Camps Books

Ralph Gaither's account of his 7+ years in a Vietnamese POW camp is a very powerful book. It is amazing that he emerged from this horrifying experience free from emotional or psychological problems. I have met Ralph, and he is an extraordinary individual. After meeting and getting to know him, I read this book and was in awe. What an incredible experience. This book shows how Ralph's Faith and Hope never wavered during that horrific nightmare as a prisoner of war. Very eye-opening.

This book is the incredible story of a Jesuit Priest who was Ordained in Rome in the Russian Rite, was assigned to a parish in Poland in 1938, and the following year after the Nazis invaded Poland, he and two Jesuit colleagues applied to get into Russia after getting permission from their Jesuit Superior and from the Archbishop.In 1940 they entered Russia under assumed names and altered backgrounds to disguise the fact that they were Priests. Fr Ciszek became Walter Lypinski, a widower from Poland, but he was subsequently discovered, arrested and sentenced to 15 years at hard labor for being a 'Vatican spy". His life in the prison camps was one of great suffering and of heavy manual labor. Early on he was imprisoned under the worst of conditions, thrown in with criminals and thugs before he was sent to Siberia to work in a labor camp. He arrived in Siberia in July and it was snowing and all he and the other prisoners had to wear were thin summer clothing which soon turned to tattered rags under the harsh conditions. He worked in coal mines, in an infirmary, then to the factory, then worked on various construction crews building the city of Norilsk above the Artic Circle on the Tundra. Then it was back to the coal mines and more exhausting work. During most of his time in the labor camps he still carried out his priestly duties: saying Mass, hearing confessions, baptizing, conducting funeral services, giving last rites, and even performing Marriage ceremonies. He said Masses in both the Latin and Oriental Rites. Through it all he never lost his Faith in God and he placed all his trust in the Lord's hands. Yet, rarely did he complain, indeed he felt he was where God wanted him to be- tending to his flock. This is the mark of a true Jesuit missionary. Even after he had finished his 15 year sentence the KGB still continued to hound him but he continued to tend to the needs of his flock. Eventually after nearly 8 years of behind the scenes diplomacy in America and Russia, his sisters and the American State Department managed to get him released in a tense prisoner exchange with the Russians. In October 1963 he left Russia, blessing the country even as he was flying out of it. He was truly a man of God, full of courage and Faith, living out a living martyrdom. He made many converts to the Faith in Russia and helped to keep the spirit of religion alive in Russia. Recommended for all ages.

The researchers who conducted the interviews for this project have done very critical work that may be better appreciated in the decades to come. Most of the men who survived the Japanese POW camps have since died, and the opportunity to obtain first-hand accounts diminishes greatly as time goes by.

All aspects of POW life are presented in a carefully edited compilation of interviews with over 100 former prisoners. It is a tough, but necessary, read that overwhelms one with the senselessness of Japanese brutality. I don't think that a better account could possibly exist and I wish that this was required reading for any history curriculum covering the war.

Since the 1980's it has become far more popular among some in America to criticize the internment of Japanese-Americans during the war rather than the true barbarity of the Japanese. A book such as this, relying on first-hand accounts as it does, may curb the revisionists for at least a few more years.

I love this book because of its unique writing style. The author has compiled interviews of women that have actually gone through rough times in their lives when their husbands where overseas fighting a war. I had never thought of the sacrifice these women were making. Thanks for such a great book!

We have used this campground directory for over 20 years. Its the most accurate and complete book of its type. Each year the magazine section of the directory offers new and informative articles arranged around a theme and with the camping traveler in mind. Their web site is also very well organized and user friendly

The only CG book. If a park is not listed, chances are it did not meet Woodall's minimun requirements (in other words, stay away from the unlisted parks).

I found this to be one of those "just can't put it down" kind of books. Fascinating to read through the eyes of an infantry foot soldier. Laid to rest the idea that the POW camps were a "nice" place for soldiers to go to wait out the end of the war. Frank takes you from his training in the Army to action on the front, through his capture, transfer to his final POW camp and the terrible months of surviving there. Then his liberation by the Brits and his rehabilitation and return home. It is truly a amazing story that all should hear. Would be a great movie.

I just finished reading the book and let me preface this by saying that I am John Haueisen's sister, but this really is a VERY entertaining and informative book on Worthington, Ohio and its history. The book focuses on two primary players in Worthington - James Kilbourn and Thomas Worthington. In terms of history, it is a page turner and kept me in suspense while wondering if Tom Worthington would ever find the understanding and acclaim that he so desired. For Civil War buffs, the section on the battle of Shiloh does provide a great deal of information reflecting another viewpoint as to who the better soldier was - Col. Worthington, or Gen. Sherman, on whom history casts the better light. The book does of wonderful job of balancing the two viewpoints with facts and historical evidence.

Better yet, the book is a superb collection of information, both historical and current, of the delightful city of Worthington. Because of Worthington's connection to such a rich historical past, I think it would be fantastic reading for all students in Worthington City Schools. How many smaller cities have such a great resource right at hand? Since it is written in such a light, but intelligent manner, students would not get bogged in down in the fact that it is a history book, and would find that the anecdotal-like stories make for quick reading. It would be fun for any resident of Worthington to read as there are so many photographs of past and current buildings and events that are directly recognizable, which makes reading about them even more entertaining and enjoyable. I was actually sad when I finished the book and found myself wanting to learn more about the history contained within it. I hope John finds more little towns and tales to tell and write about!

I just finished reading the book and let me preface this by saying that I am John Haueisen's sister, but this really is a VERY entertaining and informative book on Worthington, Ohio and its history. The book focuses on two primary players in Worthington - James Kilbourn and Thomas Worthington. In terms of history, it is a page turner and kept me in suspense while wondering if Tom Worthington would ever find the understanding and acclaim that he so desired. For Civil War buffs, the section on the battle of Shiloh does provide a great deal of information reflecting another viewpoint as to who the better soldier was - Col. Worthington, or Gen. Sherman, on whom history casts the better light. The book does of wonderful job of balancing the two viewpoints with facts and historical evidence.

Better yet, the book is a superb collection of information, both historical and current, of the delightful city of Worthington. Because of Worthington's connection to such a rich historical past, I think it would be fantastic reading for all students in Worthington City Schools. How many smaller cities have such a great resource right at hand? Since it is written in such a light, but intelligent manner, students would not get bogged in down in the fact that it is a history book, and would find that the anecdotal-like stories make for quick reading. It would be fun for any resident of Worthington to read as there are so many photographs of past and current buildings and events that are directly recognizable, which makes reading about them even more entertaining and enjoyable. I was actually sad when I finished the book and found myself wanting to learn more about the history contained within it. I hope John finds more little towns and tales to tell and write about!

I came across this little book by accident, and although I'm neither a Civil War buff nor a food historian, I had an hour's worth of fascinating reading. The author quotes extensively from primary sources (with footnotes) to give a vivid description of what the prisoners ate -- or didn't eat. Rats and lice were delicacies to be fought over, and starvation and scurvy whittled away at the men's humanity. There are several recipes of the period to give the reader an idea of the delicious home-cooked meals the boys dreamed and talked about obsessively. The heartfelt letters to home are especially moving.