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Recommend this book:
Acid Test
LSD vs. LDS
Christopher Bigelow
2020 Finalist
297 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Acid Test is a work of non-fiction written in the form of an autobiography by author Christopher Kimball Bigelow. Subtitled “LSD vs. LDS”, the story follows the real-life exploits of the author from a strict religious upbringing in the Mormon church out into the world, where he experienced a total new '80s counterculture with mind-bending drugs. The book explores the author’s many varied experiences, visions, and the strongest influences on his life before returning full circle to once again examine his Mormon roots and the path that his life has taken with all its many ups and downs.
Author Christopher Kimball Bigelow writes with a frankness and honesty that is to be admired in so detailed and fascinating an autobiographical work. Whilst many people care to shut their young rebellious phase in a drawer somewhere and never speak of it again, Bigelow opens up an explosive rejection of a restricted upbringing and shows us the literal highs and lows of what his decisions led him to. Any reader who has experienced a rebellious teenage phase is sure to enjoy this read, and followers of the Mormon faith will find a cyclical strength in the messages and questions which Bigelow asks, particularly in the later parts of the book. What results is an excellent and intimately penned account of the power of influence and broadening of the mind through experience, and overall I would recommend Acid Test as a nostalgic and informative read for adults everywhere.
Acid Test is a work of non-fiction written in the form of an autobiography by author Christopher Kimball Bigelow. Subtitled “LSD vs. LDS”, the story follows the real-life exploits of the author from a strict religious upbringing in the Mormon church out into the world, where he experienced a total new '80s counterculture with mind-bending drugs. The book explores the author’s many varied experiences, visions, and the strongest influences on his life before returning full circle to once again examine his Mormon roots and the path that his life has taken with all its many ups and downs.
Author Christopher Kimball Bigelow writes with a frankness and honesty that is to be admired in so detailed and fascinating an autobiographical work. Whilst many people care to shut their young rebellious phase in a drawer somewhere and never speak of it again, Bigelow opens up an explosive rejection of a restricted upbringing and shows us the literal highs and lows of what his decisions led him to. Any reader who has experienced a rebellious teenage phase is sure to enjoy this read, and followers of the Mormon faith will find a cyclical strength in the messages and questions which Bigelow asks, particularly in the later parts of the book. What results is an excellent and intimately penned account of the power of influence and broadening of the mind through experience, and overall I would recommend Acid Test as a nostalgic and informative read for adults everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Never Turn Your Back on the Tide
(Or, How I Married a Lying, Psychopathic Wannabe-Murderer and Kinda Lived to Tell)
Kergan Edwards-Stout
2020 Honorable Mention
376 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
French author Guy Blaise states that: “The most tolerant people that I know, both in America and in France, are gay...people in same-sex relationships care more for each other at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.” No books I’ve read give more credibility to those statements than Never Turn Your Back on the Tide by Kergan Edwards-Stout. While it was the sub-title suggesting I’d be reading about a lying, psychopathic wannabe-murderer that caught my attention, it was the emotions experienced by the principal character, Kergan, in this disturbingly beautiful autobiography that really spoke to my humanity.
Without putting a label on it, Kergan knew at a young age that he was gay. He wasn’t unhappy about it, but as he matured, entered the showbiz world, and learned first-hand how many others in all walks of life and at all levels of their businesses and careers were just like him, he also became increasingly aware of the intolerance toward gays. He watched sadly as his closest gay friends succumbed to Aids, one of whom, Shane, became his partner for several years before dying. It was Kergan’s depiction of this particular relationship that showed how people in same-sex relationships do indeed care more for each other “at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.”
Unfortunately, the level of caring in Kergan’s next relationship with “Eyes”, the “lying psychopath,” was strictly one-sided. It took years for Kergan to wake up to the truth and by that time, he and Eyes had adopted a son. While the years Kergan spent with, and later, without Eyes, were heartbreaking for him, what a wonderful, caring single father Kergan became to not just one, but two adopted sons who might otherwise not have had any chance of a good life. Never Turn Your Back on the Tide is a touching and eye-opening read. The style is laid-back, easy to follow; the tone is compassionate, sincere, and honest. These are the kinds of books that need to be written...the autobiographies, the memoirs...if ever the world is to better understand and become more tolerant of the differences between each and every one of us. Thanks for writing this wonderful book, Kergan Edwards-Stout.
French author Guy Blaise states that: “The most tolerant people that I know, both in America and in France, are gay...people in same-sex relationships care more for each other at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.” No books I’ve read give more credibility to those statements than Never Turn Your Back on the Tide by Kergan Edwards-Stout. While it was the sub-title suggesting I’d be reading about a lying, psychopathic wannabe-murderer that caught my attention, it was the emotions experienced by the principal character, Kergan, in this disturbingly beautiful autobiography that really spoke to my humanity.
Without putting a label on it, Kergan knew at a young age that he was gay. He wasn’t unhappy about it, but as he matured, entered the showbiz world, and learned first-hand how many others in all walks of life and at all levels of their businesses and careers were just like him, he also became increasingly aware of the intolerance toward gays. He watched sadly as his closest gay friends succumbed to Aids, one of whom, Shane, became his partner for several years before dying. It was Kergan’s depiction of this particular relationship that showed how people in same-sex relationships do indeed care more for each other “at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.”
Unfortunately, the level of caring in Kergan’s next relationship with “Eyes”, the “lying psychopath,” was strictly one-sided. It took years for Kergan to wake up to the truth and by that time, he and Eyes had adopted a son. While the years Kergan spent with, and later, without Eyes, were heartbreaking for him, what a wonderful, caring single father Kergan became to not just one, but two adopted sons who might otherwise not have had any chance of a good life. Never Turn Your Back on the Tide is a touching and eye-opening read. The style is laid-back, easy to follow; the tone is compassionate, sincere, and honest. These are the kinds of books that need to be written...the autobiographies, the memoirs...if ever the world is to better understand and become more tolerant of the differences between each and every one of us. Thanks for writing this wonderful book, Kergan Edwards-Stout.
Recommend this book:
As Happy As I Can Stand
The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie
Charles C McCormack
2020 Bronze Medal
421 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
As Happy As I Can Stand: The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie by Charles C McCormack is a beautifully written book with strong psychological themes. In this autobiographical narrative, the author looks back at his life, at a family that suffered its own kind of struggles, at the challenges posed by racism, then the experience of being sent off to a boarding school in France. The author writes with unusual honesty, unveiling dread truths about his childhood to readers and the influence that a troubled childhood had on his life, but this book also explores the reality of mental illness in his family. This is the story of a man who evolved into one of the best in psychotherapy.
I loved this book and the unmistakably clear voice of the narrative, a voice that is gripping and that reverberates in the hearts of readers as they listen to stories rendered strangely familiar. In the heart of this book is a succinct documentation of Charles C McCormack’s search for meaning and happiness, a journey that eventually took him into a practice that put him directly in contact with human misery. Readers will experience McCormack’s life behind the psychiatric screens with his patients and his own self-analysis. What makes this story unique is that it presents a protagonist that is flawed and that struggles to help others in their brokenness. The effect of being in contact with the fragility of human life is beautifully captured in this book. As Happy As I Can Stand is written in crisp prose and the evocative language, coupled with the strong themes and the unique storytelling skills, make for an enjoyable read.
As Happy As I Can Stand: The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie by Charles C McCormack is a beautifully written book with strong psychological themes. In this autobiographical narrative, the author looks back at his life, at a family that suffered its own kind of struggles, at the challenges posed by racism, then the experience of being sent off to a boarding school in France. The author writes with unusual honesty, unveiling dread truths about his childhood to readers and the influence that a troubled childhood had on his life, but this book also explores the reality of mental illness in his family. This is the story of a man who evolved into one of the best in psychotherapy.
I loved this book and the unmistakably clear voice of the narrative, a voice that is gripping and that reverberates in the hearts of readers as they listen to stories rendered strangely familiar. In the heart of this book is a succinct documentation of Charles C McCormack’s search for meaning and happiness, a journey that eventually took him into a practice that put him directly in contact with human misery. Readers will experience McCormack’s life behind the psychiatric screens with his patients and his own self-analysis. What makes this story unique is that it presents a protagonist that is flawed and that struggles to help others in their brokenness. The effect of being in contact with the fragility of human life is beautifully captured in this book. As Happy As I Can Stand is written in crisp prose and the evocative language, coupled with the strong themes and the unique storytelling skills, make for an enjoyable read.
Recommend this book:
Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life
A Memoir
Lewis Kempfer
2020 Silver Medal
464 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
In the introduction to Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir, Lewis Kempfer tells readers what his book is not: “It’s not a typical memoir that focuses on one event, nor is it an autobiography, chiefly because I’m not a celebrity. But I believe my story must be told and that someone out there desperately needs to hear the message of hope that’s woven through it.” It turns out this is an unusual memoir indeed, the story of one man’s journey through the lows of life, from childhood trauma, failed relationships, crystal-meth, sex and drug abuse to an uplifting hope in an encounter with God. From the first chapter, the author offers an introspective look at himself and tells readers that one of the things that caused him to indulge in negative and traumatic experiences was the lack of self-love.
This is a story of hope. It begins at the lowest moment in the author’s life and takes readers through his terrible experiences. Here is how he describes that moment between life and death: “No, I didn’t want to die—at least not this way. Naked, except for the leather restraints on my wrists and ankles, I found myself sliding around in my own bodily fluids on the filthy floor of an infamous gay drug motel in east Hollywood.” The writing is fluid and filled with humor, the descriptions allow for clear and powerful images, and the author does an incredible job of exploring the dark despair that stole into his soul many times. Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir is a conversion story, the tale of someone who reached rock bottom in his moral life and whom God drew out from the pit. Lewis Kempfer’s writing is filled with wisdom and insight, a story that is shared with unusual honesty and a voice that is irresistible. There is a bit of every one of us in this memoir and that’s what makes it so appealing and enjoyable.
In the introduction to Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir, Lewis Kempfer tells readers what his book is not: “It’s not a typical memoir that focuses on one event, nor is it an autobiography, chiefly because I’m not a celebrity. But I believe my story must be told and that someone out there desperately needs to hear the message of hope that’s woven through it.” It turns out this is an unusual memoir indeed, the story of one man’s journey through the lows of life, from childhood trauma, failed relationships, crystal-meth, sex and drug abuse to an uplifting hope in an encounter with God. From the first chapter, the author offers an introspective look at himself and tells readers that one of the things that caused him to indulge in negative and traumatic experiences was the lack of self-love.
This is a story of hope. It begins at the lowest moment in the author’s life and takes readers through his terrible experiences. Here is how he describes that moment between life and death: “No, I didn’t want to die—at least not this way. Naked, except for the leather restraints on my wrists and ankles, I found myself sliding around in my own bodily fluids on the filthy floor of an infamous gay drug motel in east Hollywood.” The writing is fluid and filled with humor, the descriptions allow for clear and powerful images, and the author does an incredible job of exploring the dark despair that stole into his soul many times. Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir is a conversion story, the tale of someone who reached rock bottom in his moral life and whom God drew out from the pit. Lewis Kempfer’s writing is filled with wisdom and insight, a story that is shared with unusual honesty and a voice that is irresistible. There is a bit of every one of us in this memoir and that’s what makes it so appealing and enjoyable.
Recommend this book:
My Every Breath
A Memoir of love, loss and hope
Anna Maynard with Karen Emilson
2020 Gold Medal
326 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite
My Every Breath by Anna Maynard with Karen Emilson is an autobiography detailing her experiences growing up living with Cystic Fibrosis during the late 60 and early 70s. Using photos from that time, Maynard shares a more personalized look at the disease and what life was like at a time when the life expectancy of a child with Cystic Fibrosis was just fourteen years old. Her older sister France also had Cystic Fibrosis but unfortunately died at just fourteen years old. What Maynard does well is to share her story in such a way that we feel each moment she goes through in a visceral way. With the blessing of time and a double lung transplant, she is able to look back on her childhood, as well as the life she's lived that would have seemed impossible fifty years ago. Now a mother and a grandmother, tragedy unfortunately strikes her life again with the murder of her mother and a subsequent trial in 2013.
Throughout the book, Maynard shows her resilience in the face of adversity. I thought My Every Breath was pretty well written. The photos add a lot to the story as well as the words detailing Maynard's life. She has a way with words that help the reader not only gain an understanding of Cystic Fibrosis but also feel the highs and lows of emotion as Maynard goes through triumph and adversity. In My Every Breath, Anna Maynard crafts an evocative collection of words and images that is sure to sit with the reader long after the last page is turned. I enjoyed every passage and feel that My Every Breath would be a great read for anyone looking for a first-hand account of Cystic Fibrosis and its early treatment.
My Every Breath by Anna Maynard with Karen Emilson is an autobiography detailing her experiences growing up living with Cystic Fibrosis during the late 60 and early 70s. Using photos from that time, Maynard shares a more personalized look at the disease and what life was like at a time when the life expectancy of a child with Cystic Fibrosis was just fourteen years old. Her older sister France also had Cystic Fibrosis but unfortunately died at just fourteen years old. What Maynard does well is to share her story in such a way that we feel each moment she goes through in a visceral way. With the blessing of time and a double lung transplant, she is able to look back on her childhood, as well as the life she's lived that would have seemed impossible fifty years ago. Now a mother and a grandmother, tragedy unfortunately strikes her life again with the murder of her mother and a subsequent trial in 2013.
Throughout the book, Maynard shows her resilience in the face of adversity. I thought My Every Breath was pretty well written. The photos add a lot to the story as well as the words detailing Maynard's life. She has a way with words that help the reader not only gain an understanding of Cystic Fibrosis but also feel the highs and lows of emotion as Maynard goes through triumph and adversity. In My Every Breath, Anna Maynard crafts an evocative collection of words and images that is sure to sit with the reader long after the last page is turned. I enjoyed every passage and feel that My Every Breath would be a great read for anyone looking for a first-hand account of Cystic Fibrosis and its early treatment.
Recommend this book:
Waratah
From the Ashes of the Vietnam War, Grew a Spirit that would not be Stopped
Ha-Le Thai
2019 Finalist
384 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Waratah: From the Ashes of the Vietnam War, Grew a Spirit that would not be Stopped by Ha-Le Thai is the author's story, a tale of courage, heartbreak, and new beginnings with the challenges that come with it. Ha-Le escapes the threat of communism and death when she leaves her country, Vietnam, on a crowded boat for Australia. While she is aware that it isn't going to be easy, she is determined to succeed. But her child, born of an interracial couple, is educated and ready to face life, so Ha-Le has to change her beliefs to accommodate her when her daughter prepares to introduce her boyfriend.
The worst form of pain that Ha-Le experiences is her heartbreak. Now she must choose how to face a new form of threat, of rejection and silent death. Does she have the courage to start all over again? The author tells her story and shares the common experiences of refugees and the effects of war and communism. The author writes with a simplicity of style that makes the narrative addictive and her manner of exploring her emotions with insight will be an added delight for readers. Waratah: From the Ashes of the Vietnam War, Grew a Spirit that would not be Stopped is a memoir that redefines grit and resilience and explores what the human spirit can endure. Written in beautiful prose and featuring scenes of adventure, it is emotionally charged and filled with wisdom for expatriates. A true story that reads like an exciting fictional tale.
Waratah: From the Ashes of the Vietnam War, Grew a Spirit that would not be Stopped by Ha-Le Thai is the author's story, a tale of courage, heartbreak, and new beginnings with the challenges that come with it. Ha-Le escapes the threat of communism and death when she leaves her country, Vietnam, on a crowded boat for Australia. While she is aware that it isn't going to be easy, she is determined to succeed. But her child, born of an interracial couple, is educated and ready to face life, so Ha-Le has to change her beliefs to accommodate her when her daughter prepares to introduce her boyfriend.
The worst form of pain that Ha-Le experiences is her heartbreak. Now she must choose how to face a new form of threat, of rejection and silent death. Does she have the courage to start all over again? The author tells her story and shares the common experiences of refugees and the effects of war and communism. The author writes with a simplicity of style that makes the narrative addictive and her manner of exploring her emotions with insight will be an added delight for readers. Waratah: From the Ashes of the Vietnam War, Grew a Spirit that would not be Stopped is a memoir that redefines grit and resilience and explores what the human spirit can endure. Written in beautiful prose and featuring scenes of adventure, it is emotionally charged and filled with wisdom for expatriates. A true story that reads like an exciting fictional tale.
Recommend this book:
Memoir of a Schizophrenic
Mental Health
Karl Lorenz Willett
2019 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Memoir of a Schizophrenic by Karl Lorenz Willett is a compelling read with a strong appeal for fans of memoirs that explore the minds of those with mental illnesses. In this memoir, the author takes readers on a journey through schizophrenia. Written for his family, it starts with early memories at Davis Infant school and documents the author’s experiences living “at the edge of human experience,” and battling thoughts of darkness, obsessed with a reality that is as elusive as it is illusionary. The author writes about his mental battles, moments of depression, and suicidal tendencies, letting readers in on how distorted his reality could be. Even assistance in a psychiatric hospital at an early age didn’t help. But how did this man cope with his condition, where did he find the stability to establish a family and raise children?
While the prose isn’t impeccably good, the narrative is poignant and psychologically rich. The author writes with honesty and allows readers a powerful glimpse of his troubled mind. The author worried about spiritual realities; he suffered with the idea of hell and blamed the church for not teaching the values of love, compassion, understanding, joy and happiness. This was one of the causes of his deep-seated fear and anxiety. He writes: “The preaching of gloom and doom hence the coming of Christ had consigned everyone to ‘hell’, always the wages of sin, death and the devil.” The narrative is emotionally and spiritually rich and the reader will feel connected to the protagonist.
Memoir of a Schizophrenic is a moving story and while it speaks of the struggles of Karl Lorenz Willett, it also delivers a powerful message of hope — we can always find meaning and healing when we are deeply connected to a support system, to a family, and to friends. The book conveys the message that love heals, nourishes us and empowers us to overcome the most difficult challenges.
Memoir of a Schizophrenic by Karl Lorenz Willett is a compelling read with a strong appeal for fans of memoirs that explore the minds of those with mental illnesses. In this memoir, the author takes readers on a journey through schizophrenia. Written for his family, it starts with early memories at Davis Infant school and documents the author’s experiences living “at the edge of human experience,” and battling thoughts of darkness, obsessed with a reality that is as elusive as it is illusionary. The author writes about his mental battles, moments of depression, and suicidal tendencies, letting readers in on how distorted his reality could be. Even assistance in a psychiatric hospital at an early age didn’t help. But how did this man cope with his condition, where did he find the stability to establish a family and raise children?
While the prose isn’t impeccably good, the narrative is poignant and psychologically rich. The author writes with honesty and allows readers a powerful glimpse of his troubled mind. The author worried about spiritual realities; he suffered with the idea of hell and blamed the church for not teaching the values of love, compassion, understanding, joy and happiness. This was one of the causes of his deep-seated fear and anxiety. He writes: “The preaching of gloom and doom hence the coming of Christ had consigned everyone to ‘hell’, always the wages of sin, death and the devil.” The narrative is emotionally and spiritually rich and the reader will feel connected to the protagonist.
Memoir of a Schizophrenic is a moving story and while it speaks of the struggles of Karl Lorenz Willett, it also delivers a powerful message of hope — we can always find meaning and healing when we are deeply connected to a support system, to a family, and to friends. The book conveys the message that love heals, nourishes us and empowers us to overcome the most difficult challenges.
Recommend this book:
Gemini Joe
Memoirs of Brooklyn
Janet Sierzant
2019 Honorable Mention
181 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite
Gemini Joe by Janet Sierzant is a memoir on the life and family of her father, Joe, referred to as Gemini Joe. It is set in the earlier parts of the 20th century mainly in and around Brooklyn, NY. After a long estrangement with her father, Janet connects with him in his old age and convinces him to record his life memories or stories. The story takes us through the very early parts of the century when Italian immigrants were coming to the New World.
Born in the time of the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, Joe takes us through his childhood, where he, being the youngest child, always seems to be overshadowed by his older siblings and family. He describes their games, the Italian culture in their home and society in the area of New York where they lived, the siblings and their relationships with each other, his own jobs, marriage, and children, his wonderful handyman skills and craft, his alcohol addiction, his health issues, estrangement from his children, and living in a mobile home with a dog towards the end of his life, while at peace with his world for the most part.
I loved reading Gemini Joe: Memoirs of Brooklyn and it had my attention right from the beginning to the end. It is a simple story of an ordinary life, but that is precisely what makes it special. I enjoyed reading about all of the day-to-day life in their household with the big Italian dinners, fishing, sports, daily life, their connection with what is known as “the Mafia,” and so much more. Janet is able to write as a silent observer and this to her credit because the narrative genuinely feels like Joe talking to the reader and, at times, to his daughter. It’s a very engaging and well-written book and probably one of my favorite memoirs I have read in a long time!
Gemini Joe by Janet Sierzant is a memoir on the life and family of her father, Joe, referred to as Gemini Joe. It is set in the earlier parts of the 20th century mainly in and around Brooklyn, NY. After a long estrangement with her father, Janet connects with him in his old age and convinces him to record his life memories or stories. The story takes us through the very early parts of the century when Italian immigrants were coming to the New World.
Born in the time of the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, Joe takes us through his childhood, where he, being the youngest child, always seems to be overshadowed by his older siblings and family. He describes their games, the Italian culture in their home and society in the area of New York where they lived, the siblings and their relationships with each other, his own jobs, marriage, and children, his wonderful handyman skills and craft, his alcohol addiction, his health issues, estrangement from his children, and living in a mobile home with a dog towards the end of his life, while at peace with his world for the most part.
I loved reading Gemini Joe: Memoirs of Brooklyn and it had my attention right from the beginning to the end. It is a simple story of an ordinary life, but that is precisely what makes it special. I enjoyed reading about all of the day-to-day life in their household with the big Italian dinners, fishing, sports, daily life, their connection with what is known as “the Mafia,” and so much more. Janet is able to write as a silent observer and this to her credit because the narrative genuinely feels like Joe talking to the reader and, at times, to his daughter. It’s a very engaging and well-written book and probably one of my favorite memoirs I have read in a long time!
Recommend this book:
The Blue Chameleon
The Life Story of a Super Cop
Daril Cinquanta
2019 Silver Medal
383 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite
I really enjoyed The Blue Chameleon: The Life Story of a Super Cop by Daril Cinquanta. This book is filled to the brim about Cinquanta’s experiences while working as a police officer in Denver, Colorado. It also tells why Cinquanta finally retired. Daril Cinquanta certainly had many exciting experiences while working as a police officer. I am glad that he decided to share his experiences in The Blue Chameleon. In this day and age, police officers are greatly misunderstood and often portrayed in a negative light. It is nice to read positive stories and see how an officer has improved his community.
Not only did Cinquanta chase bad guys, but he did it all while having lupus. Never once did he let it affect his job or complain about it. Cinquanta also had a unique way of doing police work. Memorizing faces and facts about people is pretty clever. Reading this book has also given me a new view on police departments and how they always make one of their own pay. That is the only thing I did not like about this book. It is not always fair how they punish their own.
I liked how Cinquanta organized his stories based on the years he worked in each department. I also learned something about Elvis Presley. I never knew he collected guns! I do not think they make cops like Cinquanta anymore. If they do, we could sure use one in Chicago! Overall, I really enjoyed The Blue Chameleon: The Life Story of a Super Cop by Daril Cinquanta. I hope that Cinquanta continues to share his stories from on the job.
I really enjoyed The Blue Chameleon: The Life Story of a Super Cop by Daril Cinquanta. This book is filled to the brim about Cinquanta’s experiences while working as a police officer in Denver, Colorado. It also tells why Cinquanta finally retired. Daril Cinquanta certainly had many exciting experiences while working as a police officer. I am glad that he decided to share his experiences in The Blue Chameleon. In this day and age, police officers are greatly misunderstood and often portrayed in a negative light. It is nice to read positive stories and see how an officer has improved his community.
Not only did Cinquanta chase bad guys, but he did it all while having lupus. Never once did he let it affect his job or complain about it. Cinquanta also had a unique way of doing police work. Memorizing faces and facts about people is pretty clever. Reading this book has also given me a new view on police departments and how they always make one of their own pay. That is the only thing I did not like about this book. It is not always fair how they punish their own.
I liked how Cinquanta organized his stories based on the years he worked in each department. I also learned something about Elvis Presley. I never knew he collected guns! I do not think they make cops like Cinquanta anymore. If they do, we could sure use one in Chicago! Overall, I really enjoyed The Blue Chameleon: The Life Story of a Super Cop by Daril Cinquanta. I hope that Cinquanta continues to share his stories from on the job.
Recommend this book:
 by Enrico Lamet takes the reader into the author's boyhood during the hard and perilous times of World War II. Born to a Jewish mother and father, Lamet started his life with happy years in Austria. When the drums of war began, however, the young boy's family became like a band of gyp...){kind=link}
A Gift from the Enemy
A True Story of Escape in War-time Italy
Enrico Lamet
2019 Gold Medal
327 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
A Gift From the Enemy (A True Story of Escape in War-time Italy) by Enrico Lamet takes the reader into the author's boyhood during the hard and perilous times of World War II. Born to a Jewish mother and father, Lamet started his life with happy years in Austria. When the drums of war began, however, the young boy's family became like a band of gypsy folk, moving through places like Milan, Nice, Paris, and San Remo before finding sanctuary in Ospedaletto. This memoir is a look into simple daily life during this time and the sacrifices that were often made during the war. With his father in Poland, Lamet is given strength and love by a steadfast mother. Times are certainly dark, but light can be found within even the darkest of times.
In recent years I have found myself wanting to expand my knowledge of World War II. I love history but have usually stayed within the realms of the American Revolution and earlier. However, the urge to learn more about World War II and being a sucker for a memoir made this book one I wanted to read, and I was not disappointed. Enrico Lamet has a way of writing and telling his story that is very open and makes the reader feel as if they are sitting together over a cup of tea and hearing the story firsthand. I cannot imagine the hardships faced during this war. I can only imagine the fear and worry of seeing a German soldier and the pain that would have come from starvation.
Yet the tone of this book is not only hardship and pain. There are still moments that show humor and lightness, reminding all of us that no matter how dark things are, if we look we can find moments that are good. I want to thank Mr. Lamet for sharing his story with the world. I feel privileged to have been able to read his firsthand account of what it was like growing up in the Nazi era. Anyone who is interested in learning about this era in history and about the resilience of human nature should get this book and read his story.
A Gift From the Enemy (A True Story of Escape in War-time Italy) by Enrico Lamet takes the reader into the author's boyhood during the hard and perilous times of World War II. Born to a Jewish mother and father, Lamet started his life with happy years in Austria. When the drums of war began, however, the young boy's family became like a band of gypsy folk, moving through places like Milan, Nice, Paris, and San Remo before finding sanctuary in Ospedaletto. This memoir is a look into simple daily life during this time and the sacrifices that were often made during the war. With his father in Poland, Lamet is given strength and love by a steadfast mother. Times are certainly dark, but light can be found within even the darkest of times.
In recent years I have found myself wanting to expand my knowledge of World War II. I love history but have usually stayed within the realms of the American Revolution and earlier. However, the urge to learn more about World War II and being a sucker for a memoir made this book one I wanted to read, and I was not disappointed. Enrico Lamet has a way of writing and telling his story that is very open and makes the reader feel as if they are sitting together over a cup of tea and hearing the story firsthand. I cannot imagine the hardships faced during this war. I can only imagine the fear and worry of seeing a German soldier and the pain that would have come from starvation.
Yet the tone of this book is not only hardship and pain. There are still moments that show humor and lightness, reminding all of us that no matter how dark things are, if we look we can find moments that are good. I want to thank Mr. Lamet for sharing his story with the world. I feel privileged to have been able to read his firsthand account of what it was like growing up in the Nazi era. Anyone who is interested in learning about this era in history and about the resilience of human nature should get this book and read his story.
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