So, you did it! You are all booked and you are ready to go! And Poland is certainly waiting for you! So what should you do next? Don’t worry, we know exactly what you need! How about a place to start envisioning this trip of a lifetime! A book! A movie! Yes! Here are our top 10 picks to give you some seriously good background on Krakow and Poland.
Polka King
Jack Black takes us on the quest for the American Dream, Polka style! Unfortunately, for this real life polka prince, he didn’t quite read the fine print.
Schindler’s List
1,100 names and 1,100 lives. Steven Spielberg’s epic puts things in perspective as you take in the injustice that swiftly spread over Poland in the Fall of 1939.
The first season of Father Brown on BBC
This fun loving mystery serial has a wonderful Polish character in the first season that gives a little insight into how Poles were treated as refugees. A great period piece, this one is perfect for a cozy night in.
Karol: The Man Who Became Pope (2005)
To know Poland is to know their love for their favorite son, St. Pope John Paul II. So why is he such a big deal? This movie illuminates his story pre-Vatican and gives some insight as to why he is such an important figure.
Flavor of Poland
Admit it. You’ve been thinking all about the food you will encounter! This PBS host does a great job of introducing not only the food but the places that each dish comes from.
The Zookeeper’s Wife
This World War II story chronicles the events that occurred at the Warsaw Zoo. While caring for all of the exotic animals, the zookeeper and his wife found themselves caring for so many more souls. A fascinating read (and far better than the movie.)
Rose Petal Jam: Recipes and Stories from a Summer in Poland
Looking to learn a little more about Polish food? This is the book for you! Enjoy some wonderful recipes with a few stories along the way.
The Girl From Krakow
An epic historical fiction account of one woman’s saga through pre WWII Europe and the circumstances that create a secret that could change the outcome of the war. This is a page turner will have you wondering what else could possibly happen next?!
City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II’s Kraków
What happens when a priest from Poland becomes the most powerful person in the Catholic Church? As it turns out, a whole heck of a lot of history changing events. Hometown hero, Karol Wojtyla, returned to Krakow and changed the world through his peaceful pilgrimage.
The Dragon of Krakow: and other Polish Stories
There are plenty of folk stories and tall tales to keep the imagination going in this lovely volume of stories. Dragons and kings, and valiant knights await!
The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt’s Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer
The art world suffered so very much during the war and there are numerous stories that detail the massive operations. this story chronicles the epic journey and political fall out from a series of five Klimt masterpieces.