Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Border: A Korean’s Journey between North and South is a heart-rending and horrific, yet ultimately triumphant tale of one man’s struggle to leave North Korea, seek education, and begin a new life in the democratic and free South. This is the personal memoir of Tae-hyok Kim transcribed by his granddaughter Nicole Kim Rogers based on journals, notes, and personal memories. The memoir spans from his early days on his family farm in North Korea to his daring trips across the 38th parallel, always at risk from North Korean border guards, to his years in the Republic of Korean Army (South) in the “forgotten war”, the United Nations action to stop the spread of communism on the Korean peninsula and ultimately the rest of Asia, to his attempts to seek an education at South Korea’s top universities, and ultimately his emigration to the United States and his attainment of his dream of an education and a new, free, democratic life. Tae-hyok Kim was just fifteen years old when he first made the perilous journey across the 38th parallel to seek work and education in the South Korean city of Seoul. Little did he realize, at the time, that eventually the 38th parallel and later the Demilitarized Zone would become an impassable barrier that would separate him from his parents and siblings forever. This story chronicles the amazing life and struggles of a young man seeking nothing more than freedom and the right to learn and grow without interference from ideologies and politics.

Beyond the Border is a uniquely personal story that chronicles the day-to-day struggles, dreams, and aspirations of an entire nation. Author Nicole Kim Rogers has done an amazingly empathetic and relatable job of bringing her grandfather’s fascinating and heroic story to life. So much of Tae-hyok Kim’s story evokes amazement at his courage, perseverance, indomitable spirit, and sheer determination to succeed against all the odds thrown at him. What came through in this incredible story is the disbelief of ordinary Korean people that a civilization that had lived on the peninsula unbroken for over two thousand years--the same people, culture, language, and shared history--could be split asunder by power-hungry rulers and political ideologies. I appreciated the early school days under Japanese rule when Tae-hyok Kim began to show glimpses of the determination and common sense that would serve him so well in future years, especially during his time in the South Korean Army. The portions that focused on the war years demonstrated the horrors of war, especially a war that pitted brother fighting against brother. That he was able to not only survive the privations, dangers, and horrors of this conflict plus his ensuing health issues and still retain his optimism and humanity are a real testimony to his character and his attitude. His meeting and subsequent marriage to Miss Lee was a sweet and innocent portion of what is a tough, uncompromising story and softened the narrative beautifully. Few stories have made such a deep impact on me. It has not only greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge of the history of the North vs South Korean conflict and the political machinations that led to the divide but it has filled me with understanding and hope, reminding me that all humanity is the same, with the same aspirations and dreams. This is a truly wonderful story that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Tea and Toil at The Woman's Club by Bainy Cyrus shares the vibrant history of the Women’s Club of Norfolk at the Martin Mansion. The Martin played host to The Woman’s Club for decades before it fell into bankruptcy and decline. There was a time when the club was the center of much activity. From hosting tea parties to wedding receptions, The Woman’s Club is full of history and stories of residents who spent a lifetime there and worked hard to restore the club to its glory days.

Author Bainy Cyrus takes readers back in time and on a journey into The Woman’s Club at the Martin Mansion. The moment I read the description of this book, I knew I would love it. The narrative is rich with details and history, the descriptions are transportive, and the pictures add more depth to it. Bainy Cyrus was meticulous about the information she shared with treaders. I learned a lot about the history of Martin Manor as well as The Woman’s Club and its activities, which was exactly what I expected from this book. Tea and Toil at The Woman's Club is perfect for any reader who enjoys learning about the history of landmarks in different cities and countries. There is nothing that I would want to change in this book. It is just perfect. Author Bainy Cyrus made sure her readers were fully immersed in the history of this beautiful mansion until the end. I certainly was!

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Charles Serocold's aim in writing A History of the United States for Newcomers is to help immigrants assimilate into their new country. He accomplishes this and so much more! Over fifty million people who were born in another country live in the United States. Charles covers the period from before Europeans came to North America up to the present day. He discusses politics, social conventions, movements, crises, and famous people. He does not condemn but explains by stating facts about how America developed and its direction. His treatment of the events that led up to the Civil War is the best explanation that I have ever read. This history book does not have an agenda except to inform and prepare people to be better American citizens. At the end are several appendixes that give even more data to help one understand the United States.

A History of the United States for Newcomers by Charles Serocold presents US history in a non-judgmental, straightforward, and informal style. This book is a page-turner and I wanted to keep reading it. Each chapter is independent so they can be read in any order you desire. I have an MA in American History which means I have read many books on the subject. Charles’ book is one of the best American history books I have ever read. I would recommend this book not just for newcomers but for anyone who wants a thorough history that is not a commentary supporting political agendas but presents facts without judgment. I wish every high school in the US would adopt this book as their primary textbook for their American History courses. Thank you, Charles, for presenting a balanced and factual history of the greatest country in the world.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Confession by Nicholas Antony Parisi tells the true story of the "King of Bootleggers" Murder. The story of two mob families fighting each other for control and the murder of the "king of bootleggers" took the world by storm. Told by a member of the Parisi family, the whole sordid story is laid bare, including the murderous, corrupt journey of the mob's rise in Springfield, Massachusetts, during Prohibition. Lots of details are brought to light in this gripping account as you learn about how the King of Bootleggers was gunned down, one of the biggest trials in history, and plenty more gruesome details. This is a sensational story, brutal and bloody, but a true account of one of the biggest murders in mob history.

Confession: "King of Bootleggers" Murder by Nicholas Antony Parisi is one of the most gripping true crime stories I have ever read. Be warned: it is not for the faint-hearted. It is graphic in its detail and brings to light the horrors of mob life, the corruption within the mob families and on the outside, and the fascinating trial with a surprise request from the jury. This book will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish as Nicholas Parisi takes you behind the scenes, delving deep into his family history and offering never-before-heard details that shed light on a time most of us know nothing about. All the names are real, and all the details come from newspaper archives, trial documents, conversations with family members, and even the diary written by the alleged murderer. This is one story that will stay with you for a long time after you've finished reading it, and I highly recommend it for true crime aficionados and fans of mob thrillers.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

J Arthur Moore's The Real Boys of the Civil War is a historical journey back to the American Civil War in a compilation of stories about boys who served in the war. These boys achieved some impressive feats despite enduring harsh prison conditions, sad losses on the battlegrounds, and the pain of war wounds. Ten-year-old Johnny Clem escaped capture after straying away from Newark, Ohio. Charles ‘Charley’ King was twelve when the Civil War began and was promoted to drum major of the field music of the Forty-Ninth Pennsylvania Regiment. Some of the boys pleaded to be soldiers and become drummer boys in the army, a decision many of their parents struggled with. Many of these boys, who had highly unrealistic, romantic expectations of war, faced daunting experiences as they lost their friends and struggled to hold on to their humanity amidst the chaos of war.

J Arthur Moore's writing is straightforward but thorough and filled with detailed information, including the ages of the boys and the time they joined their regiment. His insightful words are supported by letters, newspaper articles, journals, and even pictures that depict the youngsters more vividly. The horrors of war are made glaring with tales from witnesses of the Confederate prison camp, like sixteen-year-old Michael Dougherty, who was shocked by the sight of different torture instruments. The Real Boys of the Civil War will appeal to history enthusiasts and fans of military books. With every story and character examined, it becomes clearer just how devastating and wasteful war is to the human race. Thanks, Arthur, for shining a light on the sad cost of war and the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of boys in the American Civil War.

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

Relentless Hope: A True Story of War and Survival by David L Britt recounts Word War II from a prisoner of war’s (POW) point of view. Chester “Chet” Britt grew up adventurous, building aircraft and being part of the scouts. He was a math whiz and found the love of his life, Grace, just before he embarked on West Point as a Cadet. The day after Chet graduated from West Point in June 1940, he married Grace. However, the war soon requires Chet and other West Point graduates to be relocated to the Philippines to help fend off the Japanese. After trials of fighting in terrible heat with low supplies, Chet and his group finally surrendered. But this was only the start of the POW's most difficult time of the war, facing disease, malnutrition, and inhumane treatment from the Japanese.

David L Britt wrote Relentless Hope: A True Story of War and Survival to share a different side of World War II. David focuses on the experience the POWs had to go through and the survivor’s guilt the remnants of the captives had to live with afterward. The novel shows that comradeship can give one strength during difficult times. Praying and holding onto your family can bring you home in better shape than without it. David brings the emotions to life in the novel. The fear returning POWs had of rejection and how they handled the backlash from some civilians for surrendering during the war. David L Britt reminds us of what soldiers had to endure for us to live in a semi-state of harmony today.

Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite

The Lightning Tamers by Kathy Joseph is the history of the men and women who have worked with electricity, from discovering its existence to its place in our modern life. The book begins with the early realization of what electricity is and how it was named. It continues with how scientists and inventors began to use electricity for practical purposes like building batteries and creating methods of communication, such as the telegraph and the telephone. The book is written around the stories of people who contributed to the understanding and use of electricity, such as Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, Thomas Edison, and many more. There is a summary of each chapter, and the book is illustrated with pictures of significant contributors to the harnessing of electricity and drawings of their early electrical experiments. The book concludes with an extensive list of references and a comprehensive index.

The Lightning Tamers by Kathy Joseph is an amazing and fascinating book. Anyone interested in history or who wonders how mankind learned to harness electricity will find it hard to put down. It was interesting to learn the stories of the people whose names are behind terms everyone is familiar with, such as “volt” and “amp.” Readers don’t need to be a scientist or an expert in any of Joseph's topics because the book is written in easy-to-understand language. It is also extraordinarily well-researched. Joseph is a former teacher, and I can see this book as an invaluable textbook for high school or college students. I highly recommend it to teachers, students, and everyone who wants a well-written explanation of the intriguing topic of electricity.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Apprentice of Buchenwald is a true World War II story of a Jewish family trying to navigate life under the Nazi regime. Oren Schneider lost his father at an early age and grew up listening to the stories of his grandfather's life during the war. As a teenager, his grandfather Alexander Rosenberg was an avid collector of stamps, growing up in a privileged home on the outskirts of a Slovakian town in the late 1930s. After the Slovakian Gestapo started rounding up Jews for the Nazi regime, the Rosenbergs had no choice but to leave their home and assume false identities for life elsewhere. But a cruel twist of fate put Alexander and his father into the largest concentration camp, Buchenwald, in Germany, where the father and son duo had to survive each day at a time.

Author Oren Schneider shares the horrors and sacrifices of the victims of Nazi Germany with this heartbreaking true story of his own family. The Apprentice of Buchenwald is a tale that celebrates the resilient spirit of humans against adversity and showcases how a combination of the will to survive and indomitable courage can sometimes provide people with tools to overcome even the direst of circumstances. This is a very personal and intimate story about war, family, and the fight to survive. Schneider never holds back and gives an honest and authentic glimpse into war and its devastating ramifications. I found Alexander's story truly moving and poignant, and I feel it couldn't be more relevant to our times with the recent rise of fascist ideologies all over the world. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Journey of a Hidden Child by Harry Pila is a historical biography and the latest installment in the Jewish Children in the Holocaust series. It follows the life of Jean-Pierre, a Jewish child given to non-Jewish parents for safety as the Nazis round up the Jews for forced labor and extermination. But Jean-Pierre’s adoptive parents are spies for the British, placing him in more danger than his birth parents could have realized. As the war ends, Jean-Pierre’s surviving parent returns to claim him, beginning a new journey of self-reflection.

Of all the evil acts that human beings have done to each other, few can compete with the magnitude and horror of the Holocaust. What happened should never be forgotten, but with victims numbering in the millions, it is important to reflect on the impact of this event on a more personal level and the devastation that it unleashed upon individual families. Harry Pila’s powerful prose and nuanced understanding of the period together create an authentic and heartbreaking portrayal of the life of one family as they are shattered by the Nazi regime and left with the impossible task of healing in the aftermath. The authenticity that flows from every page serves as a timeless and poignant reminder of a part of history that must never be allowed to repeat itself. Overall, The Journey of a Hidden Child bravely and eloquently shows not just the cause of the pain but the long and difficult road to try to heal from it.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Not a Real Enemy by Robert Wolf and Janice Harper is a spellbinding memoir that follows the true story of a Hungarian Jewish man and his quest for freedom. Fans of Holocaust survival literature will devour this memoir that reads like well-crafted fiction. In 1944, Erwin Wolf was lucky to be among the hundreds of thousands of Jewish Hungarians not shipped to Auschwitz by the Nazis. But he was forced to work in the labor camps where he endured inhumane and cruel treatment. With the defeat of Germany, Erwin and many others found their freedom, but the communist regime under Stalin came with its own woes, and society was infested with fear and betrayals. Follow Erwin Wolf and his journey to freedom, a journey that takes him through imprisonment, narrow escapes, and fearful adventures. Can he escape the communist oppression in Hungary where friends become foes overnight?

This is one of those books you read and are at loss for words when it comes to describing your experience. Robert Wolf and Janice Harper have crafted a memoir that is immersive and that instantly absorbs the reader. It is a tale of resilience in the midst of man’s inhumanity to man and the authors allow the painful experience to shine through the narrative. This book offers a vivid picture of what it felt like to live under the communist regime in Hungary and the dehumanization of the Jewish people by Hitler. Erwin’s quest for freedom is relentless and his triumph will leave a wonderful sense of joy and delight in readers. The book is crafted in gorgeous prose, brimming with history, and featuring people that readers will care about.