With the enemy Russian army advancing and artillery sounding in the distance, Mom was desperate to save herself, my four-year-old brother, and one-and-a-half year old me. Purely on instinct, she fled our homeland.
This excerpt from the audio version of my book provides a snapshot of those events.
The audio version of the book is available for purchase here.
We crossed the angry North Atlantic in March, 1952, on the USS General Ballou. Our worldly possessions were in five small wooden crates, two suitcases, and Dad had his beloved violin. This audio clip tells of an amusing event at Ellis Island involving the violin and a suspicious customs agent.
More information about the audio version of the book can be found here.
The subtitle of the book is: “A story of war, deprivation, courage, perseverance, and triumph.”
This audio clip tells a story from the winter of 1946. We were starving. I was fearful I would not have anything to eat for dinner. An act of kindness filled my stomach and filled me with joy.
More information about the audio version of the book can be found here.
The dangers and hardships brought on by WWII transformed Mom from a shy young housewife into a lioness, willing to do anything to save her children. In late 1944, at a refugee camp in Nazi-controlled Austria, she contracted diphtheria. After several weeks she was released from the hospital. This short audio clip explains how Mom, still in a weakened condition, saved my life.
More information about the audio version of the book can be found here.
Lindy is listening intently as I review what I plan to say during the Google Meet with two Herrin High School English classes. The classes had just finished reading 1984 by George Orwell. Their teacher thought my family’s experience living under communism would add to their understanding. The students were attentive and respectful…and Lindy slept.
Out of hundreds of books submitted, my memoir Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here? was selected as one of the top 100 “Notable” books of 2021 by the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition!
You can view the issue free online: https://shelfmediagroup.com/portfolio/december-january-2022/
Get your own signed copy of my memoir at right here or order a copy from Amazon.
I had the pleasure to speak to the Union County Ohio Genealogical Society recently. We had a great discussion after the presentation. One person made a comment I have heard often: “I laughed and I cried.” I’m always glad to tell my story and sell my memoir.
Below are the two most recent five-star reviews. Short but sweet!
Fully 98% of the reviews are five-star, the remaining 2% are four-stars.The only way to find out who is correct, the 98% or the 2% people, is to purchase your own!
I just finished reading “Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here?” and enjoyed it from the beginning to end. Very well written, easy to read, and wouldn’t be surprised to see it made into a movie. It an eye-opener for first-generation Americans. Amazing true story.
–Betsy Sidorenko, verified purchase
All Americans need to read this and be more grateful for what we have. This book is well written and draws you in and keeps you there.
–Haley, verified purchase
Read more reviews – and get your own copy – on Amazon.com or get a signed copy here on this website!
I had the opportunity to speak to the Williamson County Republican Women (Illinois) last week. It was great to talk to face-to-face with people I had only known through Facebook, to meet new people, and to renew some old friendships.
My presentation was well received with a great Q&A session and discussion afterwards.
I thought bringing 32 books would be enough, but I ran out of books. Lesson learned. Bring “too many” books!
Having fun at Author Alley. I love it when young people buy my memoir!