The Buried Children - Daniel Farcas

Genre:  Adult, Memoir
Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

If you like reading about the hardships faced by others from different countries then you migh like this book.  If you enjoy reading about someone's life then you mike like this book.  This is not a feel good book.  Danile Farcas was one of many children who grew up in an orphanage in Bucharest, Romania.
During Nicolae Ceausescu's reign he created a law that made it a criminal offense to get an abortion or to use contraceptives.  He was trying to increase the communist population.  Unfortunately the effect of this was women having babies they did not want and leaving them in an orphanage. Most times they were not wanted there either. They were abused, neglected and nameless.  For many the only names they carried were the nicknames they were given like Scabby, Burned, or Horse.  Daniel managed to escape from the celar of the orphanage.  He ended up living in the sewers under the cities with many other boys.  Finally, he is assisted in reaching America where he hoped to see a change in his life.

This is not easy to read.  Is is open and raw.  American children are for the most part blessed to live in the circumstances they live in.  This is a good book

Leading the Way: Darby's Ranger Noel Dye by A.H. Durshimer III

Genre: Biography, WWII

Source: Purchased a copy

 

I had the privilege of meeting the author at a summer workshop. We work in the same district. When I overheard him discussing his book, I looked it up online. I immediately did two things. I ordered the book and scheduled it’s review. I then took my card to him and told him what day the review would be posted.  I was that interested in the book.

Art is extremely knowledgeable about the Vietnam War and the World Wars. Through a friend he had the opportunity to meet Noel Dye, who was one of Darby’s Rangers.  I had heard of Darby’s Rangers. I had watched the movie.  I did not know who Noel Dye was.  Art has skillfully taken this man’s story and told it in a way that you feel like you are sitting in on the interviews.  For me that is important.  I have limited knowledge of wars.  When some part or some person in a war peaks my interest then I dig deeper and learn more.  This book has once again set me on that path and made it easier for me because it included a bibliography.  With all of the facts I was afraid it would read like a list of battle facts.  This is so far from the truth.  I was very impressed with not only the story, but the writing of the story.

Noel is a very down to earth person.  One thing that was obvious as he was telling the story to the author was how vivid his memories were.  My mother and I were discussing this. Her father fought in WWI.  She said the one thing that haunted him was sitting in a fox hole with his buddy having a conversation. When his buddy didn’t answer he looked over and saw his head had been blown off.  She remarked that he had said it just so matter-of-fact.  This is how Noel talks of his injuries and losing his buddies.  These are memories that never leave you.  Hopefully the soldier finds a way to deal with them so they no longer haunt them.

Two other things I loved about this book.  There are a collection of letters that Noel’s family had saved for him. In this way we see what was going through his mind, and how little he was able to relay to his family.  The other thing was the pictures he graciously allowed the author to put into the book. I am very pleased I overheard his conversation mentioning his book.  The funny thing in all of this is that you would think that with such a love of history that Art would teach that subject.  He teaches English.  In my book this makes his students extremely lucky.  When he has to find extra reading materials, be it books, essays, letters, etc. to go with his lesson, he is in a position to do so. He has a wealth of knowledge in his hands. Any parent would be lucky to have him for a teacher. He is currently working on another book. I look forward to reading it when he has it finished.

 

About the Author

Art Durshimer is a high-school English and journalism teacher in Bradenton, FL. He is married and the father of three children. Durshimer, 56, spent 25 years in various newsrooms as a reporter and editor. He began teaching 11 years ago, fulfilling a longtime goal of working with young people. His wife, Meg, also is a former journalist who now teaches elementary school. Durshimer is a lifelong history buff, a habit he indulges through historical re-enactments and presentations of World War II and the Vietnam War era. He, his wife and children all are Florida natives; his sons Ben, 18, and Jake, 20, are the fourth generation of his family born in the state. Durshimer’s daughter, Amy, and his three grandchildren live near Athens, Ga. His hobbies include historical re-enactments, reading (favorite author is Pat Conroy), writing and beachcombing with his wife on Florida’s gulf and Atlantic beaches.

May This Be the Best Year of Your Life - Sandra Bornstein

Genre: Memoir, Adult
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review

From Goodreads:

After stepping out of her comfort zone of American suburbia, Sandra Bornstein found herself in a life altering experience that made her question the meaning of marital bliss. Living alone in a three-hundred-square-foot dorm room, she taught fifth grade at a renowned international boarding school in Bangalore. This compelling, honest, and edifying memoir shares everything she learned about perseverance, travel, education, faith, and family. Had Sandra never resided in India, she would have missed out on an experience that ultimately enhanced her resiliency, confidence, and passion for life.

My Thoughts:

I would love to be as adventurous as the author of this book is.  I see her as not only a creative person, but a very brave soul.  As I read her book I kept thinking, I would not have the  courage to go to another country and function at times on my own. It didn’t matter that part of that time she was with her husband or her son.  When her husband as a terrible accident back in the states she is finally offered a teaching position in India.  She bravely takes the job.  I understand why.  As terrifying as it is, there is a part of her that knows if she doesn’t do this she will always regret not trying.  Her time there with her husband helped prepare her somewhat. A lot of what she had to do had to be faced by herself.  I loved the depiction of the Indian people and their culture.  I am lucky in that my school has a very large Indian population.  Many of my Indian students take extended periods of time to go back to their country during the summer or holidays. Some of them return for weddings.  Their parents have come in and held festivals at our school to teach our other students about their culture.  It helps that I teach at and IB (International Baccalaureate) school which encourages the learning of diverse cultures.  I feel there is so much I can learn from my students as I try to teach them.  The most fascinating thing I have learned is that you can’t lump them all together into one “Indian pot”.  There country and cultures are as diverse as ours here in America.  The author has done an excellent job of showing that.  She has shown the hardships and inequity faced by so many when it comes to education.  It makes me glad I live here in the United States.  I have heard some of these kinds of stories from my Indian students.  Some of them came here because of relatives moving here. Most came here because of the educational and economical opportunities.  It irritates me when I hear people put my Indian students down.  I was in charge of the spelling bee at my school a few years back.  When we went to the county competition the two people who ended up competing for first and second place were both Indians. A man sitting behind me said to his wife, “Of course it would be one of the Indian’s, they don’t have a life outside of studying.” At that point I wanted to turn and blast the man. I kept thinking, if our students and their families have had the opportunity to see the life some of them have seen without education then they would understand the importance of education.  I believe that is one of our downfalls here in America.  We take everything for granted.  There are so many things to be learned, not only about the Indian culture and lifestyle from this author. By bravely telling us her story she makes us take a good hard look at love, family and life in general.  It is written with pride and joy and with her whole heart thrown in for just the right emotional mix.  This is a book that I whole heartedly recommend to my friends.  It is one I will be taking back to school with me in the fall to share with my fellow teachers.

About the Author:
Sandra Bornstein is a licensed Colorado teacher with a Linguistically Diverse Education K-12 endorsement and two masters' degrees- one in education and the other in Jewish Studies. She has taught K-12 and college-level students in both the private and public sectors in the United States and abroad. Married to Ira, a lawyer, she has four adult sons and currently lives in Colorado.

Her Website:  www.sandrabornstein

 

The Years of Zero – Seng Ty

Genre: autobiography
Source:  I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

 

The Zero Years were the years 1975 – 1979 in Cambodia’s history. This is when the Khmer Rouge took over Phnom Penh the capital. The author lived those years. He was one of eleven children in his family. Most of his siblings did not survive. His father was a professor. When the Khmer Rouge came in, Seng’s father had already heard rumors of what was happening to professionals and those considered the upper crust of society. The first group of soldiers came into their village with white flags claiming to bring peace. The next group came in bringing death.  They were taken out of their homes and forced to walk for days with little rest or food. They were loaded on trains where they were packed so tight many died. Through all of this I kept thinking it reminded me of the holocaust trains. Seng had seen so many dead bodies that he eventually became numb to it. Seeing a body hung from a tree was just an everyday occurrence. This was just the beginning of the horror he would live.

This was the first I had ever really heard of the Khmer Rouge atrocities. It is sad to say this considering my age now.  However, at the time this was starting I was 17 and really sheltered from all of this.  We know of all of the people killed by Hitler.  How is it that we don’t teach about the millions of Cambodians exterminated? How many more stories like this will we need to read before we finally learn to value life?

The book was well written.  I felt like I was on that walk with him.  There is so much more to this story. Some of it happy and some of it not.  If you want to find out what happened to him and his family you will need to read this book. You definitely won’t regret it.  You might even learn quite a bit.

 

Author Info from his website:

SENG TY was born in the Kampong Speu province of Cambodia, the son of a respected physician who taught him to value life, aspire to humility, and seek the good in people. He was thirteen when he made his way alone to a refugee camp in Thailand in 1981. His story was featured in TIME Magazine’s article “Children of War”, and was read by an American family in Amherst, Massachusetts, who adopted him a year later. Now he is a citizen of the United States, a husband, a father and an educator in the Lowell, MA School System.

Seng will never rid himself of his ghosts, nor will he forget the blood-chilling atrocities he has witnessed and experienced. However, he doesn’t crave revenge against those who carried out these atrocities. He desires to share his story of survival and courage only in order to give hope to others. He was one of the children of war tour in the US cities in early 1984, he shared his story through the Phil Donahue Show, many major newspapers, and CBS 60 Minutes in 1999.

Seng’s wish is that The Years of Zero will give him a platform to expand his message beyond the circle of his students in Lowell, to people all over the world who are in need of a little hope.

Mommy's A Mole - Eve Carson

From Goodreads:
There is no crueler tyranny than that which is exercised under cover of law, and with the colors of
justice." - U.S. v. Jannotti, 673 F.2d 578, 614 (3d Cir. 1982). The sun trickled through the dense tangle of the spring's budding branches. Karen Wolfe Churgin walked her dogs on April 18, 1990, on her remote wooded property on Chebacco Road. The veterinarian spotted a white sphere obstructing a drainage ditch. Churgin's home sat on top of the bluff overlooking Chebacco Lake, and the lower-wooded basin was often flooded with water. The sparsely inhabited wilderness in Hamilton, Massachusetts attracted hikers and bikers, but was also a secluded setting known for criminal activity. From a distance, she saw an object, a white sphere. When she reached to dislodge it, she reeled back in horror. She immediately called the police. "I saw something in the woods that looked like a punched-in volleyball," Karen told the Beverly Times on April 25, 1990. "I looked closer and it was a human skull. It had suture-like zigzagged lines. Those are unique to human skulls." Officer Hat eld was the first to respond, and the initial conclusion determined the discovery was, indeed, a human skull. Hamilton Police Chief Walter Cullen arrived at the scene next and photographed the find. The Massachusetts State Police Crime Prevention and Control Unit, CPAC, dispatched Cpl. Dennis Marks to take charge of the crime scene. Local police sent the skull and a nearby black boot to Hunt Memorial Hospital to examine, but nothing else surfaced in the initial cursory search of the surrounding area. Notices went out to departments to assist the resident force, and names poured in to compare the cranium to known missing persons. Joan Webster's name appeared on the list, but the resting spot was more than thirty miles from the long-speculated crime scene at Pier 7 in Boston. "Of course, it's being checked out, but the location doesn't seem to correlate. Circumstances pointed to her being taken out in a boat and dumped at sea. This is something way up north and doesn't tie to anything." -George Webster Harvard Crimson April 28, 1990.

 

My Thoughts:

As I began reading this book I was immediately reminded of another controversial book.  Lois Duncan wrote a book called, “Who Killed My Daughter”.  Both books have ruffled feathers of those they had at one time been close to.  I can’t imagine the pain and agony knowing a loved one was murdered and then finding so much evidence that was tainted, twisted and misused.  This review in no way says I believe either side.  I will say that the author has definitely produced a lot of evidence that makes me believe that things were not what they appeared to be. There were way too many inconsistencies.  To me the thing that is so difficult to deal with was the fact that her husband and his  family turned on her.

Joan Webster was the sister-in-law of the author of this book. She went missing shortly after Thanksgiving. Eve Carson was not satisfied with the answers she got  about Joan’s disappearance and eventual discovery. When she tried to ask questions she was attacked by those you would consider on her side.  Joan has done a lot of work on her own and provided a lot of documentation to backup her beliefs.  My one hope is that she finds what she is looking for, the truth in this case.  Maybe by writing this book she will create enough buzz to truly have this case solved.  This is definitely  a book I recommend to those who love reading true stories.

 

About the author:

Author Eve Carson has a degree in economics and industrial management from Purdue University. She joined the Webster family when she married Joan’s brother Steve in 1980 and belonged to the immediate family when Joan disappeared. She eventually took on the unresolved case after becoming alienated from her two daughters. Carson reveals hidden and explosive evidence in this tell-all book about one of Boston’s most sensational unresolved murders. She puts a personal face on victims of covered up crime and the dire consequences of public corruption.

 

 

Call Me Clumsy by Matthew Weinrich

Genre: Memoir, Humor
Source: I received a copy from the author

From Goodreads:
So begins the "odyssey of awkwardness" that is Call Me Clumsy, the my-life-so-far memoir
of Matthew Weinrich. Through utterly humbling experiences that span the decades of his life, Weinrich provides anecdotes that are equally cringe-inducing and laugh-out-loud funny. From his experience as a consummate slacker to his marriage proposal gone horribly awry to an unfortunate run-in with the fine men and women of the TSA, Weinrich bring you along as he strolls down memory lane, for better or for worse.

Ultimately, Weinrich gives us a heart-warming picture of the humility of a child of God who knows, without a doubt, that the old adage applies to him:
God is God, and I am not...
...not even close.

 

My Thoughts:

I laughed until I cried.  I identified with so many of the goofy things he did.  I have been clumsy when it comes to injuries to my feet and legs.  I’ve broken both feet twice, both knees twice and both ankles. I used to get teased for falling “UP” the stairs. I don’t think I have ever done anything quite as embarrassing as the things I read about in this book.  I have promoted the heck out of this book to my teacher friends.  There is something for everyone in it.  The story I identified with the most was “Fingers on Home Row”.  Matt and I are both teachers.  As such we have each had our share where we were doing what we thought was our best to encourage students only to have them burst into tears. Why? Because we didn’t pay enough attention to our students and take into consideration any concerns they had AT THE TIME, only to learn that because we had not, we had in actuality made the student feel there was no way they could succeed.  For me it was a student who kept insisting they could not read because they had an issue with short term memory.  I just knew I could help them.  Later talking with several students, the school counselor and the parents I learned he had a brain injury that made short term memory almost impossible.  I felt so terrible.  Some of Matt’s stories show us that there are people out there who are willing to help us out when we really mess up.  He also shows us that God definitely watches out for us when we put ourselves into stupidly dangerous situations.  I want everyone I meet to read this book.  It is one I have read over and over and over.  That’s not something I do very often.  It is definitely one of my favorites to read.

 

Author Bio

Born in Superior, Montana in 1984, Matthew Weinrich grew up in Montana, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma.  He currently lives in Oklahoma City and teaches at Western Oaks Middle School in the Putnam City School District.  He is happily married to his beautiful wife Danielle of six years.  Matt and Danielle have recently welcomed their first child, a son named Elijah.  In his spare time Matt enjoys playing sports, writing, watching baseball and being involved with his church.

Website
Goodreads  

 

 

Slimy by Karen Arnpriester

Pages: 86
Genre:  Middle Grade, Young Adult, Autobiography
Source: Review copy in exchange for my honest opinion


From Goodreads 
Slimy is the painful account of my experiences as a bullied, isolated and humiliated child. My journey of abuse began in the fifth grade and continued through the ninth. I chose to share my story so that others will understand how bullying can damage and alter a child’s self- image. How we learn to tolerate injustice and mistreatment as if we do not deserve anything better. A belief that can alter a lifetime. My story is sad and filled with powerful memories that affected who I became, but my story is not unique, many children are targeted and suffer quietly without an escape. Every school has bullies, children that are angry, hurtful people who are allowed to control and determine who has value and who does not. I believe that a solution to the rampant epidemic of bullying will need the involvement of parents and teachers, but the most effective resolve for this growing threat will require a student body that chooses not to tolerate bullies and the pain they inflict. The true power belongs to the students who passively watch. These students empower the bullies through their silence and apathy. I hope to encourage the bullied child, inspire the student body to make a difference and expose the fear that bullies operate through.

My Thoughts
 I had the privilege of reading this book before it was published. It was absolutely spot on as far as the message about bullying. As a teacher I felt anger at what the main character had gone through. I felt ashamed that a teacher did not stand up for her. I felt her pain. I realize that bullying comes in all forms. There was so much I could identify with. I've seen kids bullied like this at school and do my best to stop it. Unfortunately, so many of them experience the bullying and never tell an adult. We can't stop what we don't see. I looked at myself and asked if I was doing all I could at school to make sure my students were not being bullied. Was I really as observant as I could be? Was I observant with my children? With a suicide of a young girl here in Florida so fresh on every one's mind I realized that this is important to have in schools everywhere. Students need to know they don't have to be alone or feel afraid to tell someone. As parents we want what is best for our children and grandchildren. This made me ask myself if I was always doing what was best or if I thought my actions would make them stronger. I can't recommend this book strong enough.

Coming in 2014 and a Review

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year!  I hope you have a wonderful new year.  May 2014 be the year that your reach all of your dreams.  I am changing things up this year.  I recently went back over the books I still have to review and realized I am way behind.  I am leaving five days available for new requests each month until I catch up all of my review.  There are just too many I need to catch up on. My plan is to read and schedule reviews a week at a time so I can then have time to write and handle my school load.

This will be a year of many changes.  Some I will decide on as I get into the new year.  Some will be happening whether I want them to or not.  My daughter and grandchildren will be moving away from me the day after New Years.  They will only be one hour away.  However, it is not the same as having them just down the street. It is best for everyone involved.  It just hurts knowing I now have no grandchildren real close.  I do have one about thirty minutes away.  We only get to see her when my son comes down from Georgia and picks her up and brings her to my house.  Divorce does things like that to grandparents and grandchildren.  Haylee and Jacob will be moving with their mother an hour away since my daughter was transferred.  We both need to break from each other for many reasons. I think, (I hope), it will make my visits with my grandchildren more special.  I fear the youngest of only three will forget me if he doesn't get to see me as often.  That is just my own fear. I will miss my time writing with my granddaughter.
Another change this year is my commitment to losing weight.  I don't know how quickly I'll be able to take it off.  I am facing another surgery in the new year which will hamper some of the weight loss.  I need to get more exercise and so I am making a commitment to get more in 2014.  That is one of the reasons for scheduling reviews in advance.  I don't want any excuses for not exercising.  Now, to my very first review of the new year.

Another Forgotten Child by Cathy Glass
Pages: 304
Genre: Memoir
Source: I won a copy from LibraryThing
Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are my own.  I have been compensated in no way for my honest opinion.

From Goodreads:
Eight-year-old Aimee was on the child protection register at birth. Her five older siblings were taken into care many years ago. So no one can understand why she was left at home to suffer for so long. It seems Aimee was forgotten.

The social services are looking for a very experienced foster carer to look after Aimee and, when she reads the referral, Cathy understands why. Despite her reservations, Cathy agrees to Aimee on – there is something about her that reminds Cathy of Jodie (the subject of ‘Damaged’ and the most disturbed child Cathy has cared for), and reading the report instantly tugs at her heart strings.

When she arrives, Aimee is angry. And she has every right to be. She has spent the first eight years of her life living with her drug-dependent mother in a flat that the social worker described as ‘not fit for human habitation’. Aimee is so grateful as she snuggles into her bed at Cathy’s house on the first night that it brings Cathy to tears.

Aimee’s aggressive mother is constantly causing trouble at contact, and makes sweeping allegations against Cathy and her family in front of her daughter as well. It is a trying time for Cathy, and it makes it difficult for Aimee to settle. But as Aimee begins to trust Cathy, she starts to open up. And the more Cathy learns about Aimee’s life before she came into care, the more horrified she becomes.

It’s clear that Aimee should have been rescued much sooner and as her journey seems to be coming to a happy end, Cathy can’t help but reflect on all the other ‘forgotten children’ that are still suffering…

My Thoughts
This is not a story for the faint of heart.  It is the story of a foster parent who takes in a child that most would never touch.  Aimee is eight years old and unlike her five older siblings, she was left with her mother instead of being removed.  Eight years she suffers abuse at the hands of her mother and many others.  No child should have to experience the things Aimee experiences.  The book was frustrating at times because at one point in my life I worked for children and family services in my state.  The things that you learn about happening to children is horrible.  Cathy has done a wonderful job of letting the reader  be an observer yet feel like they are right there.  I have never been a foster parent.  I have seen so much through my job as a teacher.  Sometimes the things we learn from our students are just as heart wrenching and makes us wonder how someone could let something happen to a child for so long and do nothing.  I have great admiration for people like Cathy.  As a matter of fact a friend of mine, an author by the name of Karen Arnpriester is one of those angels who takes in kids.  I have the highest respect for people like them.  I believe that books like this should be read to bring attention to, and open the eyes of people who might not want to see what is going on around them.  I highly recommend this book.

Freak: Memoir of an Outcast by Howard Shulman

Pages:  280

Genre:  Adult, Memoir

Source: Review copy from author.

From Amazon:

FREAK: Memoir of an Outcast is the author’s improbable but true story. When only days old, an infection attacks the author’s face, destroying his nose, lower lip, eyelid, and upper palate. Abandoned at the hospital by his parents and made a ward of the state of New Jersey, he is placed under the care of a state-employed surgeon who experimentally re-builds his face. Beginning what would become decades of reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts, Howard Shulman embarks on an unforgettable journey to find his place in the world. With street smarts and humor, bullied and outcast, he defies all odds by rising from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur. An unexpected twist of fate leads him to his birth mother — a chance event that drives home the lesson of what it will cost him if he doesn’t make peace with the past. By turns heart wrenching and funny, Howard’s story is a testament to the human spirit. FREAK will resonate with readers long after the final page.

My Thoughts:

There are many words that could describe Howard Shulman.  Pity is not one of them. After reading this story of courage and survival I feel like there are so many lessons we could learn from him.  This is an inspiring and uplifting story. Bullied, unloved by his parents, Howard proves to us that no matter what the obstacles or how unsurmountable they seem they can be conquered.  There is always room for hope.  This is a story that should be read by everyone.  What problems I have seem so small compared to what he has endured.  This is the way to end the year with a story that is definitely uplifting.

The Wrong Side of Right by Tom Gosinski

Pages: 210

Genre: Adult, Memoir

Source:  I received a copy to review

From Goodreads:

Intoxicated by the promise of travel, the sparkle of politics, and a fascination for the mystery of wealth, Tom redirects his life into what, he feels, will be a satisfying, promising future. However, once on the inside, he realizes the sparkle was created by mirrors and the fascination and mystery were illusions carved in smoke.

My Thoughts:

I wasn’t sure about reading this book for several reasons.  I’m glad that I did.  This is an honest look through To Gosinski’s eyes at the drug problem Cindy McCain had.  He could have trashed and bashed her.  Instead he took a more diplomatic approach that takes the reader from the way he met her to the having to make the decision to blow the whistle on her  This is definitely an intriguing read.

With Unwashed Hands by Joanie Bolton

Pages:  202

Genre: Adult, Christian, Biography

Source:  I received a copy from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own

From Goodreads:

Darrell Bolton, a retired Air Force officer, never imagined that his military career could still cost him his life--even after he had retired. While on a missionary trip to the Far East, Darrell, overcome with severe pain, was rushed to the hospital. Suddenly, he found himself viewed as "the enemy"! This gripping, true story will captivate you as you live with the Boltons through the horrific stress of being stranded in a third-world hospital...with a doctor whose only plan for his critically ill patient involved a slab in the morgue! "As a medical professional, I am appalled that such reprehensible abuse and neglect should be inflicted upon any human being...especially in the name of medicine! As someone who actually knows this kind and gentle man, I felt physically sickened by the mere reading of these events. This was truly a hate crime against one of our very own American heroes."

My Thoughts:

Imagine your loved on in the hospital going through unspeakable trials. Now take that same situation and place it in another country and add to it that the suffering is actually added to by the doctor who is supposed to be helping your loved one.  That is exactly what happened to this author’s husband. The things they went through are things you would think would have happened years ago.  It has only been a few years since this happened.  This story is one to be enjoyed by Christian and non-Christian alike. This story shows how God holds us close to him, and how he comforts us when no one else can.

This is definitely a story of faith, miracles, and love. It proves the point that what man means for evil God can use for good.  Break out your box of tissues and prepare to have your heart wrenched out and your soul inspired.

Student Saturday - A Child Called It - Dave Pelzer

Student Saturday is a day I post reviews written by other students.  The review that follows is written by Riffatul

The main characters of this story are David Pelzer, Catherine Roerva Pelzer, Stephen Pelzer,  and many others.

I really recommend this book to ages eleven and up because of hit’s harsh language and alcoholic uses. In my opinion this book is very good and emotional. I almost cried because of what harsh, cruel, and violent things the mother did to her son..

“A Child Called It”, is a story about young David Pelzer who once lived a great life, now a living slave to his own family.  David lives with his four brothers, his mom and dad. David’s mom, the worst keeps neglecting him over and over again for no apparent reason.  His four brothers just watch David being neglected and his dad trying to protect David.  Can you imagine a mom feeding her son ammonia and Clorox? Just the help from his school and dad, David is alive. Read “A Child Called It” and see what harsh obstacles and games David’ mom has put up for him

Balance - Nik Wallenda

Publisher: FaithWords
Pages: 224
Genre: Memoir
Source: I purchased it

Living in Sarasota my husband and I jump at the chance to watch any circus performers.  I've done book signings where we met other members of the Wallenda family, had members perform in our Christmas pageant,  or come to a school I taught at to perform and speak to our students at the conclusion of our circus unit.  The week before Nik Wallenda walked across the Grand Canyon I had the privilege of finally meeting Nik and his wife as he practiced at Benderson Park. I've heard people talk about how he was too important to perform for the lowly people or talk with them.  Well I am here to tell you that he and his wife are some of the most down to earth people I've met.  As I stood in line to have a picture taken with him I observed an act of kindness that was in no way put on for cameras. The cameras didn't see it.   There was an elderly lady in a wheelchair off to the side.  She'd been waiting patiently while her family stood in line to meet Nik. While members of his team were talking with the next person in line Nik walked down and stooped down next to her, took her hand and talked with her.  He autographed something for her.  He didn't make a big production of it or anything.  There were enough people around her that few saw this. He then silently made his way back up on stage.

There will be many who read his book and declare him a show off.  I sure hope so.  He wouldn't make it very far if he were not.  His book was a look back at his family's roots, and his path to where he is today.  I learned so much about his family history.  It was not always pleasant or easy.  There were always financial worries. Nik's work ethic was shaped by these experiences.  I definitely identified with a lot of that.  I have had a job since I was 13.  Nothing was beneath me.  I did what I had to do for my family.  I like Nik have a control problem.  Nik saw the effect of feeling like he had to be in control of everything including everything his family did.  It almost cost him his marriage.  With Nik's strong Christian background he had to learn to rely on God for that balance.  He can't be in control of everything.  He had to learn to let go and let God take over.  If you watched him on the walk across the Grand Canyon then you heard him talking to God.  This was not for show.  This is how Nik finds his balance as he walks.  He has the skills and talents that God gave him, but internally he has to rely on God for that balance.  I believe God gives me books to read when I need them. This last school year I felt like I had little control over things in my life.  I took on too much, had people wanting to know if I'd gotten their book read and reviewed, others who wanted to know if I'd finished the book I was working on.  School let out and I still felt things were not right.  After reading Nik's book I realized that I needed to look at my life and re-do and re-arrange things in my life.  I also needed to get my spiritual life back in balance.

There is so much you can learn from Nik's book.  You not only learn his family history, how he grew up performing and what he hopes to accomplish, but you get the sense that he is teaching you how to find your own balance.  Part of finding your balance in life is taking risks.  They don't have to be risks that are dangerous like Nik does when walking the wire.  Those risks may be simply putting your self out there in a situation.  My husband said the reason I did not start writing sooner was because I was afraid oI have to say that when I am writing I feel more balanced.  This is definitely a book I will read more than once and a book I will recommend to my friends and family.

Fruit of My Spirit - Deanna Nowadnick

Publisher:  Rhododendron Books

Pages:  114

Source:  Review copy from author

Genre:  Christian Inspirational Memoir

From Goodreads:

Fruit of My Spirit is a memoir of missteps and misdeeds in which Deanna Nowadnick writes of the hugeness of God’s love and faithfulness. Reframing life in God’s grace, she discovers an indescribable, indefinable, inexplicable love that has encircled her without fail throughout life.  Fruit of My Spirit is for anyone who’s ever questioned God’s ability to love and forgive, who’s ever wondered about their place in God’s family or God’s place in theirs. Deanna offers hope for those who dare to question, who secretly wonder, and who fear to ask. Through stories of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, you will experience the enormity of god, too.

My Thoughts:

Deanna has written a book that gives us a lot to think about.  Through her stories of how God has walked with her and develop her spiritual gifts, we get to look at our own lives and see how God has helped us. 

She shows us that God doesn’t promise us we will have no struggles. She shows us that God can use any situation or struggle we have to help us grow.  Her life lessons learned through raising her children show us how God often uses our own children. 

As I have gone through several financial and physical challenges this year I have had that rebellious side of me that complained often and questioned God, asking “why me”?  After reading this book I have to ask, “why not me”?  This book is both a lesson and inspiring.  I hope Deanna continues to write.  I feel that God will use her to inspire and bless those of us who read her books.

Student Saturday: Martin Luther King - Amy Pastan

Publisher:  DK Publisher
Pages:  128
Genre:  Biography
Student Reviewer:  Sophonie

The book I'm reading is Martin Luther King.  It is mostly about how Martin Luther King lived and what happened throughout his life.  This book talks about when King was young and he was an amazing reader and was the best baseball player in his neighborhood.  When Kind grew up he wanted to be a preacher just like his father, but instead he became the leader of African American rights.  When he grew up he went to Morehouse college.  He worked on Intercollegiate Council.  That means he works with a group to achieve racial justice.  He used to hate whites but his anger went away when he saw how well he worked with them.  This book goes on to when Rosa Park went ot jail and when King gave his speech.

I would probably recommend this book so the people who believe in peace also to people who has big dreams in life.  This book reminds me of when I was watching a video about a man that thinks he is useless but later on he became the richest man alive.  My opinion of this book is that this book is filled with loveand war at the same time.

Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania – Rosa Alexander and shELAH

Publisher:  Tate Publishing

Pages:  356

Source:  Review copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Genre:  Adult, Autobiographical Historical Fiction

From Publisher

"I do not want to hear another word about your "crazy" American Dream!"  Cruel, sarcastic words like these from Rosa Alexander's father during his frequent drunken rants often drove young Rosa to seek solace beneath her weeping willow tree.  One day however, Rosa's aunt Kalra visited from America, giving her hope and birthing Rosa's dream fro a brighter future.

In Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania, a historical novel coauthored with Shelah, Rosa shares how she clung to her "crazy" dream for years.  In 1985, she and her husband, Alan finally escaped the cruel eye of the Romanian communist regime but were forced to leave their children: Julia, 8; and Peter, 4 behind with Rosa's parents.  As Rosa struggled through enormous sorrow throughout an almost four-year battle to reunite her family, the love she and Alan shared and their quest for freedom sustained them.  Rosa's childhood dream eventually became a grown-up search for peace and a desperate yearning for her family to be reunited.  Ultimately, Rosa's search led her to not onlylisten for and hear God's voice but to also find her own.  Rosa's story reminds readers that dreams are not "crazy" and that with faith, dreams can come true.

My Thoughts: 

For those of us born into the American Dream it is often difficult to imagine what it was and is like for those who have not been so lucky.  Books like this one tug at our heart and our conscience and make us remember how lucky we are. 

I know very little about Transylvania and its history.  I know that it was the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.   Since I had such little knowledge, this book became very engrossing.  Although it could have probably given more historical details, for me it had the effect of making me research some of the history.
I honestly have to say I love when a book causes me to do more research.

When eight-year-old Rosa meets her Aunt Klara, visiting from America, her dream of one day going to America is born.  For every thought she has of one day reaching her dream, someone comes along to squish it.  The first she must contend with is her father who is the town drunk and constantly abuses her both physically and mentally.  Rosa keeps her dream alive as she visits an island near her grandfather’s farm.  On this small island is a willow tree.  I thought this was cool since I've always loved the willow tree.  I found it a place of serenity where my cares would be whisked away.  I understood the importance of the tree to her.

Rosa grows up, marries, and realizes her dream to move to America.  Once again, her dream comes with challenges.  She must leave her children behind with their grandmother.  I can only imagine what her children went through.  I work with kids and know how cruel they can be.  I can only imagine the talk of the other children.  The teasing from the other children made them doubt their own parent’s love for them.

  

This is a very inspirational book.  It inspired me to take a look at my dreams and ask myself how important they are and what I am willing to do to reach them.  I don’t know if I could have made the decisions Rosa made concerning her children.  I do understand that without her making those decisions she would never had realized her dream.  This is a book that should be a must read for everyone.  If nothing else, it lets us remember how lucky we are to live in the land we live in.  

About the Author:

Rosa Alexander was born in a small village in the post war Transylvania region of Romania. Her humble beginning was typical of many in that region at the time, a struggle for food, living in a home with dirt floors and an unclear future. Rosa’s alcoholic and abusive father added to a turbulent childhood. From this harsh start to her life, Rosa has searched for happiness and developed a strong, determined character that has seen her through persecution by the Romanian Secret Police, political asylum in the USA, separation from her children and a return back to Eastern Europe to witness the fall of harsh oppressive regimes. Today, Rosa Alexander is an author and divides her time between the USA and Europe, writing inspirational and heart-warming stories about her life, experiences and how strength and hope can overcome even the toughest of life challenges.  She currently lives in Nashville with her husband.  Along with coauthoring Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania, ShELAH writes a weekly newspaper column, "Checkpoints."  Currently completing several other books, she hopes readers will sense God;s love reflected throughout the pages relating Rosa's struggles and triumphs

A Rare Titanic Family - Julie Williams

Publisher:  NewSouth Books

Pages:  208

Source:  Received a copy from publicist

Genre:  Adult, Biography

April 12, 2012 will mark 100 years since the Titanic sank.  Julie Williams is the great-niece of Albert Caldwell.  Albert and his first wife Sylvia went to college together, accepted a mission to Siam and then married.  The day they married they left for their new life.  Sylvia was not recommended to go because of possible future health issues.  She went anyway.  The weather was very agreeable with Albert.  A combination of the tropical weather and pregnancy made Sylvia very sick.  After Alden was born she just couldn't seem to get her strength back.  She was unable to hold her own child.  Upon the recommendation of a doctor the Caldwells left Siam, headed to Europe where they ended up on the ill-fated Titanic.  Albert was a very personable person.  He made friends with everyone.  According to Mrs. Williams it is because of this that he and his wife and child managed to survive.  

Julie Williams has told a story that was passed down to her from Albert.  She became so intrigued she had to find out more.  A photograph started it all, and graces the cover of the book.  This biography held my attention not only because of the topic, but because of the other story.  Haunted by the Titanic and Hunted by the Presbyterian mission board took its toll on their marriage.    This story was told in a hauntingly beautiful way.  It is full of emotions and memories but doesn't dwell on the macabre.  This is a book I will most definitely recommend to my friends.  

About the Author

Julie Hedgepeth Williams is a journalism professor at Samford University.

She received a B.A. in English and history from Principia College

in Elsah, Illinois, and a Masters in Journalism and a Ph.D in Mass

Communications from the University of Alabama. She is the author of

Wings of Opportunity: The Wright Brothers in Montgomery, Alabama, 1910

(NewSouth Books, 2010).