his salvation.
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Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival, Resistance, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

Another book about an Olympian and runner, Louis Zamporini, who became a war hero. After he was  adrift in the Pacific for several months he was captured by the Japanese. He resisted his captors and was tortured.  After he returned home he found peace through a personal relationship with Jesus. This is a very inspiring story.
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The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Another inspiring story. In the face of the horrible events of WWII with the Nazi's killing Jews. Corrie ten Boom and her sister were imprisoned for sheltering Jews. She was able to survive her ordeal through the strength she gained from her faith.

I had no idea when I started this list that I would end here. China to Germany, via other continents. What a trip.

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