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Recommend this book:
Bridge Between Two Worlds
From Sarajevo to London
Dr. Serge Mac, Prof Maida Kulić Vugdalić
2026 Finalist
265 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Bridge Between Two Worlds: From Sarajevo to London by Dr. Serge Mac, or Srđan Macanović, is the memoir of his childhood in Sarajevo into adulthood, shaped by war and displacement. He grew up in Grbavica in a family anchored by routine and familiarity. Later, as a medical student, his life narrows around training, until the siege of Sarajevo abruptly removes the separation between study and practice. Shelling forces him into taking direct responsibility for the wounded as civilian life fractures around him. The pressure of survival escalates when the military conscription looms near, and Srđan’s passage into exile begins. An interim life in Belgrade ultimately transitions into immigration to London, where he must start from scratch to rebuild a life where, while the past is physically distant, the memories are permanently present.
When I began From Sarajevo to London by Dr. Serge Mac, I was immediately struck by the comfortable, conversational style of writing. This works well against a really traumatic backdrop, and the reader connects to Srđan's plight organically. For me, when the order arrived, calling young men to report for military service, the book became impossible to put down. Srđan understands that his future in medicine cannot coexist with that demand. It's such a moment of strength, and it defines what follows, including nights spent discussing his departure and the careful preparation of his documents by candlelight. Later, when he reaches London and sits alone, studying for medical examinations after long work shifts, the same steady sense of responsibility governs his days. He writes of a life carried forward through decisions honored over time, and that belief fleshes the book out beyond a typical memoir. Very highly recommended.
Bridge Between Two Worlds: From Sarajevo to London by Dr. Serge Mac, or Srđan Macanović, is the memoir of his childhood in Sarajevo into adulthood, shaped by war and displacement. He grew up in Grbavica in a family anchored by routine and familiarity. Later, as a medical student, his life narrows around training, until the siege of Sarajevo abruptly removes the separation between study and practice. Shelling forces him into taking direct responsibility for the wounded as civilian life fractures around him. The pressure of survival escalates when the military conscription looms near, and Srđan’s passage into exile begins. An interim life in Belgrade ultimately transitions into immigration to London, where he must start from scratch to rebuild a life where, while the past is physically distant, the memories are permanently present.
When I began From Sarajevo to London by Dr. Serge Mac, I was immediately struck by the comfortable, conversational style of writing. This works well against a really traumatic backdrop, and the reader connects to Srđan's plight organically. For me, when the order arrived, calling young men to report for military service, the book became impossible to put down. Srđan understands that his future in medicine cannot coexist with that demand. It's such a moment of strength, and it defines what follows, including nights spent discussing his departure and the careful preparation of his documents by candlelight. Later, when he reaches London and sits alone, studying for medical examinations after long work shifts, the same steady sense of responsibility governs his days. He writes of a life carried forward through decisions honored over time, and that belief fleshes the book out beyond a typical memoir. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Thank You for the Shoes
Anniversary Edition
Raffaela Marie Rizzo
2026 Honorable Mention
294 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Thank You for the Shoes by Raffaela Marie Rizzo follows the life of Michelangelo Rizzo, a young boy growing up in the rough mountains of Calabria at the turn of the twentieth century. The story traces his father’s difficult decision to leave Italy for America in search of work, setting off a chain of events that changes the family’s dynamics. The narrative shifts between Italy and the United States, illustrating the harsh realities of immigration, labor, and separation. Michele’s childhood is marked by loss, including the death of his father abroad and the struggles that follow at home. As his mother faces poverty and remarries out of necessity, Michele learns to survive on his own. The historical background of Southern Italy’s hardships and the promise of America give the story a broad scope while keeping its focus on one family’s journey.
Raffaela Marie Rizzo writes in a reflective, descriptive style that highlights memory, family history, and cultural details. The pace moves steadily, allowing scenes to develop carefully. Dialogue and narration blend to evoke a sense of oral storytelling, as if these experiences have been passed down through generations. The language often adopts a formal tone suitable for the historical setting, yet remains clear and engaging for modern readers. Thank You for the Shoes presents a family legacy and immigrant experiences that will be appreciated for their careful attention to place and tradition. The author’s focus on everyday struggles, from physical labor to emotional endurance, gives the narrative a grounded, human quality. Readers interested in ancestry, cultural identity, and early twentieth-century life will find much to relate to, especially in how the story honors the lives and choices of those who came before.
Thank You for the Shoes by Raffaela Marie Rizzo follows the life of Michelangelo Rizzo, a young boy growing up in the rough mountains of Calabria at the turn of the twentieth century. The story traces his father’s difficult decision to leave Italy for America in search of work, setting off a chain of events that changes the family’s dynamics. The narrative shifts between Italy and the United States, illustrating the harsh realities of immigration, labor, and separation. Michele’s childhood is marked by loss, including the death of his father abroad and the struggles that follow at home. As his mother faces poverty and remarries out of necessity, Michele learns to survive on his own. The historical background of Southern Italy’s hardships and the promise of America give the story a broad scope while keeping its focus on one family’s journey.
Raffaela Marie Rizzo writes in a reflective, descriptive style that highlights memory, family history, and cultural details. The pace moves steadily, allowing scenes to develop carefully. Dialogue and narration blend to evoke a sense of oral storytelling, as if these experiences have been passed down through generations. The language often adopts a formal tone suitable for the historical setting, yet remains clear and engaging for modern readers. Thank You for the Shoes presents a family legacy and immigrant experiences that will be appreciated for their careful attention to place and tradition. The author’s focus on everyday struggles, from physical labor to emotional endurance, gives the narrative a grounded, human quality. Readers interested in ancestry, cultural identity, and early twentieth-century life will find much to relate to, especially in how the story honors the lives and choices of those who came before.
Recommend this book:
He’s Alive!
Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch (1243675)
Živojin Petrović
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
He’s Alive! by Živojin Petrović is a biography of Joko Mestrovitch, later known as James, from his childhood in Đuraševići to his passage through Ellis Island and his work among immigrant communities in Fresno and Pittsburgh. His enlistment in the Pennsylvania National Guard takes him to the Western Front, where his actions at Fismes place him at the center of shifting fronts, hazardous rescues, and the rapid movements of the 28th Division. Reports of his death, later reversed by unexpected news, expand his story across camps, hospitals, and towns in France as he attempts to return to his unit. When his end did come, his remains were transported from France to Montenegro, carried by soldiers who retrace a route linking battle sites, immigrant journeys, and family origins.
He’s Alive! Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch (1243675) by Živojin Petrović impressed me with its unique perspective that almost feels like an autobiography from the level of near first-person recollections, which are depicted through scenes that feel grounded in place and time. There are some real highlights, particularly in the very American experience of James choosing a new name during roll call, and others like his goosebumps-inducing return to the unit after being reported dead. The writing is simple and straightforward, and Petrović presents James well as he infuses textured settings like crossing oceans and fighting in France, all in a tone that leans into practical action. The conclusion is perfectly honorable and heartbreaking. Overall, this book is a real account of the immigrant experience and the Americanization of a man with a strong sense of purpose, anchored in clear moments that stay with the reader.
He’s Alive! by Živojin Petrović is a biography of Joko Mestrovitch, later known as James, from his childhood in Đuraševići to his passage through Ellis Island and his work among immigrant communities in Fresno and Pittsburgh. His enlistment in the Pennsylvania National Guard takes him to the Western Front, where his actions at Fismes place him at the center of shifting fronts, hazardous rescues, and the rapid movements of the 28th Division. Reports of his death, later reversed by unexpected news, expand his story across camps, hospitals, and towns in France as he attempts to return to his unit. When his end did come, his remains were transported from France to Montenegro, carried by soldiers who retrace a route linking battle sites, immigrant journeys, and family origins.
He’s Alive! Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch (1243675) by Živojin Petrović impressed me with its unique perspective that almost feels like an autobiography from the level of near first-person recollections, which are depicted through scenes that feel grounded in place and time. There are some real highlights, particularly in the very American experience of James choosing a new name during roll call, and others like his goosebumps-inducing return to the unit after being reported dead. The writing is simple and straightforward, and Petrović presents James well as he infuses textured settings like crossing oceans and fighting in France, all in a tone that leans into practical action. The conclusion is perfectly honorable and heartbreaking. Overall, this book is a real account of the immigrant experience and the Americanization of a man with a strong sense of purpose, anchored in clear moments that stay with the reader.
Recommend this book:
Kristina's Cache
A Memoir of Adventure and Survival in Alaska
Kristina Ahlnäs
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Kristina’s Cache by Kristina Ahlnäs is a fun, easy-to-read memoir of a woman seized by the thrill of adventure and the unknown. Growing up in rural Finland in the 1960s was an amazing experience for the author, but she had dreams of becoming an oceanographer, a career not particularly standard for women at the time. Undaunted, she left her homeland to seek her future in America. Ultimately ending up in Alaska, where she quickly adapts to the harsh environment, she begins her long career in oceanography. With accommodation scarce, pricey, and substandard, Kristina decides the only way she can ever have a comfortable and long-term home in Alaska is if she builds her own. So begins the incredible project of building an 8-foot by 8-foot practice cabin, with a sixteen-foot ladder (her cache), that she will live in whilst she builds her own unique and special log cabin deep in the Alaskan forest.
Kristina’s Cache is a wonderfully written, chronological journey of one woman’s incredible vision and determination. As a native of Finland, Kristina Ahlnäs clearly had the genetic makeup to survive in Alaska’s cold climate, and her determination, fortitude, and sheer bloody-mindedness flows through the narrative. I appreciated her meticulous attention to detail as she slowly created her perfect haven in the Alaskan forest. It is fascinating to see what a massive impact the Scandinavian nations have had on the settling of Alaska over the generations. Everywhere she turned, it seemed Kristina was always bumping into the descendants of her Scandinavian roots. I was so impressed by the willingness of everyday Alaskans to pitch in and help with Kristina’s dream building project. I greatly enjoyed her Christmas visit to a remote Inuit village with their Russian/Scandinavian traditions that showed how the melding of customs, traditions, and beliefs from various cultures has created a diverse ethnic society in Alaska. Her amazing kayak journey to reach the elusive Great Kobuk Sand Dunes was one of the real highlights for me, especially given her age and the resilience and fitness required to attempt such an adventure. For all lovers of adventures and the great outdoors, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it.
Kristina’s Cache by Kristina Ahlnäs is a fun, easy-to-read memoir of a woman seized by the thrill of adventure and the unknown. Growing up in rural Finland in the 1960s was an amazing experience for the author, but she had dreams of becoming an oceanographer, a career not particularly standard for women at the time. Undaunted, she left her homeland to seek her future in America. Ultimately ending up in Alaska, where she quickly adapts to the harsh environment, she begins her long career in oceanography. With accommodation scarce, pricey, and substandard, Kristina decides the only way she can ever have a comfortable and long-term home in Alaska is if she builds her own. So begins the incredible project of building an 8-foot by 8-foot practice cabin, with a sixteen-foot ladder (her cache), that she will live in whilst she builds her own unique and special log cabin deep in the Alaskan forest.
Kristina’s Cache is a wonderfully written, chronological journey of one woman’s incredible vision and determination. As a native of Finland, Kristina Ahlnäs clearly had the genetic makeup to survive in Alaska’s cold climate, and her determination, fortitude, and sheer bloody-mindedness flows through the narrative. I appreciated her meticulous attention to detail as she slowly created her perfect haven in the Alaskan forest. It is fascinating to see what a massive impact the Scandinavian nations have had on the settling of Alaska over the generations. Everywhere she turned, it seemed Kristina was always bumping into the descendants of her Scandinavian roots. I was so impressed by the willingness of everyday Alaskans to pitch in and help with Kristina’s dream building project. I greatly enjoyed her Christmas visit to a remote Inuit village with their Russian/Scandinavian traditions that showed how the melding of customs, traditions, and beliefs from various cultures has created a diverse ethnic society in Alaska. Her amazing kayak journey to reach the elusive Great Kobuk Sand Dunes was one of the real highlights for me, especially given her age and the resilience and fitness required to attempt such an adventure. For all lovers of adventures and the great outdoors, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it.
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
246 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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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.
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