Saturday, January 19, 2008

THE AIRMEN AND THE HEADHUNTERS: A TRUE STORY OF LOST SOLDIERS, HEROIC TRIBESMEN AND THE UNLIKELIEST RESCUE OF WORLD WAR II
by Judith M. Heimann

While flying
in a B-24 bomber, during 1944, over the Borneo Coast, army airmen were shot down by the Japanese. The aviators were met by jungle natives called Dayaks, who were known as headhunters.
Heimann writes a gripping tale of how the tribesmen fed and sheltered the airmen and hid them from the Japanese occupiers.
A little known piece of history from World War II deserves to be read.
What a terrific book!



Wednesday, January 16, 2008

THE MASCOT: UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF MY JEWISH FATHER'S NAZI BOYHOOD
by Mark Kurzem

In 1941, when Alex Kurzem was five years old, he left his home in Russia and escaped into the forest. There he hid from the Nazis who slaughtered his family and villagers. Eventually, Alex was "saved" by a group of Latvian SS soldiers, who gave him a miniature uniform with boots. He became their mascot, but, in reality, he was used in the most horrifying of ways.
For over 60 years, Alex kept the secret of his past to himself, until, finally, he revealed the story to his son.
From the first chapter to the last the narrative is riveting. Mark Kurzem does a remarkable job.
Highly recommended!