A story of the human spirit at its' best....
584874
Just when listening to all of the self-destructive forces that are out there in the 'everyday', this story tells us what we are all capable of being.

This is such a remarkable story and yet another example of 'The Greatest Generation' and how they earned that reference.  I read this book during Memorial Day and I couldn't put it down.  It was so encouraging and such a shining example of the human spirit at its very best on so many levels.
777231
Such a beautiful story !  The climax of the story unfolds in rich pieces of the lives of the characters richly interwoven to create a treasure of a tapestry.  All stages of humanity are represented in what is truly the story of life....The young,old,rich,poor, idealistic,hopeless,misunderstood...loved.
4265923
Shows interaction between caring people on the road of life told in a truly interesting and caring way....extremely well done!
2469348
Joe Patane keeps it real in his story of his life's journey of successes, 'unsuccesses' and, ultimately, significance and contentment.  I found this book uplifting--I was reminded of how much we all learn from family and friends, as well as others we simply happen upon in life--whether good or bad--it all culminates into one great learning experience and they all help propel us to getting to that place of significance.  A truly wonderful, enjoyable read.  I only wish the book was longer, as I'm sure Joe has many other stories to share...  (or perhaps we'll see those in his next read?)
1459344
The author CE Crum has created an engaging story that reminds me of the kind of dream that you don't want to end: it's warm and feels good, but is far removed from your mundane daily life. In that dream you don't know where you are exactly or what era you are in, but the people are somehow all strangely familiar. I think this is the most remarkable aspect of the book and testimony to the author's talent. He has undertaken a difficult task. The story is set  in a post-apocalyptic world, and even though you don't know exactly where or when, you don't really care because its the very human story of love, acceptance, loss, hopes and dreams that we all experience. It's a story that appeals to all ages, and perhaps is unusual for today, emphasizing  the virtues of honesty, tolerance, friendship, respect for others and living in harmony with nature.

The actual framework of the story is complex, but the author draws you in from the start with a human story that is focused on character development. In writing this review I decided not to sketch out the actual story line, but instead describe the essence of what is so good about the way it has been written - for all of its imagination, it is a story first and foremost full of heart.
2959324
I loved this moving, well-written story. Rarely does an author impress me so much with their depth of honesty, and self-awareness. That is a gift to us all. I also appreciated and clarity with which she described her spiritual experiences. It was inspiring to follow her pursuit of freedom of mind and heart, and so sad to see how such a beautiful thing could be so abused by one who has a place of power. Gladly the story ends well, and hopefully there is another in the works.!
3469631
Told in the dual style of a dialogue/narrative, this is the poignant story of the struggles of a mother and son to survive some of life's harshest personal moments.  After fleeing from her abusive husband, Russo and her child, Trooper, are embraced by the kind and gentle folk of a new town.  These earthy souls accept the two whole-heartedly, while asking no questions and, to their delight, soon find that their lives are enriched by their presence.  But, they are unaware of the danger left behind.  The emotions evoked as the story unfolds are raw and true to life.  Of special note are the descriptive passages of the independence of farm life and the pride that these people take in subsisting from the seasonal cycles of the earth.  This story is a "must read".  The characters become real during the telling, but the beauty of the descriptive scenes of country and rural life will make you swear that you are actually there, in the midst of their lives.
1775497
Rob draws the reader into the story as he inspires and gives us a view of the journey of a cancer survivor.  This gives a glimpse of what it is like to be in the middle of a life-and-death struggle, which each day potentially unfolding in ways never imagined.  There are joys and great struggles along the way.  But is is also a story of a journey in the the growth of inner strength, or character . . . and of faith.  The people that started the journey, and all those around them, you can see transformed by the end of the story.  I would recommend the book to anyone that is going through struggles, or around someone going through struggles.  It really puts life into perspective.
2995092
What a beautiful story.  Many people can relate to this story as they have felt less than a person by someone else.  This story tells it well and in the end the beaten down rises to overcome all the past adversity.  I too have told a similar tale of the rise and fall of the human spirit in my novel "Fallacious".  This story is similar to mine also in that it brings you to distant lands, incorporates castles, has a Prince, the fine line between love and hate and a woman with a strong inner strength that eventually pops through to bring her back to life.
4956966
Within all the brutality that mankind makes, something beautiful can still survive. This is is a story that carries the thread of hope. Well written, so you keep the pages turning to see what will happen. A thing of beauty, regardless of religion or race, can touch what is the best in us, what makes us truly human. A wonderful read, not to be missed.
27310
Some stories are so filled with emotion, they're hard to tell.  In this one, a father describes the passing of his beloved son at age 7.  While it was some time ago, he writes as though it were yesterday with the clarity of a keen observer chronicling the events and stages of his family's experience.  The mother's words to her son are here as well...deep and dear and dire.  Throughout the book, Mike Lynes employs a creative literary style that at first surprises, then impresses.  If I stepped away from this book for any period, I found I missed this family and was eager to return to their story.  A story well told, of a life well lived.
295030
I read "The Reunion" in just a few hours today because I didn't want to put it down. As someone who lived through the Vietnam war years, I found so much familiar truth about how our returning soldiers were treated during that time. I have personally known some men who served during that war and some who didn't come home. Dan Walsh has brought to vivid life the tale of one of the unsung heroes of Vietnam - a man who was broken both in body and spirit by the war and who lost everything that was important to him as a result.

"The Reunion" is a story that plumbs the depths of human emotions and I believe that only a hardened heart could remain untouched when reading it. I personally cried quite a few tears because I was so touched by the outpouring of love and respect for Aaron Miller. "The Reunion" is a story of love, honor, and the triumph of the human spirit when led by God. It is an uplifting, heart-warming narrative that renews my faith that truly good people who care for others remain in our country.

I could give more details about the story itself but it is one that just needs to be read to be appreciated. Take my word for it and pick up a copy soon. You won't be sorry.

This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
898024
While it is a work of fiction, The Nightengale lets us understand - in a most personal way - the suffering and justified terror of ordinary French people during the Nazi occupation. At the same time, this story is about the strength of compassion and kindness in the face of evil. It is the story of how many people, who may never have dreamed themselves capable of heroic deeds, became heroes in the face of the terrifying Third Reich. Of course there is no truly happy ending to stories of WWII, but there is grace and the amazing strength of the human spirit.

I most appreciate Kristin Hannah's way of weaving her characters' stories together, and also that she doesn't over-simplify. Beauty and evil can co-exist. A Nazi soldier can show a bit of compassion toward a woman who just happens to be on the other side of the war neither of them wanted. In the end, brutality is not stronger than human dignity.
1387562
A remarkable book, story and person. The Author has done a superb job of writing, researching and documenting an almost impossible story to tell. I am so glad he did. The story of Tibor Rubin is a story of the indistinguishable human spirit. With every right to be bitter he chose the opposite. Being Jewish he was openly discriminated against from an early age. An immigrant from Hungary, he grew up in a Nazi concentration camp. A story in itself, he eventually finds his way to America and joins the Army to give back to America. You'll have to read the story yourself but it truly is a testament to the human spirit, a testament to the power of choice and the impact of those choices on your life. A true American hero, it took him 50 years to receive his just rewards. Amazing!
4066529
A story of courage, love, faith and strength in the face of fear and uncertainty can truly uplift any heart and spirit of anyone who reads this book. I could not put it down once I started reading. It is one of those books you must have in your library.  I am glad I got mine to keep and reread.  This is one story that ought to be made into a film. I highly recommend it to any one who loves a truly good book!
3899749
A great story of human spirit. Lessons in how life can take you places you never imagined &  the how faith can waver in trying times.
3113839
"WOW!This is my favorite film-EVER! Great Cast, Great TRUE story, well-acted- A FANTASTIC FILM! Well-Done! A True "Must-See!!!" A Tour De Force Of The Human Spirit!!