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
