Oh My Word with Katie
"Oh My Word with Katie" is the show where we hear from Christian writers, chat about classics and new releases for your TBR list, and marvel at all the ways God shows up in words and stories. Join our email list: https://mschristianliving.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=339b6e33ab1f6a8ad0e44aa39&id=c6daf71a58
Oh My Word with Katie
The Forgotten WWII Story Behind 'Enemies in the Orchard': Dana VanderLugt
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'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes
Katie welcomes author Dana VanderLugt to discuss Enemies in the Orchard, her moving World War II novel in verse inspired by a little-known chapter of American history.
Dana shares the true family story behind the novel, explains why she chose the unique novel-in-verse format, and explores how stories of history and faith can invite readers to wrestle with difficult questions instead of offering easy answers.
Together, Katie and Dana discuss German prisoners of war on American farms, writing for readers of all ages, the complexity of forgiveness, and why novels in verse just hit different.
PS: Dive even deeper into the book with Katie and Dana at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, as they go live on Instagram! Follow @kathleen139 on Instagram to watch.
Unabridged Show Notes
Katie sits down with author Dana VanderLugt to discuss Enemies in the Orchard, a World War II novel in verse inspired by the true story of German prisoners of war who worked on her grandfather's Michigan apple orchard.
Dana explains how growing up in a family of storytellers shaped her love of narrative and why she immediately knew this hidden historical story belonged in the novel-in-verse format. She shares what makes verse fiction so emotionally powerful and why it often reaches readers who think they don't enjoy poetry.
The conversation explores one of WWII's lesser-known chapters: thousands of German POWs who were brought to the United States to help relieve wartime labor shortages. Dana discusses the extensive research behind the novel, how much of her own family's story is factual, and the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction.
Katie and Dana also examine the book's deeper themes of forgiveness, prejudice, doubt, and loving those we consider our enemies. They discuss writing honest characters whose faith includes questions and wrestling, and why meaningful stories don't always wrap everything up neatly.
The episode concludes with Dana sharing the Bible passage that most connects with the novel, recommending one of her favorite contemporary books, offering a glimpse into her next writing project, and revealing the beloved classic that will be the focus of Part 2 (coming August 20).
Don't forget to tune in LIVE at 7 p.m. August 27 as Katie and Dana lead a book-club discussion of Enemies in the Orchard on Instagram! Follow @kathleen139 on Instagram to watch.
In This Episode
The hidden history behind the novel
- German POWs on American farms
- Dana's grandfather's apple orchard
- Researching a forgotten chapter of WWII
Writing a novel in verse
- Why verse tells emotional stories so effectively
- Learning the craft of poetry
- Writing for ages 9 to 99
Faith, history, and difficult questions
- Loving your enemies
- Writing characters who wrestle with doubt
- Why stories don't need easy answers
Reading and writing
- Dana's favorite novels
- Books she's reading now
- A peek at her next project
Looking ahead
- Preview of the classic we'll discuss in Part 2
Books Mentioned
- Enemies in the Orchard — Dana VanderLugt
- Home of the Brave — Katherine Applegate
- The One and Only Ivan — Katherine Applegate
- Plainsong — Kent Haruf
- The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion — Beth Brower
Who This Episode Is For
- Historical fiction readers
- Fans of WWII stories
- Parents and teachers looking for meaningful books
- Readers interested in Christian storytelling
- Anyone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about faith, literature, and history
Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie?
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- Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, book recommendations, and literary conversations.
- Tune in LIVE at 7 p.m. August 27 for Katie and Dana's book-club discussion of Enemies in the Orchard, on Instagram @kathleen139.
A Question to Reflect On
Whom might God be calling you to see differently — even someone you've been taught to think of as "the enemy"?