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.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Game Changer is the heart-wrenching, gut-twisting drama that is the life of the Frase family. Paul Frase and Alison Rockett are the loving parents of Joshua Miles Frase. Joshua has a rare genetic disorder. He is differently-abled, but this did not stop his parents from launching into action to find a cure for Myotubular Myopathy (MTM). In the shadow of this spell-binding journey, one can see the hand of God working out the details. When Joshua was born, he scored zero on the Apgar assessment. Only parents who have stood where Paul and Alison found themselves will fully understand the implications. But Joshua finally had a diagnosis. I have been in those shoes, and this book is both amazing and eye-opening. Alison and Paul open their hearts and let the reader see inside while feeling the pain and excitement.

Having a differently-abled child may result in the loss of many dreams, but the love it brings more than makes up for any loss. “Grief, in the world of special needs, is an ongoing reality.” Paul Frase and Alison Rockett understand that God is sovereign. They share their deeply held belief in the Almighty in Game Changer. This book is an emotionally moving testimony to the courage and strength parents of differently-abled children often exhibit. It is written in a friendly manner, making the reader feel as if they are sitting in the den with Paul and Alison, just chatting about how their life was changed. This became a blessing for others because of the research they initiated in the hope of a cure for Joshua. Read through to the exciting end and see what can be accomplished when parents do their part. When doctors give parents no hope, it is time to find hope in Jesus Christ.

Reviewed by Grace Ruhara for Readers' Favorite

Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. Anything can happen at any time. Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang shares his story and that of other stroke survivors. Their stories acknowledge that the journey is not easy, but it's possible, and they have overcome and come back stronger. Before finally accepting themselves as they are and loving their flaws, they faced constant breakdowns and threats that almost compelled them to give up. The struggles one faces are aphasia, anxiety, and mood changes. Self-pity and sorrow arise, especially when you feel no progress has been made and you have to depend on your family and friends to do even the simplest tasks. These challenges give you a reason to fight back and push on. Along the way, you appreciate your loved ones for sticking by you, empathize more with people in need, learn to accept and ask for assistance, and have the patience to give life a second chance.

Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang is commendable for its transparency. The survivors don't try to make their experiences sound better than they were. Instead, they describe the hard parts and give readers a clear picture of the transition. The author also accompanies these stories with drawings that helped him vent his frustrations and speak up about how exactly he felt, enabling readers to connect with his thoughts and emotions more deeply. The numerous stories that the author shares are assurances that there are people who battled through their strokes and came out stronger. This gives anyone going through the same experience hope and courage to overcome their challenges as the survivors did. I recommend this book to readers suffering from a stroke or those with family members who are stroke victims. It will give them reasons to push on harder and more ways to overcome the challenges involved.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Lucky Jack (1894 – 2000): Memoirs of a World War 1 POW by S. Bavey is a legacy memoir narrated in the first person by Jack Rogers and collated by his granddaughter, who is the author. Rogers lived until the age of 106 and his story starts at the very beginning of this book with his memory, as a toddler, of making eye contact with Queen Victoria. In between, Rogers relays in exact detail the most poignant moments of his life and some less so, but still notable, as part of the overall arc of one man's journey. These include personal moments such as family weddings, as well as his own, and more universally famed events such as the Easter Rising in Ireland, and both WWI and WWII. In the first war, he was a prisoner of war. He lived through the reigns of six different kings and queens of England with letters to prove they knew he was out there too. Photographs are sprinkled throughout to bring to life what Rogers relays from memory.

There is something about the generation that saw more change than any other in history. Imagine being born when the world was still traveling via horse and buggy, and then raising a pint when watching the first man walk on the moon. It's extraordinary, and memoirs like Lucky Jack are almost like time capsules that share the individual experiences that we may know about collectively but cannot connect to personally. S. Bavey and Jack Rogers, in narrating and collating Rogers' stories, have added an important piece to the reporting of British history and, specifically, to the lending of an authentic voice as a POW for those who never made it home. The writing has the feel of one sitting by the fire while a grandparent retells a slice of their life. It is rough around the edges from a literary perspective but the conversational tone works well. I can see this book being of interest to historians and those who seek out war journals, but the real treasure will be reserved for the generations of Rogers' descendants to come who will have a concrete account of their family history.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

A Century of Secrets by Teresa Syms is a gripping story of a family, covering its history over a century and the main players that have given it the visage it has. Readers are introduced to a character who has been through a lot of pain because of the lies, abuses, dark secrets, and intrigue played out in her family over the period of a century. The story explores the conflicts, the deceptions, and the protagonist’s struggle to redefine herself and reconquer her inner freedom. Here is a story that many readers will relate to, the story of a family with its own struggle to function normally.

The reader will be surprised at the honesty of the narrator whose voice comes across powerfully. Teresa is a character that readers will love to know better because she carries in her a pain that many people bear in silence. But how she overcomes depression, finds her voice, and stands up for herself is a lesson that will speak volumes to readers. Just after describing a horrible scene in which the protagonist gets violated by a medical doctor, the narrator notes that: “Teresa’s life was a tortured hell without her love. She became moody and very depressed.” The writing is beautiful, featuring powerful and vivid descriptions that allow the reader to clearly imagine the scenes, the characters, and the action. It is well paced and Teresa Syms has succeeded in getting the reader interested in following the characters. A Century of Secrets is a story that powerfully documents what repression and abuse in the family setting can lead to; it’s a courageous story that explores freedom and the determination to create a life of meaning. Highly entertaining!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Mr. Mulligan: The Life of Champion Armless Golfer Tommy McAuliffe is a work of non-fiction in the biography subgenre and serves as the opening installment of the McAuliffe series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Tom Patrick McAuliffe II. The book shares the story of Tommy McAuliffe, who was one of the most accomplished golfers of his time despite not having arms to hold the clubs. Painting a vivid picture of the era and its changing attitudes toward the disabled, the book recalls the journey McAuliffe undertook to become one of the most skilled golfers of his generation.

This was a delightful love letter to a colorful character in the author’s life, aimed squarely at celebrating the spirit of a man who refused to be defined by a disability in an era before society paid much heed to ideas of accessibility. Tom Patrick McAuliffe II shares many wonderful stories about his grandfather and namesake, and some are recalled as anecdotes from the man himself whilst others are reconstructed through painstaking research. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who served as a role model for so many to have his story so lovingly revisited today, and the warmth of the writing gives the reader an immediate sense of the character of the subject. Overall, Mr. Mulligan is an essential read even for those of us without much experience or knowledge of the golf scene. The message it conveys about not letting adversity stand in the way of happiness and the pursuit of one's passions is timeless and universal.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

While awaiting trial in Poland between 1946-47, Rudolf Höss, the man referred to as the greatest mass murderer in history, wrote his memoirs. Höss systemically executed 1.1 million men, women, and children with a chilling lack of empathy or culpability. As the prisoners entered the camp, only 20%-30% of them would survive the first day. Throughout his account of the atrocities, Höss denied any involvement in the mistreatment of prisoners, simply stating he was following orders regarding Hitler's Final Solution. Architect of Death at Auschwitz by John W Primomo is a detailed analysis of Höss's journals as well as accounts from Auschwitz survivors. How did a young boy who was destined to enter the priesthood become the head of all the Nazi death camps and develop such a warped mentality regarding human life? Discover what instigated Hitler's hatred of the Jewish people and where the infamous sign on the entrance of Auschwitz, 'Arbeit Macht Frei,' derives from.

The content of this well-written book is extremely disturbing but absolutely compelling. The accounts from the survivors of the concentration camps regarding the treatment and torture will stay with me always. The book is extremely well researched and includes details about the prisoners' degradation, torture, and humiliation that I was unaware of. The accounts of the standing cells, dusting out the cells, and roll calls were particularly horrendous. Höss's attempt to exonerate himself and paint himself as an innocent bystander was astounding. Architect of Death at Auschwitz by John W Primomo is an excellent in-depth look at how humanity can turn on one another to survive; the behavior of the Sonderkommandos is a perfect example of this. Höss's narcissist attitude left me speechless throughout; his pride in deceiving those as they entered the gas chamber, his belief he was just following orders, and the lack of empathy for anyone but himself. This analysis of Höss from childhood to execution is a superb, non-biased factual account that dissects Höss's memoir and highlights the inconsistencies such as his belief that he was powerless to stop the atrocities. Joseph Stalin regarding the mass murder once said, “The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic.”

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Made in Hollywood (The Scott Morrow Story) by Jennifer Vaughn is a non-fiction biography that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults with an interest in Hollywood actors. Scotty Morrow began his career as a mere toddler as he and his brother enchanted Hollywood studio officials, even at their young age. He started out with parts in commercials, TV shows and movies, with each part giving him more attention until he and his brother became known as A-list child actors. While his role as an actor could be considered nothing less than auspicious, his decision to enlist in the Air Force during the Vietnam War led to him becoming well known for his photography skills as well. Are you ready to learn about Scott Morrow, not just as an actor, but also as a soldier and a photographer?

Made in Hollywood (The Scott Morrow Story) by Jennifer Vaughn was a well-written biography that followed the life of a unique person. Before reading this book, I did not know who Scott Morrow was, but as I turned page after page, that slowly changed and I found myself fascinated by him and his life. As a Marilyn Monroe fan, I enjoyed reading about his sibling-like relationship with her. I enjoyed reading about his development as he went from actor to soldier to photographer. The author did an amazing job highlighting the way these roles changed him both professionally and personally. Overall, I really enjoyed learning about Scott and I found the book to be an interesting and informative read.

Reviewed by Sheena Monnin for Readers' Favorite

Witness For My Father: A World War II Story Of Loss, Hope, and Discovery by Barbara Bergren tells the true story of her father’s harrowing and historic experience as a survivor of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz during WWII. The author opens the story with her father’s peaceful childhood in Poland and then describes the gradual dehumanization of Jewish Poles during the first year of German occupation, followed by the rapid decline in human rights they experienced before being sent to concentration camps. The brutality, cruelty, and abuse each member of the family experienced are soul-crushing to read. Mietek, the author's father, was the only survivor of his family. At the end of the war, he was liberated from the camp and was lucky enough to meet some American soldiers stationed in Poland who helped him recover and offered him a job. One of these soldiers was named John. He was instrumental in building up Mietek’s spirit again after years of unspeakable brutality. Decades later the two men reunited before Mietek's death.

Each chapter of Witness For My Father by Barbara Bergren is written with care and compassion. She tells the story of her father’s life with beautiful detail, love, and respect. Mietek’s experiences during WWII are harrowing to read but speak of a man who was determined to live for the sake of his family, his people, and his future. He is a man to be admired and honored for the way he lived his life being kind and considerate to all people, despite the experiences he had to endure. My heart was touched by this incredible story of one man’s journey to overcome the hatred of others and not allow it to tarnish his soul. Everyone should read this stunning portrayal of Mietek’s life. It is powerfully written and full of inspiration!

Reviewed by Tom Gauthier for Readers' Favorite

With layers of intrigue and deep background of the Nazi 1930s on through WWII, Jo Sorochinsky reveals the poignant reality of her father’s hidden past and her own heritage in Dancing With My Father. The title evokes the delicate process that Jo focuses on to coax her father to reveal his past to her. It was this dance with him over many years that helped him come to terms with the horrors of what had happened to his family, his friends, and himself. Jo’s father, Ansel Horwitz, spent his early life up to his late teens in Vienna. He was a baptized Catholic because his parents had converted from Judaism to Catholicism. Many Viennese Jews had done the same, thinking it would protect them from the growing Nazi threat when they took control in 1938. But the Nazi rule stated that if you had Jewish grandparents, you were a Jew. So Ansel Horowitz became a young refugee from Nazi-controlled Austria as his parents arranged a move to Ireland through connections in the Catholic Church. His father, believing in his Austrian traditions of honor, refused to leave and his mother stayed with him. They were swept up and killed in the early Holocaust. For young Ansel, called Ans, it was supposed to be a two-week layover before going on to the United States. But weeks turned into years. During that time he found a trade and a girl, building a life and a family with Noreen.

The United States closed itself to more Jewish immigration, and the family finally moved to Canada and established a new life. Jo grew up believing herself to be an Irish Catholic girl who migrated to Canada with her parents. As time passed, she began to sense that something was amiss in the family lore. Based on hints, anomalies, and intuition, her curiosity about her own roots grew and she became interested in her father's early life. Her Irish mother fended off her growing inquiries, saying that it was not her story to tell. And her father stonewalled her at every turn. But Jo grew stronger in the belief that her father’s story was also her story, her heritage, and she pressed on. Jo relates the journey of patiently coaxing her father, getting him to give her peeks into his past. Slowly, the twists and turns of events and the vivid scenes of the horror and cruelty that was Austria under Hitler resurfaced. Dancing With My Father is masterfully written by Jo Sorochinsky as she allows us to join her journey to learn the long-kept secrets of her father’s experiences. It will keep you reading long after the intensity has exhausted you.

While reviewing, I harkened to my own writing of the stories of my immigrant family wrapped up in the intrigues of early immigrations to what became America. But when the family history carries the weight of the mayhem, chaos, suffering, and death that the Nazi regime imposed on an entire society and her family, Jo moves the mission to an entirely different level. Jo relates her complex research and findings to us while revealing deep abiding respect and love for her father. She mixes gentleness with tenacity and grace with tender aggressiveness as she lays bare the experiences that had haunted her father all his life. Jo’s story peels back the layers of history with skill and depth. In multi-layered, skillfully researched reporting, she builds the history of her father and his family while also building the history of the Jews in Austria and Austria itself as it sank into Nazi control. Jo Sorochinsky delivers the shocking facts and the deep feelings of one man’s story that reflects the story of a generation with the highest skill and sensitivity. Dancing With My Father is well worth your reading and reflecting on her message.