Gerhard (left) and Dan (right)

Gerhard and his brother visited Dan Rendleman, an amateur historian and Vietnam veteran. Dan enjoyed Gerhard’s book and had this to say about it:

This book was a great read for a history buff like me. I couldn’t put the book down. What the Maroscher family went through in the after math of war-torn Europe is heartbreaking and amazing. Every American should read this book. It is a true American success story. It’s a great history lesson and I highly recommend it.

-Dan Rendleman

Dan has studied the German military extensively, and over the years has collected actual uniforms that were worn by German soldiers.

Dan (actual human on the left) and Gus (actual human on the right) pose with German Imperial Army soldiers from Dan’s collection.

Das KaffeeHaus von Frau Burkhart, a new coffeeshop in German Village, is having their Grand Opening on Saturday, April 15th. Among many fun things and activities, Gerhard will be signing copies of his book from 3pm to 5pm!

Come get your book signed, taste some different coffee varieties, sample pastries, enjoy Bier specials, and listen to some yodeling!

New brochures and signage!

No, we haven’t invented time travel – these photos are not from the grand opening happening in a couple days. These are Gerhard’s test setup using some new signs and brochures he has made, to help draw attention to his display when in crowded and confusing spaces and events.

New brochure is in haus!

In addition to a brief synopsis of the book and Gerhard’s contact information, the brochure also has a blurb about the story behind the book’s title.

Mark Dawson had fun designing the signs and brochures!

Update after the Grand Opening: The event was fun, full of music (Alp horns, yodeling, singing) and visitors to talk about the book.

Lesson learned from doing a book signing at a cafe: discourage visitors from setting a full cup of coffee down on a wobbly table. In related news, there are now coffee-scented books available for purchase!

The United Methodist Women group at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chillicothe, Ohio, invited me to speak about my book and my experience. It was a great group – here are a few photos of the talk!

Kirkus Reviews has been running some advertisements for my book in their print magazine, as well as on their website.

While getting the word out about the book in paid advertising is fine, this excerpt from the Kirkus review itself is particularly nice to read:

Maroscher’s research, while reliant upon informal interviews with family members, is impressively meticulous and thorough. The author controls the narrative like an orchestra conductor, allowing each player’s contribution to have its part within the piece as a whole. Also, he’s refreshingly candid about his own life, particularly his sometimes-troubled teenage years, and he writes with wit and compassion.

The Book World book store in Chillicothe, Ohio, now sells Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here?

Independent book reviewer Emma B Books recently gave Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here? a rather glowing five-star review!

A strong and moving story of the author’s parents’ lives, which went from an everyday normal life in Romania, to extreme hardship during WWII and finally living in the USA.

Using documentation from his parents’ lives, together with memories from family and friends, the author has written this memoir about how WWII impacted the lives of an everyday Romanian family. His father fought for 3 different countries, due to border changes, whilst his mother fled their home with her toddler and baby (the author), using all her strength and courage to keep her family alive. When the country she settled in became communist, she fled again. Finally in the USA, with hard work and determination they start a new life. In the midst of the tale Gerhard Maroscher and his brother’s life story is naturally included, but for me this book is about their parents.

Each chapter in the book is divided into small anecdotes and memories, with sections also describing relevant episodes in history. It is a very readable book, and the inclusion of many photos and copies of original documents add to the interest. There is a massive Appendix at the end, with source references, further documentation and photographs.

Though the writing is an easy read, what happened to this family is a tough, and riveting, read. There are many images from this book I will carry with me for a long time – some positive, some of the struggle to survive. There are times of hope, strength and always the belief that the hard times will pass.

I have given this a 5* rating as it includes such fascinating everyday details of the lives of this family, that I felt completely involved in the story. There were also many interesting historical facts that I was not aware of. A book that provides plenty to think about and discuss with others – not least of all, how lucky we that have never had to flee war, or fight in a war, are.

I do hope this book becomes very widely read, so that current generations understand what went before, and appreciate the importance of a life lived in peace. It is suitable reading for all the family.

Yesterday and today Circleville High School history teacher Nic Hamman brought me in to talk to six classes. Since I had two days with them, it gave me a chance to cover the highlights of my story thoroughly, and have time for questions and answers.

The students were interested and attentive, felt they learned something, and appreciated me talking to them. After the classes today many of the students came up to shake my hand and thank me!