No comments about The Jewish Comedy Catalog.

1 comments about Surviving in Silence: A Deaf Boy in the Holocaust, The Harry I. Dunai Story.

1. I'm sorry, but this book just was not what I expected it to be. Though Harry Dunai did experience the Holocaust as a Jew, his deafness barely entered into it, except to maybe save his life. His typical experience of being sent away to residential schooling in Budapest probably saved his life, since his parents and brothers were collected and sent to the gas chambers.

   Dunai's life was not easy by any measure, but he had many protectors and many people who cared for him and did so much for him in the way of providing homes and jobs. I don't know if it is the translating of Dunai's own words through his daughter and ghostwriter, but Dunai comes across as a very self-centered human being, who often does not show either the gratefulness for his blessings and for those who do things for him, nor does he express much concern for others.

   Since I've read so many histories and biographies about those who did care on all sides, this one was very disappointing. The section on the war is short...mainly about how hungry he was. A lot of people starved to death...a lot of other people never had the people caring for them nor the opportunities for escaping a horrific existence that Dunai had.

   If you are looking for a good book on the Medical Holocaust as it affected the Deaf, read 'Crying Hands' about the Deaf in Germany who were targeted before and during WWII. This book is okay as a demonstration of deaf life during the war and afterwards in Europe, I guess. (...)

5 comments about Neither Red Nor Dead: Coming of Age in Former Yugoslavia During and After World War II.

1. Have you ever wondered what motivates those who make great contributions to society? Neither Red Nor Dead is the mesmerizing autobiographical account of a young teen-ager caught up in the horror of the Nazi invasion of Yugoslavia during World War II. Blessed with intelligence, incredible insight, perhaps an overabundance of courage and much luck, the author describes in great detail the activities of Yugoslavian partisans and a young boy, largely separated from his family during this horrible time. After the end of World War II the author and his family attempted to reconstruct some semblance of a normal life during the equally terrifying Communist takeover. We follow the trauma of life during the author's education in University and Medical School with amazement, laughter and sadness. It is difficult to put this captivating and fast-moving account down. What makes the epic so much more incredible is the recognition that despite the difficulties and personal loss sustained during this period, the author developed a keen sense of humor and used his brilliance and insight to make many major contributions to the benefit of mankind. This is the personal story of one of the great hypertension (high blood pressure) researchers of our age to whom hundreds, even thousands of people are indebted for his services as a physician, teacher, researcher and friend.



2. As a reader with only a vague awareness, understanding, or even interest in Yugoslavia and the history of the south Slavs, Julius' book not only opened my eyes to that part of the world but also enhanced my strong feelings of empathy for persons ensnared in the horrors and anomalies of war. His reminiscences of how he handled his ordeal are lively, pointed, and get to the heart of how people react in times of great upheaval. In spite of the serious character of this autobiography, the author was able to see the humorous side of the human condition. Maps and a brief history primer help explain the geography and the times. Not only for history buffs, this book gives all readers a better perception of events in a part of the world that has moved from relative obscurity to major importance in present times.



3. Reading this book has added greatly to my understanding of a significant set of social and political events in the Balkans. It is more important, though, in providing insight into the ways in which individuals cope and grow through being part of those events.

   Prof. Julius is a wonderful scientist and clinician. This book addresses issues well beyond medicine and science.

   For the American, Prof Julius' book provides a the history of the Balkan peoples and describes the maelstrom there during and after World War II. Often our histories overlook this region. Through his eyes, the very unique state of post-WWII Yugoslavia becomes plausible. Secondarily, more recent events in the area are more understandable.

   However, it is the experience seen through the lives of his father, mother, and brother that capture the imagination in a unique manner. The struggle of the individual within large social and political movements is captivating. Late at night, when I wake from sleep, I often wonder about one or more of young Stevo's experiences described in the book. It is a life well-lived and aspects of his life will always remain with me.




4. Neither Red nor Dead, an autobiographical memoir by Dr. Stevo Julius (Medvista, Ann Arbor, MI, www.medvistaa.com, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com) is a great read! The author, who is an internationally known researcher in the field of hypertension, is now the Frederick G.L. Huetwell Professor of Hypertension at the University of Michigan. He describes his childhood growing up in a Yugoslavia that was occupied by the Nazis during World War II. He is separated from his family, becomes involved in the Partisan resistance, and then suffers excruciating hardship under the post-war Communist regime. Despite such difficulties, he survives and even thrives under these career-threatening circumstances.

   His story is told in fine detail but with great charm, humor, and optimism. The descriptions of the Yugoslavian countryside, people, cities and politics are extremely informative and well written. The text maintained my intense interest throughout the 481 pages. Accompanying the text are maps showing specific areas of the country where the action takes place. One small concern here is that many of the towns are not depicted on the maps and so the most intricate details of his travels cannot be carefully examined.

   While most of the account takes place in Yugoslavia, only the Epilogue deals with the authorýs leaving the country for Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. Unlike the rest of the book, the facts leading up to this emigration are less detailed. The last chapter, The South Slavs, is an historical primer, which describes the background of the establishment of the Yugoslavian country after World War I. The author clearly displays the reasons for the internal strife, which has so damaged this territory in the past decade. I might suggest that the interested reader read this chapter first to better prepare for the unfolding of this fascinating memoir.

   Dr. Julius maintains his wonderful humor, humility and sense of family and country throughout the book. There are many interesting literary details (stories and poems) included in the text. Most importantly, the writing is not at all medically oriented, so that readers of any background can enjoy the book. After reading it, besides offering it to my friends, I found that I would very much like to meet the author and shake his hand...




5. Stunningly powerful, this tragedy and triumph of a non-practicing Jewish family portrays a happy and privileged family life dedicated to medicine and intellectual pursuits. All that changed in late May of 1941, when first German motorcycle with machine guns arrived practically in front of their home. Forced to run and hide, first from Germans and soon from Ustashe, Julius family with two sons barely survives attacks and joins resistance.
   The parents, father a doctor and mother a nurse, worked day and night to save wounded communist partisans. Their youngest son Stevo, the author, at age 14 is appointed a military courier, given an outdated gun, and sent to roam alone through mountains, forests, and small rural villages of Croatia. Their older son, 18-year-old bravely defends the territory of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Severely wounded, caught by Germans, he talks his way out with fluent German.
   "Neither Red Nor Dead" is an inside story, full of details and naming names among 481 pages, explaining why communism failed in Croatia and former Yugoslavia (now referred to as f-Y).
   After the WWII, in 1953, the Julius family suffers a fatal blow, when dirty communist politics in Zagreb pins the father, a hard working and totally dedicated head of a hospital, against the wall with false accusations. Meddling into hospital administration in a typical communist style, Dr. Julius sees no way out and commits suicide.
   The elder son dedicates his life to the communist ideals, but when he critizes Slobodan Milosevic (now a war criminal), he is considered a persona non grata in the country he loved so much. He dies from cancer.
   The author, Stevo Julius, educated in Croatia is now internationally recognized as one of the leading scientists in the field of hypertension.
   
   Submitted by Katarina Tepesh

No comments about Nathan Mayer Rothschild and the Creation of a Dynasty: The Critical Years 1806-1816.

1 comments about Return: The Spiritual Odyssey of a Soviet Scientist.

1. Herman Branover here tells the story of his ' return' to Jewish faith and practice. A struggle which begins in the Soviet Union has its continuation in Israel. In Israel Professor Branover continued to develop his distinguished scientific career and became a pioneer in outreach to the large community from the former Soviet Union in Israel.

5 comments about All the Way from Yoakum: The Personal Journey of a Political Insider.

1. "All The Way From Yoakum" is a marvelous book about an extraordinary woman. It is an historical document as well--about Jewish life in small-town Texas, the rise of the Texas Republican Party and the evolution of race relations in the South. By any standard, Marjorie Arsht is an unforgettable person and this book brings her vividly alive.
   Allan Brownfeld



2. My mother, Elaine Kuper, and I enjoyed the book from our different perspectives---hers, from her active involvement at Beth Israel having taught Sunday School for 25 years (and my grandmother, Lorraine Hofeller having taught for 40 years!) My family's membership of Temple Beth Israel goes back to 1934--My interest focused on the amazing history of Texas politics! This book truly underscores the fact that one person can make a difference!



3. Marjorie's account shows just how much a gifted, caring person can
   accomplish with the mind set of overcoming all obstacles of foes, families, and deterrants on the path of making this a better world for having been blessed by such wisdom and perseverance inspired to
   improve the lives of others less capable of doing it for themselves.
   Alliene and Wylie W. Vale



4. Marjorie Meyer Arsht's literary gem of a book takes its reader on a journey of time and places with vivid details, invoking emotions from laughter to tears as the reader takes the challenging, personal journeys right alongside Marjorie. Her writing style makes for an enjoyable reading experience. I recommend it for everyone's personal library regardless of where they live, what their political or religious affiliation. My only complaint is that I wasn't ready for it to end when I came to the last page!



5. Yoakum's loss was our gain. This is an exceedingly well-written memoir of a remarkable life. It is the rare memorist who can not only tell her story, but make the reader feel he is right there along with her. I'm ready for her next chapters.

2 comments about Carry Me in Your Heart: The Life and Legacy of Sarah Schenirer, Founder and Visionary of the Bais Yaakov Movement.

1. This is a wonderful history of Sarah Schenirer, her students, and their vision of providing formal education to Jewish girls. A must read for anyone interested in women in Judaism.



2. beautiful story and so poignantly written. the author lived at a very crucial time in modern history, and i feel priveleged to have gained a window into her world. the heroine of the book, sara schenirer, and the author are two outstanding examples of women who have chosen to raise themselves higher than angels. their stories are an inspiration to all to try and do the same.

No comments about Janusz KorczakÆs Children (Kar-Ben for Older Readers).

No comments about The Muselmann: The Diary of a Jewish Slave Laborer.

No comments about Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller: Portrait of a Seventeenth-Century Rabbi.