Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 553

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 19, 1940: Italians occupy Berbera, capital of British Somaliland.
65 Years Ago—Aug. 19, 1945: Japanese delegates arrive in Manila for surrender negotiations with the Allies.

Book Club Beat - Rain Song by Alice Wisler

Today I start a new feature - Book Club Beat, where book clubs share about their discussions. Today's post is from my own book club. Sorry - we don't have a catchy name, but we've been meeting since 2003 (!) and have way too much fun.

Book: Rain Song by Alice Wisler What's it about?Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan. Something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 18, 1940: After heavy losses, Germans withdraw Ju 87 Stuka dive-bombers from combat over Britain.
65 Years Ago—Aug. 18, 1945: In US, President Truman restores the free market.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 17, 1940: Germany announces total blockade of Great Britain. Duke of Windsor (former King Edward VIII) sworn in as Governor of Bahamas.
65 Years Ago—Aug. 17, 1945: Japanese post-war parliament established under Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni. Dutch East Indies proclaims independence from the Netherlands, now called the Republic of Indonesia.

New Feature - "Book Club Beat" - and an Invitation!

I'd like to start a new feature on my blog called "Book Club Beat" - and I'd like to invite you to participate. Rather than a traditional book review, it'd be about how a club responded to the book. Clubs would fill out a short questionnaire about what they liked about the book, anything they'd change, discussion topics the story inspired, etc. All answers would be kept free of personal details to protect club members. I could post a picture of your book club if you'd like.

I think this would ...

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Aug. 16, 1945: Emperor Hirohito orders Japanese troops to lay down arms. Japanese parliament resigns.

Today in World War II History - V-J Day Anniversary!

70 Years Ago—Aug. 15, 1940: Luftwaffe's "Black Thursday:" in the Battle of Britain, Germans lose 76 aircraft, while RAF loses 50.
65 Years Ago—Aug. 15, 1945: V-J Day—US accepts Japanese surrender, and hostilities cease. Hirohito announces surrender to the Japanese people—the first time they have heard his voice.

Happy V-J Day!

Sixty-five years ago today, World War II came to an end when Emperor Hirohito of Japan signed his acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration demanding unconditional surrender to the Allies. The surrender was announced in the United States at 7pm Eastern War Savings Time.

The following day, August 15, was officially proclaimed V-J Day (Victory in Japan), a day of celebration and thanksgiving.

Almost six years had passed since Germany had invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, beginning the most costly ...

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 14, 1940: As Italians advance, British evacuate Berbera, the capital of British Somaliland.
65 Years Ago—Aug. 14, 1945: Japanese military coup and assassination attempt on Emperor Hirohito fails, and Hirohito signs acceptance of unconditional surrender.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1940: "Day of the Eagle:" In the Battle of Britain, Luftwaffe attacks switch from shipping to RAF airfields and aircraft plants to prepare for invasion—the first strategic air operation in history.
65 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1945: Mongolia declares war on Japan.