Wisconsin Books

I picked up the book a little skeptically, even though I admire the author, because I was afraid it might glorify a murderer. Richard Jacoby has a simpler goal. He humanizes the Capeman and makes him understandable.

The Capeman was a 16 year old involved in a gangfight in which he stabbed two other teenagers and they died. Sentenced to death, Governor Rockerfeller commuted the sentence under heavy pressure.

Meantime, Richard Jacoby was doing a thesis about whether people on death row had life changing experiences. He got in touch with the Capeman, letters were exchanged, then they met in person and a deep friendship started. The author also got to know the Capeman's family very well. The original goal was for the Capeman to write his life story, but as it becomes clear, after he's paroled that he won't really do it, Jaocby uses all of his notes to put the story together.

Meantime, Paul Simon wrote a musical based on parts of the Capeman's life. It's a story of redemption, but to Richard, that's only part of the story. He uses this book to tell the whole story, not just about the Capeman's life, but about our prison system and about our insane asylums. He's very careful to let the fact's speak for themselves.

The biggest surprise is how hard the book is to put down. You get inside the head of the Capeman and his relatives and his story becomes an American story and yet, still a very individualized story. The book can perhaps best be summed up by Jacoby's encounter with a racist cop, where, referring to the Capeman, he tells the cop "Yeah, but he's still a human being" At it's most basic, that's what the book is about. Without glossing over his crimes, Jacoby shows us the Capeman as a human being. It's a moving, well balanced portrait that is completely compelling reading. Highly Recommended.

Conversations with the Capeman is an absolutely stunning, beautifully written book about the life of convicted murderer Salvador Agron. Richard Jacoby weaves a brilliant and sensitive memoir of his real-life interviews and relationship with Agron. Jacoby paints a compelling, unbiased portrait of a tragic life; from Agron's youth as a member of a violent New York street gang to his conviction for a murder that he may not have committed, to life beyond prison. This impossible to put down book reads as if one is watching a motion picture. It involves all the elements of a modern-day epic; heartbreak, mystery, deception, love, friendship, redemption, and ultimate tragedy. This novel, of all the books I have read, has had the biggest impact on me...Simply amazing.

Each page of this beautifully written book brings raw emotion to the surface. Richard Jacoby paints a vivid picture of the poverty stricken, abusive childhood that surer than any court sentenced Salvador Agron to a life of alienation and despair. Yet despite being the youngest person ever sent to New York State's electric chair, Agron possessed a spark of human spirit that would not die. It is Jacoby's great accomplishment that he lets Agron's story speak for itself as he takes us through the dark alleys of Puerto Rico, the doo-wop drenched streets of New York and the cold corridors of state prisons where despair is plentiful, yet hope lives. If you want to know why we should treat our kids better and why giving people in trouble a second chance is NOT some mushy-headed idea, read this extremely engaging book.

This insightful, sensitively written book which brings to light Salvador Agron's life that was imprinted by race, sexual abuse and the condemnation of society gave me not only a new awareness of the criminal justice system, but of human redemption as well. Reading Conversations with the Capeman was a powerful eye-opening experience.

Conversations with the Capeman, the story on which the musical Westside Story is loosely based, blew me away. I literally read this 500+ page book in two days. I almost could not sleep for want of finishing it on the first day.

The life of Salvador Agron provides a window into humanity that society tends to overlook when confronted with a crime in light of the death penalty. Mr. Agron's life can be viewed as social commentary that makes this a very important look at our penal system but more importantly it renders him human.....not an evil animal. The loyalty that Salvador garnered from people he didn't even know was overwelming. This is the first book that ever brought me to tears to the point that I could barely see the words on the page while reading the last two chapters.

I subsequently bought Paul Simon's Songs from the Capeman and was pretty impressed by the way that he captures Salvadors life in music.

I'm a civil war historian -- and i can't even put into words how important it is to read this book.

Trust me, you will love it.

Author Alan Nolan has brought the story of the Iron Brigade to life in this excellent study of this famous group of hard fighting midwesterners. Nolan's information is valuable and everything is backed by references. Nolan's style is concise. It was nice that he didn't dwell on subjects like battles or politics not involving the Iron Brigade. He kept the book's chapters flowing and informative. He kept biographies short while the movements and changes in command structure through out the book were covered very well. The fighting at Gettysburg was probably the best coverage and most descriptive although it was most fitting considering it was the brigade's crescendo in battle. Overall, Nolan's book is a valuable tool, reference and history of the Iron Brigade that many people could benefit from reading. 5 STARS!

The author successfully weaves together regimental histories with grand strategic movements and anecdotal observations of the common soldier. All this gives a feel for the the tension and struggle faced by the "heroes" of this story-- the officers and common soldiers of the Iron Brigade. Common men of uncommon bravery and valor. The reader is able to follow the progress of each regiment within the Brigade through Nolan's fast paced, dramatic narrative. A fine reference and requisite companion to Herdegen's "Four Years with the Iron Brigade," since it puts the diaries in the larger context of Brigade movements. I appreciated Nolan's work all the more after Herdegen's book, and wished I had read them together.

Nolan's book about the Iron Brigade is a fantastic account of the brigade's history, covering its intriguing stories off the field as much as on it.

The book is very easy to follow as it begins with the creation of every regiment in the brigade and ends months after Appomattox.

By using primary accounts and concise analysis, Nolan covers the relationships between the ordinary men and their officers, the relationships between the regiments, the relationships between the brigades and divisional/corps commanders all the way up to McClellan/Hooker and more. In addition, the politics in the brigade and the Army of the Potomac as a whole are covered, and all of this without even getting into the combat history of the brigade.

Nolan covers in depth every combat the Iron Brigade was engaged in while it consisted of just Westerners, and the Epilogue in the book deals with the addition of non Western units to the Brigade, the dissolution of some of the regiments and the mustering out of notable officers through discharges, wounds and death.

In Nolan's interpretation, although it keeps its name, the Iron Brigade is no longer THE Iron Brigade after all the casualties at Gettysburg and the addition of Eastern troops to the brigade on July 18, 1863. Thus the combat from Brawner's Farm to Gettysburg is covered in depth concerning the brigade's actions. The book has exceptional maps for the actions of the brigade on the battlefields and casualty counts for every regiment. The chapter dealing with Day 1 of Gettysburg is the book's most poignant and gripping battle account.

The notes in the book are nearly 100 pages and are nearly as interesting as the narrative itself. In the notes are extended discussions on casualty %s (the Iron Brigade as a whole suffered the most battle casualties by % than any Federal brigade during the war, the 2nd Wisconsin suffered the most by % of any regiment, the 24th Michigan suffered 80% casualties on July 1 etc.) and Nolan's explanation in how he dealt with discrepancies in battle records and accounts. In the epilogue's notes, Nolan offers up post-war details of the officers in the 5 regiments.

One of the best parts of the book is how Nolan really takes issue with Glenn Turner's book on Gettysburg due to its pro-Confederate slant. Turner claims the Iron Brigade was "swept off" the field and calls Old Man Burns, the old citizen who came onto the field and fought with the Iron Brigade, a "cowardly" "bushwhacker" despite fighting in line and being wounded three times during the battle.

This book is perfect for anyone interested in the Civil War or anyone interested in the military history of Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

Nolan's "biography" of the battle-torn Iron Brigade contains the most stirring description of the 1st day of battle at Gettysburg that I have ever read. His account of the bravery and heroism of these men is exceptional. At times I got a bit confused trying to keep track with whom was in charge of which regiment/brigade/division, etc., but this information is vital to the history of the brigade. This book also made me aware of the under-appreciated accomplishments of Lt. Col. Rufus Dawes who should be accorded the same recognition as other noble Union leaders during this battle, such as Chamberlain, Hancock and Warren.

This book was great, it was a little more interesting then the first one, and has many enjoyable chapters I think. I find all the characters in the Quiner family cute and enjoyable expect for the oldest sister, Martha.
I also admired Caroline's mother's strength as he strives to run her family after her husband's tragic death. Her detirmination, her never ending courage and love really make me fond her and her entire family, particulary at he end of the book when they learn they are going to have to move from their home. The mother and everyone really show courage and I like that. I'm glad I got this book.

This is where Caroline, and her family are in Concord Wisconsin, but they along with the rest of the families who have habitated along this town, are working at building the small dwindling town, into a town that everybody would like to live in.

I'm currently reading this book and its great from what ive read! Id reccomend this book to anyone! Its very enjoyable book and i cant put it down! Take my advice and read this book! Im sure you'll love it!

Little Town at the Crossroads is a great book! Caroline, age six, is excited as she watches the town of Brookfield grow and grow. She gets to see a circus that comes to town and marches in her first Independence Day parade. But then her family finds out that they might have to move to another farm. Will Caroline have to leave Brookfield?

Title:Little Town at the Crossroads Author:Maria D. Wilkes Little Town at the Crossroads is a great book for grades 3-6. I recommend this book because I enjoyed and I couldn't put it down. Children and adults alike will love this book.

For many years I have studied the Bible and found many translations and versions available. My purchase of this Geneva Bible facsimile is to help my own Bible studies. Remember that many faithful belivers died, burned at the stake and imprisoned to bring us God's Word in English, and the best we can do is read and try to see what the Gospel really is. The Best version to help is the King James Version (KJV), most commonly used by dedicated Bible students. Then there is the Revised Version (RV), which sometimes helps to open up a passage that is a little opaque in meaning. The Bibles to avoid are those that are trendy for a very short time, only to fall into obscurity, (such as the New English Bible {NEB}), and paraphrases such as the very readable Living Bible (like a good novel), which is one mans idea of which parts of the Bible are worth keeping and which to forget, or the New International Version, (NIV), which claims to be a translation and yet has some 18% less words than the original Greek and Hebrew texts and a long list of corrected new versions since it was first published in only 1979. But for anybody wishing to understand what Gods message really is, instead of the bastardised, Greek, Egyptian or Roman mythology added to Bible doctrines peddled by some, The Geneva Bible, such as this beautiful facsimile, read in conjunction with the KJV can really help to open ones eyes to the simple beliefs held by the 1st. Century Christians who believed in one God, and the Holy Spirit, (Gods working Power), Baptism of believers, not babies, prayer to God through Jesus, (not a priest), the physical advent (return) of Jesus the only begotten Son of God, and resurrection and judgement in the last day, followed by a World-wide God loving Kingdom, ruled over by Jesus Christ. (For a free Bible study course try exploringthebible.net) I hope and pray that you may find God in your Bible studies, and that he will richly reward you.

I join other reviewers in enthusiastically recommending this wonderful facsimile of the Bible that most influenced Shakespeare. I am writing to report a problem in my copy-- the verso (back) of p. 429 is a duplication of the correct verso of p. 430, so my copy is missing the correct verso of 429. I suspect this error affects everyone's copy. I'm hoping the publisher will correct this error in future printings.
Richard M. Waugaman, M.D.

The 1560 Geneva facsimile bible... Here's history you can hold in your hand without it costing you an arm and a leg. You get a copy of the 1560 Geneva Bible in the black (Or Gothic) script. It is 100% readable! If you've read the King James you should be able to understand this one. This is a great historic piece to have. I don't recommend this be a child's first bible. The well seasoned christian will greatly appreciate this masterpiece.

At the time of this review I have only briefly read from this volume. At first I was intimidated by the size. And upon opening the cover the type and text in a Gothic style takes getting used to. As a person that is very intrigued in the history of the Bible in the English language it is a great piece of treasure (even if it is a facsimile).

This 1560 Geneva Bible serves as an historical monument which demonstrates how men strived to keep the word of God alive. This edition is "The" English Bible which was in general public use prior to the publication of the King James Version. This Bible represents an era frozen in time.

Reading the 1560 Geneva Bible is fun. It is a facsimile of the original work, including the old and awkward spelling. While it requires a little more effort to read, your mind has additional time to absorb the inspired message as you decipher the wording.

This is a must have for any one who loves Christian History, or one whom enjoys a different light shed upon the Scriptures.

DeMilly III, Walter A. "In My Father's Arms: A True Story of Incest", University of Wisconsin Press, 1999.



The Unthinkable



Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride



When one thinks of societal taboos, incest is high on the list. We know that there many forms of incest but sexual relations between father and son is unthinkable. Walter Milly, in his short memoir, "In My Father's Arms" is one of the few accounts available on the subject. This book tells a story so horrible that it is sickening to think about. I found it extremely hard to understand the lies and the trickery involved in being a serial ale pedophile. The book is beautifully written and the language is pristine but it is still deeply disturbing. The book is a study in how evil triumphs. We have a loving family which is plagued by a man so dangerous that we cannot conceive of such deep evil.

I am sure that many of us are not aware of the large number of male survivors of incest--we rarely hear about them. Milly's story is compelling and extremely informative about father-son incest. His vivid descriptions are disturbing but in reading them, I found it easier to understand multiple-personality-disorder. His father maintained great control over him and the incest was clothed in utmost secrecy.

The material in this book is hard to take but the story never really becomes maudlin. I was surprised to read of how sympathetic Milly is towards his father and the author's ability to convey a bevy of emotions clearly and candidly is absolutely amazing. Milly's father did terrible things and he was a horrible man but he is also a study in ambiguity. The tragedy of this incest was tragic for both father and son. I don't understand it and I never will but the demons in the father's mind were so powerful that he could not conquer them.

I am sure that his was not an easy book to write. Yet it was written beautifully. Milly's sad story of his abuse and his relationship with his father and how he dealt with it is an accomplishment in itself. Losing innocence and disturbing memories are very difficult to write about--they are personal. I cannot imagine a life like this and the way the book conveys the pain of the kid is hard but real just as its impact on his changing body.

I find memoirs and autobiographies to be interesting and full of intrigue. A writer who puts his own story on paper and shares his life with others. It is hard to think how Milly wrote this and even more important that he was wiling to share this story. His sensitivity and his pain are real and sincere and they pull you in. As a child he could not tell his story to anyone. He knew something terrible was happening and he had to suppress it. As he matured and realized his own sexual identity, he became even more confused. Did he become a homosexual because of his father? This we don't get but we do get a whole lot

more.

It is impossible to walk away from this book untouched. In gaining understanding of incest, we hurt but if that hurt can prevent future incest then Milly's memoir is a valuable piece of literature. If not, it is a fascinating but depressing read.

"The eyes scream what the lips dare not whisper" -- these are images of father-son sexual abuse that no one should have to live with in their head and Walter de Milly and other victims should not have to live with alone.

Walter de Milly's short memoir remains one of the precious few opportunities to truly experience the utterly horrifying truths of father-son incest in all its sickening complexity and to understand the rank evil lies and trickery of an unstoppable and selfish serial male target pedophile. Deeply disturbing in its beautiful poetic prose; tragically ultimately lacking in the crucial summary naming of this "father" as exactly the unspeakably sick monster that he was, a pedophile who belonged in prison or a mental institution. In My Father's Arms remains a study in the triumph of evil -- nevermind a pedophile father's "mental illness" -- enabled in a deeply disturbed "loyal, loving and sentimental" (and tragically naive) family. You will never forget Walter's Southern story of a dissociative and multiple personality disorder producing "good" family, and he and other shattered victims of the X-Files insidiousness of father-son incest and male target pedophiles will never be out of your prayers after. The classic People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck and the astute Intimate Worlds by Maggie Scarf are both wise companion reading. Highly recommended.

Walter de Milly gives a voice to male survivors of incest. His story is compelling and highly informative of the experience of father-son incest. He has shown great courage.

His descriptions vividly illustrate the experience of dissociation and splitting. This book has given me the clearest understanding of multiple personality disorder. Through memories he explains the psyche of his father (which is very disturbing), and how his father maintained control over him and secrecy over the incest. We also learn about the culture he grew up in through the reactions to his homosexuality, the keeping of secrets for the purpose of upholding social images, and the belief that incest is a fantasy and not a reality.

The reaction of his parents and psychiatrist to his homosexuality and emerging incest memories is heart breaking. He deserved so much more than how he was treated and misunderstood. The difficulties of dealing with incest compounded by the discovery of his homosexuality (being different, having crushes in high school), and then to be misunderstood and put through therapies to make him heterosexual, while his father (a pedophile) was praised as a great man.

Throughout the entire book we catch glimmers of hope, and ultimately he is able to end the secrecy and to triumph. He reclaims himself from the lies and abuse. I even began to feel compassion towards his father. He was a sick man, and he was not able to fully face the truth of what he had done before his death (though he never denied that he abused his son or the other boys). The treatment he received disturbed me. I wish there had been a way for everyone in the family to receive better psychotherapy.

Walter de Milly writes beautifully. I loved reading about his connections to other people, and especially his friendship with Wallace.

Currently trying to understand my own past, De Milly's story is told with such clarity and care, that after I put it down (i read it in one sitting) I felt comforted. De Milly confronts something most of us try to keep quiet, and he does so with grace and compassion. The book, undoubtedly a reflection of the man, is painfully sincere. Thank you Walter De Milly for opening the door for so many of us.

As you can well imagine, this material is rather hard to take. Mercifully the book isn't too long, and by that comment I simply mean that the author is never verbose. He doesn't allow his story to become maudlin. What struck me most was how sympathic the author is with his father. He is able to convey a myriad of conflicting emotions - confusion, anger, love - with a clear and candid style. What his father did to Walter and all those other boys was horrendous and, some would say, unforgivable. What this book did for me was to communicate the ambiguities in his father's character. This was not just a tragedy for Walter, but for his father as well. Don't misunderstand. I'm not condoning his father's actions. No, I'm just saying that one can understand and feel a certain pity for someone obviously afflicted by demons too powerful to fight or conquer. This is a very special book, both sad and optimistic, objective and pointedly direct.

This one was so wonderful, I don't know how acurrate it is, but nontheless I love it. This book is about Caroline's years as a young woman teacher, and her courtship with Charles Ingalls.
I was endeared to everything, particulary the stories of her teaching terms. She helps this child of a drunk, whom is a student of hers, and desperatly wants to learn. I really see the kindess and compassion of Caroline's nature come out here, and I love it. I also like Charles Ingalls and his respect for Caroline, I just loved the entire book. I'm glad it the first I got.

I loved reading the history of Caroline Quiner Ingalls (I now have all 7 of them). Knowing the story of Laura Ingalls' mother was fasinating. I also have all 11 books on Laura Ingalls Wilder and all 8 books on Rose Wilder Lane (Laura's daughter). I find them very hard to put down and re-read them constantly.

A great book about Laura's Mom and her ponderings in her days of teaching. Will Caroline Quiner continue her teachings or will she go off on lots of adventures with Charles Ingalls who plans to head west in search of fame and fortune? -- Only you can find out when you read the book.

Any of the Little house series are great. Happy Reading everyone.

There are many different types of events that occurs during this book. There are a few extremely hard decisions that have to be made in the book. There is close chemistry within the book, and it ends up in a life long commitment. If you want to see more about this, and more about other events, then buy or borrow a copy of this book, and you will thoroughly enjoy it!

I purchased this book at Barnes & Noble, and I'm so glad that I did-this book was so wonderful, from beginning to end! I had to read it two times, and I'm planning to read it again a third time this weekend. This is the Caroline Ingalls we all know and love. I want to get more books about her. This book has also interested me in learning more about pioneer life in the 19th century. I won't tell you about what happens, but get this book-you won't be disappointed! Totally recommended!

Birds of Wisconsin Field Guide, Second Edition

This book has really helped me to identify birds in my backyard. The pictures are great and I think it's extremely helpful to have the book categorized by colors. I would recommend this book to amateur bird watchers as it has provided me with a lot of joy.

This is a nice, concise book for beginners like me. The size and pics are well done and the book is packed with info & easy to use. If you have small children who are interested in birds this book is a good choice. It only takes a few seconds to flip through the color coded pages to answer-"What kinda bird is THAT?" It will fit easily in the diaperbag or your pocket while walking.

I got this book as a present for myself, and I have been able to recognize more birds with it than the previous 2 I was using. I cannot wait for spring and the chance to become more familiar with the birds in and around our yard.

I rarely write reviews, but I LOVE this book! You can actually find the bird you want to identify! I started with Stan's "Birds of Illinois," which was great. Now I am learning the Birds of Wisconsin (some overlap, of course). And with the addition of the CD, now I can learn their calls too. Stan tells you exactly the identifying feature that helps you tell the birds apart--features that you can actually see! And the book is small enough to carry with you when traveling. Thanks, Stan!!!

Very easy to find the birds your looking at even if you don't what they are. Also includes interesting tidbits about the birds.

Savoured the book from start to finish. It took me 2 weeks to read the last 20 pages because I did not want it to end. I am looking forward to reading the next Gillian adventure.

Everyone loves an adventure (or at least reading of one) and most of us will never take a boat from China to America. Envious of this one, I curled up by my fireplace and read Mr. Ding's Chicken Feet with a taste for the fascinating journey of a Caucasian woman on a boat full of Asian men. I was not disappointed.

The author sets sail on an ocean of cultural difference and wins over the hearts of the crew - a rough and salty bunch who sit spellbound by her in English class.

Because of the obvious vast expanse of ocean to cross, you know that the author is going to have to face a few things she has probably never had to before, and deal with them. There is, after all, no escape on a small boat in the middle of the ocean.

Kendall reveals the color of the crew over the course of the journey as if she were polishing up tarnished brass. It was great fun to read about the men as they blossom at the hand of their teacher...though the revelations were not one-sided.

Not surprisingly, I felt the poignancy at the sight of land, which meant having to say goodbye.

Kendall writes with an unpretentious clarity, humor and heart. I definitely recommend it.

Ji Lians book very good. Makes me laugh. Have to laugh and wake up husband to read good part. I like this book. I like especially page where I am mention. I am Li. I am beautiful asian/american. Not Chinese. I too, don't like chicken feet.

In Mr Ding's Chicken Feet, the author, Gillian Kendall, comes across at first as maybe a little naive and unwary. She is a risk-taker. Her apparent lack of serious doubt about the whole enterprise, her trust in her fellow human beings not to harm her and her faith that it would all work out made me a little nervous on her behalf. But she is vindicated by the experience and it is her empathy and geniality that are the keys to her success. Observing Kendall's openness to life and her willingness to reach out across cultures became one of the pleasures of reading the book. A cynical reader such as I am found it instructive to watch her interest in humanity unfold and be repaid.

Her story really takes off once the ship leaves shore. Then it leaves behind any experience I and probably most readers have had. Shipboard life with a completely male crew who mostly speak very fractured English seems so weird and challenging that you half expect the book to be a story of failure -- perhaps noble failure but depressing nonetheless. So it's very satisfying that she actually makes a difference to the sailors' English and lives. She is inventive in her methods and determined to give her employers their money's worth and thereby wins the crew's respect and affection.

Kendall can write -- just see her description of the terrible storm at sea. It had me rigid with tension. Shades of Conrad in Typhoon. She has a distinctive and likable tone of voice. The book tells an optimistic story in an unpretentious way and gives you faith in the power of empathic teachers (and English!).

I spent the academic year of 1999/2000 teaching English in Shenzhen. I spoke no Chinese, at the time, and had no formal teaching experience. So I could definitely relate to Gillian's frustrations, culture shock, and malentendus. It's 1991 and Gillian is a grad student in Galveston, TX. The semester is coming to a close and she spies an ad on the bulletin board for an ESL teacher aboard a ship sailing from Shanghai to Galveston. After a hard sell Gillian manages to land the job aboard the all male ship. The company flies her to Shanghai where she boards the ship. The reader witnesses her feelings about being the only woman on the ship; loneliness and some sexual harassment egged on by the only other American on board. She experiences a Sapphic awakening as she realizes in her state of isolation that she doesn't have any romantic feelings for her boyfriend. She manages to break through the cultural, gender, and language barriers to form some attachments to her students and especially Mr. Ding, the cook. The book is riddled with faux pas but the funniest part, I would say, is when she saves Mr. Ding by hurling the violent Panamanian vendor into the Canal.

The only reason I put this book down was to reflect. This story is so important - I will do as another reviewer suggests - "This book is to be read and passed down to our children to read.
Very powerful.
A suspensful read on a horrific truth.

The 23rd Psalm: A Holocaust Memoir is the chilling personal testimony and memoir of the daily life of George Lucius Salton, a Jewish man who survived the living hell of a Nazi concentration camp. An intense, gripping tale of hatred and power used as a brutal club to perpetrate atrocity, and the author's witness and narration of the unspeakable, The 23rd Psalm is an welcome and invaluable contribution to the growing library of Holocaust Studies. Providing powerful refutations of anti-semitic revisionist historians, these personal and eye-witness accounts are all the more significant in view of the holocaust generation now reaching an age where they are rapidly passing from among us.

The 23rd Psalm is a story that has been imprinted upon my soul, that will remain there as long as I live. I share in the sentiments of Pat's review; I was both compelled to stay in its pages by day and visited with its images at night in my sleep, somehow sharing in this man's plight.

Thank you Mr. Salton for allowing others, for allowing me, into the most private and intimate and horrific memories of your life. I esteem you, and those like you, with the utmost honor. May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you my friend.

It must have taken the author a great deal of inner strength and pain to come to terms with these horrible happenings and be able to put them down on paper to share with all those that read this book. It was amazing that one so young would be quick enough to call on survival skills at the right moment. Though some, of course, was luck, this author displayed a natural instinct to survive throughout his nightmare.

This is an incredible accounting of the atrocities of WWII. I was unable to put the book down. It is extremely well written.

but it lost speed quickly after that. I got about 1/4 of it read then I began skipping around. The result of doing that I decided it wasn't worth reading more of it.

I, like another reviewer on this page, played for the Publics and was 4-5 years behind Benjamin in Tomah, the small Wisconsin town described in this memoir. Benjamin got it right--the place, the era, the people, the experience of just being a kid. This is first-class writing: evocative, descriptive, precise, fun.

Mr. Benjamin's book is outstanding. For any boy that grew up in the Midwest playing sports - especially baseball or football - with friends in backyards, side lots, or in any empty field, this is an absolute must-read. The descriptions of people and places are written in such a way that made me laugh uncontrollably and just smile at the same time. Highly recommended.

I grew up playing for the "publics" in the town of Tomah. The author was four years ahead of me but my experiences were similar. I recognized almost every character in the book and remembered parts of my childhood that had been long forgotten. I never dreamed that this book would also tell the story of so many others growing up in the 50's. I applaud the author for this excellent book and wonder how he could remember so much of his childhood.

Everybody knows this kid. He was either in our class or in the family. Great storytelling. I think I married him as well. Have given this book for graduation, teen's birthday and now father's day. Good for all ages.