Watching ‘World War II With Tom Hanks?’ These 4 Historical Fiction Pearl Harbor Books Are Your Next Must-Reads
Tom Hanks' WWII doc has us hooked! Here are the best Pearl Harbor novels to read along with episode 4
Key Takeaways
AI-generated summary reviewed by our editorial team.- Episode 4 of World War II With Tom Hanks focuses on Pearl Harbor.
- The December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor drew the U.S. into World War II.
- These four novels center on women's heroic roles at Pearl Harbor.
Episode 4 of Tom Hanks’ new documentary, World War II With Tom Hanks, airs today, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll finish the hour with a dozen questions (and an urge to keep learning!). Since this episode focuses on Pearl Harbor, we rounded up several un-put-down-able historical fiction books so you can dive deeper into the people, history and heartbreak behind the headlines.
What is Pearl Harbor?
On December 7, 1941, Japan bombed the United States Pacific Fleet at its naval base at Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii, in an attempt to cripple American naval power in the Pacific. Following the attack, the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II.
“December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy when the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,” former President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his speech at the time. “With confidence in our armed forces with the unbounding determination of our people we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”
Historical fiction books about Pearl Harbor
Historical fiction gives us a way to learn more about real-world events, and these examples do it particularly well:
‘Radar Girls’ by Sara Ackerman
The aftermath of Pearl Harbor is explored in this bestselling novel. After the attack, Daisy Wilder enlists in a secret program that replaces male soldiers in the war zone. But not everyone thinks women should be involved in the war. Can Daisy and her new friends prove them wrong?
“Such an excellent book!” raves one reader on Goodreads. “Usually, these types of stories are set in England or Europe. It’s unusual to find one set in Hawai’i after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This book was, in turns, funny, sad, exciting and hopeful. I loved the characters, ambiance and the thrill of these women realizing that they had something to offer outside of the home.”
‘The Flight Girls’ by Noelle Salazar
Set in 1941, this novel follows Audrey Coltrane, a young woman who enlists in the Hawaii-based Women Airforce Service Pilots program, or WASPs. While there, she bonds with her fellow pilots and discovers a courage she never knew she had—strength she’ll desperately need when her lover, Lieutenant James Hart, goes missing in action. A thrilling tale of love and loss.
Says one reader: “If you enjoy stories of love and strong female friendship during WW2, this one is for you! The minute I started reading it, I could not put the book down. Noelle’s vivid descriptions made you feel like you were actually there. The end of each chapter was a little cliffhanger and left you wanting to know and read more!”
‘The Woman with a Purple Heart’ by Diane Hanks
Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, this novel reveals what life was like for hospital workers after the Pearl Harbor attack. Annie finds herself scrambling to save the lives of those who were hurt in the bombing. But doing so won’t be easy, especially since the only people willing to help her out are Japanese American nurses and prostitutes. Can Annie find a way to unite them all and save the lives of the injured?
“Wow, this was a stellar read. I have read several Pearl Harbor stories but never from the voice of a nurse that was up front and center in the aftermath of the attack. Well told, research was excellent and it is written to make you feel as if you were right there with them,” raves one reader.
‘The Girls of Pearl Harbor’ by Soraya M. Lane
From the bestselling author of Wives of War comes an eye-opening tale about four young nurses whose lives are changed forever after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As members of the US Army Nurse Corps, Grace, April, Eva, and Poppy knew they might face some tough challenges, but they never thought they would see anything as devastating as the bombing. Now the women must find the strength to help and heal others while also trying to heal themselves.
“It is not unusual for me to complete a book in one sitting, but The Girls of Pearl Harbor was a book I wouldn’t put down even if a tornado was approaching our home in rural Missouri. I would have brought my Kindle to our shelter and read by lantern light if necessary!” says one reader. “What impressed me most was the portrayal of the strength and courage of so many nurses who served the military since the Revolutionary War. Despite being confronted with some of the most horrific examples of what war can do to individuals, and even when hope of their own survival seemed lost, these nurses found the ability to get the job done.”
World War II With Tom Hanks airs every Monday on The History Channel.
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