Monday, February 4, 2019

FASCINATING BOOKS ABOUT PEOPLE & EVENTS IN HISTORY


Here are book reviews of four good books. Enjoy! 

Sons and Soldiers: The Untold Story of the Jews who escaped the Nazis and Returned with the U. S. Army to Fight Hitler
By Bruce Henderson

Sons and Soldiers is a New York Times best seller for good reason. It is a truly amazing history about World War II but with a twist – a story never told before. Many German Jews sent their children to the United States to save them from the Nazi’s slaughter. As adults many were drafted to fight in the war – and they were eager to do so. After basic training the Army selected new recruits proficient in German to join a special unit. They were then trained to interrogate prisoners and were sent to the front lines to help us win the war. The book is spell binding, describing in detail each individual’s experiences in battle just behind the lines and in great danger. Their methods of interrogation are also fascinating. The atrocities of the Nazi’s are awful but we need to remember them.

Dreamers and Deceivers: True Stories of the Heroes and Villains who made America
By Glenn Beck

Dreamers and Deceivers is a fascinating book describing many unknown tales behind a variety of famous or not so famous people in recent history. There are ten chapters each offering a gripping account of ingenious little known people and well known people– one who launched the radio and another the tech age of computers. Two presidents are in the mix – Grover Cleveland and his mysterious disappearance and Woodrow Wilson’s deception. In addition we learn about Ponzi and his deceptive scheme and the genius and flaws of Desi Arnez. This is a very interesting book.

Strength in What Remains
by Tracy Kidder  

This is an amazing though disturbing book. It tells the true story of a medical student, Deo, who escaped from the devastating civil war and genocide in Burundi and came to the United States. The author details the traumas he encounters both in his home country and as an immigrant who doesn’t speak English. The story is told with a number of flashbacks and flash forwards which give almost agonizing detail about his trials and his pain through all this. Deo is amazingly persistent and determined to complete his medical training and to help his people heal. Deo should inspire all of us to overcome our troubles and pursue difficult goals in life.

7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness
By Eric Metaxas

The stories of seven amazing women are featured in this best selling book. Each chapter describes a woman who has changed the course of history.  These women lived difficult lives yet boldly and courageously changed the world. The women are Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hanna More, Saint Maria of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa. Hanna More played a role in the abolition of slavery in Great Britain; Saint Maria of Paris was a hero of the Greek Orthodox Church. I knew nothing about these two before reading this book. Each woman lived an amazing life of influence and integrity. The chapter on Rosa Parks gave me more appreciation of her story. The chapter on Mother Teresa inspired and challenged me. She lived a truly holy life ministering to all.  Each chapter is well researched and beautifully written with brilliant insight into these role models of greatness. I highly recommend this book.

Blessings, Dottie




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