In the Best of Families: Biel-Goodwin Tragedy and Shame in 1900

Jean Goodwin Messinger

Carole Graff

White Pelican Press

Living in the US during World War II (AND Korea, AND VietNam, AND Iraq AND Afghanistan) was/is safe and comfortable for most people. But war is ugly wherever it occurs, not only on the battlefield but also for the populations living in the countries living on or near the belligerents and their corresponding combat zones. They can be subjected to destructive aerial bombardment, displacement, vital life shortages, political intimidation, occupation by foreign troops, and all the fear and suffering that accompanies those wartime situations.The German stories in this book are a sample of such conditions, as told by civilian "victims" as well as military personnel describing hardship and suffering unknown to American civilians. They also offered descriptions of their coming to America-the "Promised Land"-and their successes here.These subjects were mostly from the Front Range of Colorado. The memoirs presented here are a fraction of what is out there waiting to be recorded; every American city and state could likely publish its own version from their immigrant residents. Don't wait. Time is getting short as these valuable chroniclers age.

Voices from the Other Side: Inspiring German WWII Memoirs

History

Christmas Day was almost over¿turkey and other delicious foods were eaten, family gatherings came to a close, gifts were already opened, and little Brody was ready for bed. His mother, as always, talked to him about his day and noticed that something was wrong. Brody confided that he had fun because he got what he wanted¿the snow, his family, his gifts¿but his friend, Jason, hasn't. Both of them wished for a skateboard and catcher¿s mitt, but Santa seemed to favor certain kids. Finding that Brody was deeply puzzled with what seemed to be a sad Christmas for Jason and the rest of the Martins, his mother made a game in which she promised a reward. She listed seven names of people in their neighborhood on a piece of paper, whom Brody had to visit to ask what Christmas meant. And so Brody set out to play, learning different things as he reached the last name on the list. At the end of the day, Brody, at a very young age, discovered that Christmas really wasn¿t the same for everybody. ¿The issue that troubled Brody and prompted his treasure hunt game was one that concerned me a lot as I was growing up,¿ the author says, ¿while my belief in Santa Claus was unshakeable. The people he visits represent people and situations I have known personally, and readers may relate in the same way. Simplistic as the story is, I hope it carries a meaningful lesson to believers of all ages.¿

Brody's List: A Christmas Message for Kids of All Ages

Children's Books

Holidays & Celebrations

Dorrance Publishing Co.

Inspiring stories from civilians impacted by WWII.

Same War Different Battlefields by Jean Goodwin Messinger (2008-05-04)

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Books by Jean Goodwin Messinger