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Recommend this book:
Great Peacemakers
True Stories from Around the World
Ken Beller, Heather Chase
2025 Finalist
208 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World by Ken Beller and Heather Chase highlights the lives of influential figures. The book covers a range of individuals, including Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Anderson Sá, Thich Nhat Hanh, Desmond Tutu, Riane Eisler, the Dalai Lama, Henry Salt, Albert Schweitzer, Astrid Lindgren, and Wangari Maathai. These figures demonstrated various approaches to peace, such as civil disobedience, environmental advocacy, and the promotion of social justice. Their collective efforts spanned issues like civil rights, environmental protection, nonviolence, and humanitarian work. Through their stories, the book illustrates the transformative power of peaceful resistance and the global impact of individuals committed to justice, equality, and compassion. Each person’s contributions continue to inspire movements for peace worldwide, and each chapter ends with a quote collection.
Great Peacemakers by Ken Beller and Heather Chase offers a thoughtful, accessible, and exhaustively researched anthology of profiles of remarkable individuals who shaped the course of peace and social justice. The writing is simple, clear, and straightforward, making even some of the more complicated areas easy to understand. The compilation of these figures is wonderfully detailed and I had a great time reading through it with my middle-grade child. Some we knew, like Albert Schweitzer and Wangari Maathai, and others were lesser-known peacemakers to us, and even new to me, such as Anderson Sá and Thich Nhat Hanh. While I am personally not in agreement with the legacy portrayals of Mother Teresa and Jane Goodall, what makes this book so incredible is that it does make you want to do a bit more independent digging. The book is an important resource. Overall, Great Peacemakers is a powerful reminder of the potential each person has to make a lasting difference in the world. Recommended.
Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World by Ken Beller and Heather Chase highlights the lives of influential figures. The book covers a range of individuals, including Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Anderson Sá, Thich Nhat Hanh, Desmond Tutu, Riane Eisler, the Dalai Lama, Henry Salt, Albert Schweitzer, Astrid Lindgren, and Wangari Maathai. These figures demonstrated various approaches to peace, such as civil disobedience, environmental advocacy, and the promotion of social justice. Their collective efforts spanned issues like civil rights, environmental protection, nonviolence, and humanitarian work. Through their stories, the book illustrates the transformative power of peaceful resistance and the global impact of individuals committed to justice, equality, and compassion. Each person’s contributions continue to inspire movements for peace worldwide, and each chapter ends with a quote collection.
Great Peacemakers by Ken Beller and Heather Chase offers a thoughtful, accessible, and exhaustively researched anthology of profiles of remarkable individuals who shaped the course of peace and social justice. The writing is simple, clear, and straightforward, making even some of the more complicated areas easy to understand. The compilation of these figures is wonderfully detailed and I had a great time reading through it with my middle-grade child. Some we knew, like Albert Schweitzer and Wangari Maathai, and others were lesser-known peacemakers to us, and even new to me, such as Anderson Sá and Thich Nhat Hanh. While I am personally not in agreement with the legacy portrayals of Mother Teresa and Jane Goodall, what makes this book so incredible is that it does make you want to do a bit more independent digging. The book is an important resource. Overall, Great Peacemakers is a powerful reminder of the potential each person has to make a lasting difference in the world. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Inconvenient Child
The True Story of an Abandoned Australian Child's Struggle to Survive an Abusive Childhood and Journey to Find Her African American Father
Lindsay Lewis, Sharyn Killens
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
In The Inconvenient Child, Sharyn Killens and Lindsay Lewis take us on a life journey and the tough challenges Sharyn lived through in Australia as an unwanted, biracial child. Born out of wedlock and to a white family that had no space for a child of mixed races, Sharyn struggled with feeling neglected early in life. She was not only mistreated by her mother but also wronged by her country's institutions. From abusive nuns to wicked authority figures, Sharyn survived multiple inhumane treatments from the adults who were supposed to nurture future generations. Thankfully, she lives to tell a story that ends with beautiful memories and moments of celebration. Join Sharyn as she reminisces about an awe-inspiring singing career, exciting travels, meeting different celebrities, and finding joy in motherhood.
I loved that Sharyn Killens was very generous toward her mother despite her mother behaving like she was ashamed of her. Sharyn appears to be caring and hopeful even after she struggles with addiction, abuse, neglect, making a living, and not knowing her father. Also, readers receive a deeply enlightening account of history and the political scene of Australia several decades ago. Sharyn's brilliant music career and her other exciting engagements bring her to meet several notable characters. Fans of music icons from the past will enjoy reading her close encounters with Ray Charles, BB King, and other celebrities. The Inconvenient Child has an epic atmosphere and a strong portrayal of transitioning from daunting challenges to tear-jerking, victorious moments. This mostly linear and skillfully written book is one of the best and most evocative memoirs I've read.
In The Inconvenient Child, Sharyn Killens and Lindsay Lewis take us on a life journey and the tough challenges Sharyn lived through in Australia as an unwanted, biracial child. Born out of wedlock and to a white family that had no space for a child of mixed races, Sharyn struggled with feeling neglected early in life. She was not only mistreated by her mother but also wronged by her country's institutions. From abusive nuns to wicked authority figures, Sharyn survived multiple inhumane treatments from the adults who were supposed to nurture future generations. Thankfully, she lives to tell a story that ends with beautiful memories and moments of celebration. Join Sharyn as she reminisces about an awe-inspiring singing career, exciting travels, meeting different celebrities, and finding joy in motherhood.
I loved that Sharyn Killens was very generous toward her mother despite her mother behaving like she was ashamed of her. Sharyn appears to be caring and hopeful even after she struggles with addiction, abuse, neglect, making a living, and not knowing her father. Also, readers receive a deeply enlightening account of history and the political scene of Australia several decades ago. Sharyn's brilliant music career and her other exciting engagements bring her to meet several notable characters. Fans of music icons from the past will enjoy reading her close encounters with Ray Charles, BB King, and other celebrities. The Inconvenient Child has an epic atmosphere and a strong portrayal of transitioning from daunting challenges to tear-jerking, victorious moments. This mostly linear and skillfully written book is one of the best and most evocative memoirs I've read.
Recommend this book:
The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton
A Trailblazer in Modeling, Advertising, WWII Pinup Girls, and Shaping Future Stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age
Nancy Thornton Navarro, Adriana Thornton-Cornejo, Philip Mershon
2025 Bronze Medal
245 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo, two daughters of the late Walter Thornton, along with historian Philip Mershon, present The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton. Shocked to see a photo of their father in the movie Seabiscuit, the women researched their father's life before he met their mother. Before they knew it, the sisters were uncovering their father's past, layer by layer, spotting his flawless profile and "pinned on" ears in old advertisements. He opened his own modeling agency, Walter Thornton Modeling Agency, in the Chrysler Building and focused on training women who were strictly interested in modeling. After investing in hundreds of women who married wealthy bachelors or were pulled into cinema, he advertised that his agency could make women into stars. Thornton, once a homeless orphan, was dubbed "The Star Maker" and instigated the "pinup girl" movement during World War Two. Although the authors knew pieces of his younger days from photographs and his comments, their father's fame in the United States surprised them.
It's hard to believe Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo knew very little about their father's life before 1958, but his unwillingness to flaunt his early successes shows Walter Thornton's humble and honorable character. Even though the book is written about events before their births, the authors deliver information accumulated from historians, like entertainment historian Philip Mershon, and resource librarians, most notably from the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library. I learned about the Powers Agency, an almost-rigged Miss America Pageant, and the many women Thorton helped during his career. The book is written with the details and care you would expect from loving family members as they reveal the mystery behind their father's photo in a popular movie and so much more. If you are interested in learning about a veritable treasure and a true gentleman, you will enjoy The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton.
Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo, two daughters of the late Walter Thornton, along with historian Philip Mershon, present The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton. Shocked to see a photo of their father in the movie Seabiscuit, the women researched their father's life before he met their mother. Before they knew it, the sisters were uncovering their father's past, layer by layer, spotting his flawless profile and "pinned on" ears in old advertisements. He opened his own modeling agency, Walter Thornton Modeling Agency, in the Chrysler Building and focused on training women who were strictly interested in modeling. After investing in hundreds of women who married wealthy bachelors or were pulled into cinema, he advertised that his agency could make women into stars. Thornton, once a homeless orphan, was dubbed "The Star Maker" and instigated the "pinup girl" movement during World War Two. Although the authors knew pieces of his younger days from photographs and his comments, their father's fame in the United States surprised them.
It's hard to believe Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo knew very little about their father's life before 1958, but his unwillingness to flaunt his early successes shows Walter Thornton's humble and honorable character. Even though the book is written about events before their births, the authors deliver information accumulated from historians, like entertainment historian Philip Mershon, and resource librarians, most notably from the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library. I learned about the Powers Agency, an almost-rigged Miss America Pageant, and the many women Thorton helped during his career. The book is written with the details and care you would expect from loving family members as they reveal the mystery behind their father's photo in a popular movie and so much more. If you are interested in learning about a veritable treasure and a true gentleman, you will enjoy The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton.
Recommend this book:
At First Light
A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse
Walt Larimore MD, Mike Yorkey
2025 Gold Medal
480 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
At First Light by Walt Larimore and Mike Yorkey is the biography of Phil Larimore, who was raised in Memphis during the 1930s and mastered navigation, survival, and horseback riding from a young age. Having trouble academically, he was sent to a military school, which set him on a path to enlist after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Just before turning eighteen, he became the youngest graduate of Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. In early 1944, he led a platoon delivering ammunition under fire in Europe’s combat zones, fighting through Italy, France, and Germany. Promoted at twenty, he became the youngest company commander, earning almost every major valor award.
At First Light by Walt Larimore and Mike Yorkey tells the remarkable true story of a young officer whose life in World War II reads like a script pulled from forgotten archives of American bravery. From battlefield leadership to a post-war mission few could imagine, Phil Larimore’s journey is filled with moments that speak of grit, duty, and heart. The authors bring the past to life with a clear sense of place and time, balancing historical accuracy with storytelling that moves with purpose. The book doesn't just recount events, it honors them, reminding readers of the cost of freedom and the character of those who fought to defend it. This isn't just a war story; it's a story about what it means to lead, to serve, and to carry a legacy worth remembering. A truly unforgettable read.
At First Light by Walt Larimore and Mike Yorkey is the biography of Phil Larimore, who was raised in Memphis during the 1930s and mastered navigation, survival, and horseback riding from a young age. Having trouble academically, he was sent to a military school, which set him on a path to enlist after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Just before turning eighteen, he became the youngest graduate of Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. In early 1944, he led a platoon delivering ammunition under fire in Europe’s combat zones, fighting through Italy, France, and Germany. Promoted at twenty, he became the youngest company commander, earning almost every major valor award.
At First Light by Walt Larimore and Mike Yorkey tells the remarkable true story of a young officer whose life in World War II reads like a script pulled from forgotten archives of American bravery. From battlefield leadership to a post-war mission few could imagine, Phil Larimore’s journey is filled with moments that speak of grit, duty, and heart. The authors bring the past to life with a clear sense of place and time, balancing historical accuracy with storytelling that moves with purpose. The book doesn't just recount events, it honors them, reminding readers of the cost of freedom and the character of those who fought to defend it. This isn't just a war story; it's a story about what it means to lead, to serve, and to carry a legacy worth remembering. A truly unforgettable read.
Recommend this book:
Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph
How to Unleash the Power within, Push Boundaries, and Champion Excellence
S. A. Sterling
2024 Finalist
148 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph by S. A. Sterling is a biography of Dame Sarah Storey, a Paralympic champion who has the use of only one hand and overcame adversity and challenges, including bullying, an eating disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Her success in both swimming and cycling made her Britain's most decorated female Paralympian. She balances motherhood and elite sports and advocates for equality in the way female and male athletes are represented. As the Active Travel Commissioner, she promotes healthier, sustainable modes of personal mobility. Her approach to training for the Paralympic Games and her commitment to inspiring others, especially young women and para-athletes, demonstrate the importance of a positive mindset, resilience, and a supportive team, encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact.
I had never heard of Sarah Storey prior to reading Ride On! by S. A. Sterling, but I was drawn to the book out of my love for the Summer Olympics. I am ashamed to admit that I've never watched any of the Paralympic Games, although that will certainly change after learning quite a bit about them in Sterling's book. Sterling's biography of Storey is written in a simple, straightforward style and is comprehensive in its scope. It's evident that Sterling exhaustively researched Storey's life, and has done an excellent job of putting it all together in a cohesive profile about an extraordinary athlete. One part that I really enjoyed was how Storey continued to compete through the COVID-19 pandemic, and while most of us were not competing in the Women’s Tour of Britain race, I chuckled at the total relatability of Storey throwing a sheet up in the background before logging in virtually. Sterling weaves in how Storey's successes can be applied in our everyday lives, and the combination is a winning one, making this book a success in its own right. Recommended.
Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph by S. A. Sterling is a biography of Dame Sarah Storey, a Paralympic champion who has the use of only one hand and overcame adversity and challenges, including bullying, an eating disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Her success in both swimming and cycling made her Britain's most decorated female Paralympian. She balances motherhood and elite sports and advocates for equality in the way female and male athletes are represented. As the Active Travel Commissioner, she promotes healthier, sustainable modes of personal mobility. Her approach to training for the Paralympic Games and her commitment to inspiring others, especially young women and para-athletes, demonstrate the importance of a positive mindset, resilience, and a supportive team, encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact.
I had never heard of Sarah Storey prior to reading Ride On! by S. A. Sterling, but I was drawn to the book out of my love for the Summer Olympics. I am ashamed to admit that I've never watched any of the Paralympic Games, although that will certainly change after learning quite a bit about them in Sterling's book. Sterling's biography of Storey is written in a simple, straightforward style and is comprehensive in its scope. It's evident that Sterling exhaustively researched Storey's life, and has done an excellent job of putting it all together in a cohesive profile about an extraordinary athlete. One part that I really enjoyed was how Storey continued to compete through the COVID-19 pandemic, and while most of us were not competing in the Women’s Tour of Britain race, I chuckled at the total relatability of Storey throwing a sheet up in the background before logging in virtually. Sterling weaves in how Storey's successes can be applied in our everyday lives, and the combination is a winning one, making this book a success in its own right. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
Climbing the Glass Mountain
A Father’s Amazing Journey into Spirituality
Allen Gliniewicz, David Gliniewicz
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Climbing the Glass Mountain: A Father’s Amazing Journey into Spirituality is a work of non-fiction penned by father and son duo Allen and David Gliniewicz in the memoir, inspirational writing, and family history subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited to follow the compelling narrative of Allen Gliniewicz, an aerospace engineer at NASA during the Apollo era. The story delves into the challenges Allen faced in the aftermath of the Apollo 1 accident, highlighting his unconventional approach to decoding the language of dreams. As a crucial player in the Apollo 13 rescue, Allen's journey is intertwined with his deep connection to the unconscious mind.
This engaging memoir is so well-described and atmospherically delivered that it’s like taking a fascinating journey through the golden age of space flight, witnessing triumphs against formidable odds as if you were personally there. The storytelling, as conveyed smoothly and enthusiastically by Allen's son David Gliniewicz, is both personal and engaging, offering a loving tribute to an adored father, but also keeping readers involved in the tale and welcomed into Allen’s world. The narrative captures historical events with a great level of accuracy and creativity, and it also introduces a sense of broader reality, inviting readers to consider the mystical possibilities that may exist beyond the mundane. I found myself increasingly curious and more excited as the story developed, and I can easily see this work inspiring others to follow in Allen’s footsteps. Overall, Climbing the Glass Mountain is a thought-provoking and highly recommended exploration of spirituality, dreams, and the extraordinary potential that can be discovered in the pursuit of one's passions.
Climbing the Glass Mountain: A Father’s Amazing Journey into Spirituality is a work of non-fiction penned by father and son duo Allen and David Gliniewicz in the memoir, inspirational writing, and family history subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited to follow the compelling narrative of Allen Gliniewicz, an aerospace engineer at NASA during the Apollo era. The story delves into the challenges Allen faced in the aftermath of the Apollo 1 accident, highlighting his unconventional approach to decoding the language of dreams. As a crucial player in the Apollo 13 rescue, Allen's journey is intertwined with his deep connection to the unconscious mind.
This engaging memoir is so well-described and atmospherically delivered that it’s like taking a fascinating journey through the golden age of space flight, witnessing triumphs against formidable odds as if you were personally there. The storytelling, as conveyed smoothly and enthusiastically by Allen's son David Gliniewicz, is both personal and engaging, offering a loving tribute to an adored father, but also keeping readers involved in the tale and welcomed into Allen’s world. The narrative captures historical events with a great level of accuracy and creativity, and it also introduces a sense of broader reality, inviting readers to consider the mystical possibilities that may exist beyond the mundane. I found myself increasingly curious and more excited as the story developed, and I can easily see this work inspiring others to follow in Allen’s footsteps. Overall, Climbing the Glass Mountain is a thought-provoking and highly recommended exploration of spirituality, dreams, and the extraordinary potential that can be discovered in the pursuit of one's passions.
Recommend this book:
Milspouse Matters
Sharing Strength Through Our Stories
Jen McDonald
2024 Bronze Medal
257 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, military life, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Jen McDonald, this inspiring work offers an empowering exploration of military spouse life, highlighting the resilience and dedication of these often overlooked individuals. Through beautifully crafted narratives, McDonald illuminates the challenges and triumphs faced by military spouses, providing readers with a profound insight into a life marked by constant change and sacrifice. With heartfelt stories and poignant reflections, this book celebrates the strength and fortitude of military spouses, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for those navigating similar paths.
Author Jen McDonald has crafted a unique work where heartfelt storytelling and genuine empathy shine through on every page, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the unique challenges faced by these unsung heroes. McDonald's ability to weave together personal anecdotes, historical perspectives, and contemporary insights creates a rich tapestry of experiences that resonates deeply with readers, and I felt that the book had a natural flow and a great organization to slowly develop an overall tapestry of support and strength. As I delved into the many interesting narratives shared in this book, I was struck by the unwavering strength and determination of military spouses across generations. I thought that McDonald did a great job of showcasing historical changes, attitude shifts, and how world events affect the role of a spouse. Overall, Milspouse Matters is a highly recommended read and a deeply moving and insightful experience that provided me with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices and resilience of military spouses.
Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, military life, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Jen McDonald, this inspiring work offers an empowering exploration of military spouse life, highlighting the resilience and dedication of these often overlooked individuals. Through beautifully crafted narratives, McDonald illuminates the challenges and triumphs faced by military spouses, providing readers with a profound insight into a life marked by constant change and sacrifice. With heartfelt stories and poignant reflections, this book celebrates the strength and fortitude of military spouses, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for those navigating similar paths.
Author Jen McDonald has crafted a unique work where heartfelt storytelling and genuine empathy shine through on every page, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the unique challenges faced by these unsung heroes. McDonald's ability to weave together personal anecdotes, historical perspectives, and contemporary insights creates a rich tapestry of experiences that resonates deeply with readers, and I felt that the book had a natural flow and a great organization to slowly develop an overall tapestry of support and strength. As I delved into the many interesting narratives shared in this book, I was struck by the unwavering strength and determination of military spouses across generations. I thought that McDonald did a great job of showcasing historical changes, attitude shifts, and how world events affect the role of a spouse. Overall, Milspouse Matters is a highly recommended read and a deeply moving and insightful experience that provided me with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices and resilience of military spouses.
Recommend this book:
American Wolf
Holocaust Survivor True Stories
Audrey Birnbaum
2024 Silver Medal
424 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
American Wolf: From Nazi Refugee to American Spy is part of the Holocaust Survivor True Stories series by Audrey Birnbaum. This is a coming-of-age story of a Holocaust survivor who saw the worst the world had to offer. It was the year 1941, and Wolf Schwersenz was just an 11-year-old boy when he had to leave his life behind to embark on a new journey. With his expired US visa in his hand, Wolf boarded the Navemar, a Spanish freighter ship, hoping to reach the US for a better future. However, he had no idea about the horrors that awaited him. From escaping danger to becoming a victim, Wolf saw it all until he turned his life around when he reclaimed his life in the US.
I was ready to read a story full of heroics and danger, but I wasn’t prepared to laugh as I read this biography of a Holocaust survivor. Author Audrey Birnbaum created a comfortable narrative that showcased Wolf’s personality and how he developed as he grew up in less-than-perfect circumstances. I was moved by the detail provided and how each part of Wolf’s story became a part of my consciousness. The details were so perfect that I could easily picture everything happening in my head. Wolf was a smart kid, and he knew early on that he needed to be even smarter if he wanted to survive. The pictures included made every name and character real. It was tragic what happened to these people with lives, families, and futures. However, I appreciate Audrey Birnbaum’s hard work in showing what happened to those who survived and migrated. I loved knowing how Wolf rebuilt his life and grew up in different circumstances but remained the same softhearted person. I highly recommend American Wolf!
American Wolf: From Nazi Refugee to American Spy is part of the Holocaust Survivor True Stories series by Audrey Birnbaum. This is a coming-of-age story of a Holocaust survivor who saw the worst the world had to offer. It was the year 1941, and Wolf Schwersenz was just an 11-year-old boy when he had to leave his life behind to embark on a new journey. With his expired US visa in his hand, Wolf boarded the Navemar, a Spanish freighter ship, hoping to reach the US for a better future. However, he had no idea about the horrors that awaited him. From escaping danger to becoming a victim, Wolf saw it all until he turned his life around when he reclaimed his life in the US.
I was ready to read a story full of heroics and danger, but I wasn’t prepared to laugh as I read this biography of a Holocaust survivor. Author Audrey Birnbaum created a comfortable narrative that showcased Wolf’s personality and how he developed as he grew up in less-than-perfect circumstances. I was moved by the detail provided and how each part of Wolf’s story became a part of my consciousness. The details were so perfect that I could easily picture everything happening in my head. Wolf was a smart kid, and he knew early on that he needed to be even smarter if he wanted to survive. The pictures included made every name and character real. It was tragic what happened to these people with lives, families, and futures. However, I appreciate Audrey Birnbaum’s hard work in showing what happened to those who survived and migrated. I loved knowing how Wolf rebuilt his life and grew up in different circumstances but remained the same softhearted person. I highly recommend American Wolf!
Recommend this book:
Mac
The Wind Beneath My Wings
Sherry Hobbs
2024 Gold Medal
391 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Mac: The Wind Beneath My Wings is a work of non-fiction penned by author Sherry Hobbs in the biography, military history, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited to experience a heartfelt tribute to the author's father, known as Mac, and his remarkable journey during World War II. Mac's story is one of incredible bravery and sacrifice. As a young man, when Pearl Harbor was bombed, he quickly joined the U.S. Army Air Force and became a pilot, flying the brand-new B-24 Liberator. Like the famous Louis Zamperini from Unbroken, Mac's plane faced heavy enemy fire, forcing them to ditch in the ocean on their first combat mission. His subsequent survival and 51 more combat missions in the Solomon Islands in 1943 are a testament to his resilience, and his story unfolds with love and dedication from his loving family.
Author Sherry Hobbs has achieved so much with this accomplished biography, loving tribute, and enlightening piece of history. Mac's journey is an incredible blend of sharply-penned action scenes, emotional recollections, and touching memories that bring together history, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. Hobbs's tribute to her father is both poignant and inspirational, shedding light on an often-untold part of the war's history and the heroes who lived it. She writes in a friendly tone that welcomes you in as a friend of the family, introducing you to this incredible man and the lasting impact he made on so many lives around him. Readers interested in personal wartime narratives and history will certainly find this work both educational and captivating, and I could easily see it fitting in at book clubs and educational settings alike. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Mac: The Wind Beneath My Wings for both history and biography enthusiasts alike.
Mac: The Wind Beneath My Wings is a work of non-fiction penned by author Sherry Hobbs in the biography, military history, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited to experience a heartfelt tribute to the author's father, known as Mac, and his remarkable journey during World War II. Mac's story is one of incredible bravery and sacrifice. As a young man, when Pearl Harbor was bombed, he quickly joined the U.S. Army Air Force and became a pilot, flying the brand-new B-24 Liberator. Like the famous Louis Zamperini from Unbroken, Mac's plane faced heavy enemy fire, forcing them to ditch in the ocean on their first combat mission. His subsequent survival and 51 more combat missions in the Solomon Islands in 1943 are a testament to his resilience, and his story unfolds with love and dedication from his loving family.
Author Sherry Hobbs has achieved so much with this accomplished biography, loving tribute, and enlightening piece of history. Mac's journey is an incredible blend of sharply-penned action scenes, emotional recollections, and touching memories that bring together history, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. Hobbs's tribute to her father is both poignant and inspirational, shedding light on an often-untold part of the war's history and the heroes who lived it. She writes in a friendly tone that welcomes you in as a friend of the family, introducing you to this incredible man and the lasting impact he made on so many lives around him. Readers interested in personal wartime narratives and history will certainly find this work both educational and captivating, and I could easily see it fitting in at book clubs and educational settings alike. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Mac: The Wind Beneath My Wings for both history and biography enthusiasts alike.
Recommend this book:
Sabine's Odyssey
A Hidden Child and her Dutch Rescuers (Jewish Children in the Holocaust)
Agnes Schippers
2023 Honorable Mention
228 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
This book is hard to read as it details the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. It is difficult in modern society to comprehend the absolute inhumanity committed by the Nazis on the Jews, Poles, Roma, Russians, etc. However, Sabine’s Odyssey by Agnes Schipper should be a must-read. We must never forget the depraved evil of the death camps. People from at least nineteen nations were ruthlessly killed at Mauthausen. Agnes’ mother, Sabine, and her grandparents survived the war because they were hidden from the Nazis. Sabine was hidden in nine separate places in the Netherlands between 1942 and 1945. Unfortunately, Sabine’s only sibling, Andreas Fröhlich, was killed in Mauthausen. Reading this book will open your eyes to the horrors of World War II, especially for the Jews, which occurred first in Germany, then in the Netherlands.
Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Agnes Schipper wants to be sure that the horrors of antisemitism and the Holocaust will never be forgotten or repeated. Sabine’s Odyssey begins with the reality of man’s inhumanity to man. It then flashes back to Sabine’s time before World War II. Before the Nazis came to power, Sabine and her brother lived a charmed life. Their father was a decorated veteran of Prussia during World War I. Even though they did not practice Judaism, the Nazis saw them as Jews. This concise book covers what led up to World War II and how it affected assimilated Jews, non-assimilated Jews, and Europe as a whole. Then Sabine’sexperiences of hiding from the Nazis during the war are detailed. You will thrill at the intrigue and danger that lurked everywhere and from almost everyone. This book will keep your interest.
This book is hard to read as it details the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. It is difficult in modern society to comprehend the absolute inhumanity committed by the Nazis on the Jews, Poles, Roma, Russians, etc. However, Sabine’s Odyssey by Agnes Schipper should be a must-read. We must never forget the depraved evil of the death camps. People from at least nineteen nations were ruthlessly killed at Mauthausen. Agnes’ mother, Sabine, and her grandparents survived the war because they were hidden from the Nazis. Sabine was hidden in nine separate places in the Netherlands between 1942 and 1945. Unfortunately, Sabine’s only sibling, Andreas Fröhlich, was killed in Mauthausen. Reading this book will open your eyes to the horrors of World War II, especially for the Jews, which occurred first in Germany, then in the Netherlands.
Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Agnes Schipper wants to be sure that the horrors of antisemitism and the Holocaust will never be forgotten or repeated. Sabine’s Odyssey begins with the reality of man’s inhumanity to man. It then flashes back to Sabine’s time before World War II. Before the Nazis came to power, Sabine and her brother lived a charmed life. Their father was a decorated veteran of Prussia during World War I. Even though they did not practice Judaism, the Nazis saw them as Jews. This concise book covers what led up to World War II and how it affected assimilated Jews, non-assimilated Jews, and Europe as a whole. Then Sabine’sexperiences of hiding from the Nazis during the war are detailed. You will thrill at the intrigue and danger that lurked everywhere and from almost everyone. This book will keep your interest.
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