Bombshell
Ludwig Leidig
- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC (May 17, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1625163460
- ISBN-13: 978-1625163462
Bombshell is an unknown true story unearthed from World War II documents. Although a historical biography, it reads as a dramatic psychological thriller, and it covers the dark period of the Third Reich in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. Barbara Goette accepts an offer to join global tycoon Ludwig Roselius (The Lion) and work for the HAG conglomerate. He is a very successful older industrialist who invented decaffeinated coffee. She is 26 and has just completed her state examinations at Kiel University. Being intelligent, glamorous and hard-working, she quickly rises to become Dr Roselius' closest collaborator. The Lion earlier established himself in New York before World War I, becoming the most diversified industrialist Germany had ever seen. He rejected Hitler as a dreamer and sent him away empty-handed when Hitler asked him for funds in 1922 and 1930. This was not forgotten and Hitler launches vitriolic verbal attacks on Dr. Roselius in 1936. Barbara saves the doctor's life by appealing to Hitler during a chance meeting in Berlin. Dr Roselius died in 1943. Barbara was cut loose from her job and barely survived the war. She married English lecturer Dr. J.P. Leidig in 1945. In 1950, the family emigrated to Australia. Bombshell clarifies many unknown historical issues and also provides explanations that were previously misunderstood about what corporate life was like in war-torn Germany. Born in Germany, Ludwig Leidig is now retired and lives in Adelaide, Australia.
My Thoughts
The book Bombshell is an evocative, complex and completely engrossing biography of Barbara Goette's life.
During the period surrounding War II, in place of deep eye contact and verbal communication, recognition was often received and relayed via the written word and photographs.
While this book does contain some political wrangling and makes one question good versus evil, it also points out the main form of communication during WWII was frequently exchanging letters.
This book includes documents, letters, telegrams, and photos from Barbara and others. These, are cohesively woven together by Barbara's son Ludwig and are genuinely fascinating to view. In the letters, we find compassion and empathy being expressed as health, education and economic damage and devastation were of great concern.
Throughout it all, Barbara appeared to obtain a strong sense of character. This is illustrated by her growing sense of self-expressed in the letters she wrote. I expect she had a deep adoration for Ludwig Roselius, as he did for her.
After Roselius' death in 1943, Barbara taught and was courted by J.P. Leidig. They married in 1945 and named one of their sons Ludwig. In 1950, the family left Germany for Australia and Barbara lived out her life doing what she loved to do - teach.
This book was provided by Kim Siegel, Author Marketing Ideas, for an honest review.
After Shock: The World’s Foremost Futurists Reflect on 50 Years of Future Shock―and Look Ahead to the Next 50
- Hardcover: 544 pages
- Publisher: John August Media, LLC; None edition (February 4, 2020)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0999736442
- ISBN-13: 978-0999736449
- Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.3 x 10 inches
After Shock marks the 50-year anniversary of Alvin Toffler’s, Future Shock. The compendium of essays comprising this landmark volume offers insightful reflections on the classic text and presents compelling and surprising views of the future—through the very unique lenses of more than 100 of the world’s foremost futurists, including David Brin, Po Bronson, Sanjiv Chopra, George Gilder, Newt Gingrich, Alan Kay, Ray Kurzweil, Jane McGonigal, Lord Martin Rees, Byron Reese, and many other luminaries.
My Thoughts
After Shock is an enticing collection of essays observing the 50 year anniversary of Future Shock by Alvin and Heidi Toffler.
Future Shock was first released in 1970. Much of the country was living in a state of uncertainty due to an unpredictable environment. Future Shock was a welcome distraction for many, as it contained a mix of both pessimistic and optimistic communications of shared experiences about adjusting to new conditions. In this socially contentious and uncertain time, it gave a clear and precise goal of focusing on the future.
I immensely enjoyed this collection known as After Shock. I especially like that it began with a personal note from Schroeter regarding how he was fascinated by all things “future" because of his dad's involvement with NASA's Joint Propulsion Laboratory and I did pause for a long while over Mead's essay as he wrote about electron tunneling.
Back in the '70s, it seemed Popular Electronics and transistors were everywhere as my dad re-built machines and used ham radio for global communications. When I wasn't hanging out with dad, I spent time with Mom at the local library. I read a little of everything but mostly concentrated on novels written by authors born in the 1800s. Their books spoke of huge scientific advancements, surrealism, alternate realities, some with advanced computer simulation. I enjoyed reading these as I witnessed diverse perspectives.
Each contributor in After Shock presented a diverse perspective and some of them personally knew the Toffler's.
Being that I love to read, and always have, I will state that I appreciate that Frank explains that the internet may be the greatest library ever made and that Mansharamani reminds us that that “The only difference between fiction and nonfiction is that fiction hasn’t happened yet."
In reading After Shock, readers can release pent up energy.
What we get right, what we get wrong, what alludes us at the time and what gives us a greater feeling of mutual support within diverse groups are clearly issues to consider in everyday life. But we also have an opportunity to look forward to the future. To contemplate how to apply what we've learned and to recognize that where we are heading depends largely on our perception and interpretation of facts.
We know humans have complex emotions. Yes, there are lingering difficulties and assumptions should always be evaluated. But change is inevitable and we have the capacity to explore and discover how things can be different.
I find I most identified with Keay pointing out "Our identity is inextricably linked to our computing technologies.", and Bodell asking the question, "Are we focused on the things that matter?"
I seem to recall the Toffler's wrote about the importance of imagination. Imagination centers are not a new concept. Perhaps if we all combined forces to imagine our future world was one worthy of imitation we'd figure out a way to all work together to forge a world where we are more at peace within ourselves and with all beings around us.
This book was provided by the generosity of John Schroeter for an honest review.
Happy Holiday's! I wish you all a safe and enjoyable time ringing in the new year. If it were warmer, I would be sitting outside and reading. Instead, I'm sitting in my vehicle looking out over the pond.
It's 29 here with snow showers and the winds are to be gusting to 30 mph today.
This year, I've completed 60 books and was reminded I still have 16 hours more I can read before the new year. I expect if there's one new year's resolution related to books that I keep year to year it is to read widely.
Currently, my TBR pile is growing. I'm finishing up a book of essays and have a war-related read laying on my table.
I'm sitting here rambling on as I leaf through Jim Campisano's book Mustang. I'm wondering how it is I've looked through this book a zillion times and never noticed the playboy pink mustang on page 55, till now.
For those just checking in to my book blog, I do occasionally review automobile books and like to photograph them too.
You can find more of my book reviews at this link. https://lorisbookloft.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html
The Top 10 Blog Viewers to this blog are from the United States, Ukraine, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Netherlands, Poland, and an Unknown Region.
December 2019 was a month where I tried to catch up on reading after having taken a break.
I started December off posting an interview I did with Carew Papritz. Though fictional, Papritz's book The Legacy Letters has won acclaim as a life lessons book for all generations, gaining the distinction of being the only book in publishing history to win awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories.
Around me, almost every largely populated area has an establishment where you can sit down to a barbecue and American Barbecue Sauces by Greg Mrvich teaches about American Barbecue Sauces, Marinades, Rubs and more.
Brent Parrott and Bryan Renfro, brought back memories of my youth, playing touch football with my husband and brother with their book The Reilly Thanksgiving Invitational Story
Many people play sports to release tension some people fight back oppression in The Line Between by Tosca Lee.
I don't watch television much, but when I do, I gravitate to black and white psychological thrillers so it should not be surprising that I spent a portion of the month watching The Twilight Zone prior to reading
Last Flight Out by Robert Eringer.
Environmental challenges are difficult to escape in Give the Bard a Tetanus Shot by V.C. McCabe
If you want to read about honor then head to the creative thriller Kidnapped on Safari by Peter Riva .
Uday Mukerji teaches us that even if we are facing illness we still have much work we can do in Dead Man Dreaming
Chats with God in Underwear by Eduardo Chapunoff deals with life conflicts and explores religious questions. Reality many times exceeds our imagination and for many people this is where faith steps in.
Additionally, I added to my poetry collection, the book, titled, D.H. Lawrence Poems Selected For Young People, edited and introduced by William Cole with Drawing by Ellen Raskin.
D.H Lawrence is best known for his books Lady Chatterley's Lover, Sons and Lovers, Women in Love, and The Rainbow but he also wrote almost 800 poems. I've re-read D.H. Lawrence's poems and find I still appreciate his direct and free-flowing writing and his use of symbolism. In this collection, among my favorites, are The Mosquito and Bare Fig-Trees. The black and white drawings by Raskin are enjoyable too.
I have frequented Gene Stratton Porter's homes in Indiana many times and have now added a book by Bertrand F. Richards titled Gene Stratton- Porter A Literary Examination to the collection.
I've been reading Richards's literary examination and am enjoying the analysis of passages. I appreciate that he shows the significance of the Limberlost and the fact that Stratton-Porter's family often played a key part in her writing. I also appreciate that he examins her reclusive side.
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Some of my stats are in for Year 2019 and I exceeded 14000 pages read
My AVERAGE LENGTH read exceeded 250 pages
SHORTEST BOOK at 20 pages was children book Wonder Walk by Ilham Alam and Illustrated by Kerry Bell
LONGEST BOOK 576 pages was a vintage book I picked up to read again titled The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
MOST POPULAR Book was a re-read of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
My audience stats are fluctuating. In the Top 10 this month was the
United States, Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Russia, France, Portugal, Mexico, Spain, Hong Kong
In keeping with a Christmas tradition, I've been searching bookstores for a special antique book to add to my collection.
If you recall last year I selected this copy of The Song of Hiawatha. And while I haven't yet found my special book, during my search yesterday, I did find a couple of cloth-covered books to add to other collections.
I have frequented Gene Stratton Porter's homes in Indiana many times and have now added a book by Bertrand F. Richards titled Gene Stratton- Porter A Literary Examination to the collection.
As reviewers, we have the opportunity to pick apart a person's work. I'd rather like to think we are honest in our analysis and are pointing out what we perceive.
This morning, I've been reading Richards's literary examination and am enjoying the analysis of passages. I appreciate that he shows the significance of the Limberlost and the fact that Stratton-Porter's family often played a key part in her writing. I also appreciate that he exams her reclusive side.
Title: Gene Stratton-Porter A Literary Examination
Author: Bertrand F. Richards
Hardcover: 165 pages
Publisher: Americana Books (November 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0917902181
ISBN-13: 978-0917902185
Synopsis
Dr. Richards provides an in-depth look as Mrs. Porter's nature books, poetry, magazine contributions, and novels and assesses her place in the American world of letters. He endeavors to explain the vast appeal of her work, against the background of her times, to an admiring public. As the seminal work of scholarly literary criticism about Mrs. Porter, this volume deserves a prominent place in any Stratton-Porter collection. Clothbound, Smythe-sewn, portrait, index.
To my poetry collection, I've added a book, titled, D.H. Lawrence Poems Selected For Young People, edited and introduced by William Cole with Drawing by Ellen Raskin.
D.H Lawrence is best known for his books Lady Chatterley's Lover, Sons and Lovers, Women in Love, and The Rainbow but he also wrote almost 800 poems.
I've re-read D.H. Lawrence's poems and find I still appreciate his direct and free-flowing writing and his use of symbolism.
In this collection, among my favorites, are The Mosquito and Bare Fig-Trees. The black and white drawings by Raskin are enjoyable too.
Last Flight Out
Robert Eringer
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Bartleby Press (June 6, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0935437568
ISBN-13: 978-0935437560
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 8 inches
Worn down by the stresses and strains of everyday life, a harassed bar owner goes for a drive, winds up at the airport and, on impulse, grabs the last evening flight. Onboard, he meets a woman in retro garb that recommends he continue to Sausalito and visit a vintage photography shop. Finding himself outside the shop while walking around next morning, he wanders in and discovers a vast collection of black-and-white and sepia photographs. Feeling for the proprietor, an elderly hippie, for whom vintage pics is clearly a passion, he springs for a photo of Mark Twain. Much later, in his hotel room, he suddenly finds himself facing off to Samuel Clemens across a pool table. Stunned, he allows himself to be goaded by Clemens into a game of billiards—and that is where the adventure begins
My Thoughts
In past blogs, I've mentioned my love for watching The Twilight Zone and for black and white photography and was amused that this book combines both.
This read appears to be a mix of literary examination and influences at an ontic level which gives readers a transactional interpretation of the existence of retrocausality.
Page one begins with the protagonists explaining that life is mostly dark. He feels stuck in life and enters an altered frame of mind. Soon after, he learns he's booked a one-way ticket on the last flight out of the night. On the flight, he meets Lulu. She gives him a gift (talisman) and suggests he spend time at a hotel and vintage photography gallery in Sausalito.
His flight lands and he wishes to return Lulu's gift but she'd disappeared. He exits the plane and ends up in a cab which eventually takes him to the hotel she'd recommended.
Upon arrival at the gallery, he's the only customer, and thereupon is pulled into each pre-famous memorable moment and travels back in time.
At the first encounter, with Samuel Clemens, he believes he's likely been drugged by the gallery's proprietor but that level of thinking is soon deflated.
Readers find that the photographs take him on an adventure. Each of these is a series of integrating altering frames of consciousness for choices and consequences with a better perspective.
This free-spirited, skillfully written book, I received from Jenna Faccenda, Marketing Executive, Casemate Group for my honest review. I'm seldom impressed by book covers. I do want to point out, however, I appreciate this one.
Details on Author Robert Eringer can be found at this link http://roberteringer.com/
The Reilly Thanksgiving Invitational Story As Told by Those Born of the Greatest Generation
Authors: Brent Parrott and Bryan Renfro
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Independently published (October 2, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1697180019
ISBN-13: 978-1697180015
Synopsis
In 1960, on the front lawn of an elementary school in North East Dallas, a tradition was born. A group of seventh-grade boys captured the free time before Thanksgiving dinner to engage in a game of touch football. It was a good day to play. So good, in fact, that the game would resume each year at the same time in the same place. Through the ebb and flow of lives, loves, and responsibilities, the Reilly Thanksgiving Invitational continued for five decades. Best friends Brent Parrott and Bryan Renfro have collaborated to memorialize and reminisce about their lives, the times, the game, and the traditions in their book, The Reilly Thanksgiving Invitational Story.
My Thoughts
The Holiday makes me think of the happy personal occasions I've had like eating ribbon candy with Grandma and playing touch football with family and friends.
A group of eight of us from the neighborhood, mostly boys, and a few of us girls, would get together and play touch football in an empty lot a few blocks southeast of our home.
You could say it's where I first began to fall for my husband as he lived across the street from the empty lot and was one of us players. My brother was a player too.
Ours was an unorganized game where we made up the rules. We only had a four on four with a quarterback, center, and two receivers. But boy- it was a lot of fun. And many decades later, all eight of us are still close. So, when I received a request to read and review The Reilly Thanksgiving Invitational Story, I jumped on it.
Over the years, the author's game of football received local media coverage. Six decades later, they decided to share their story which is definitely an exhilarating view of the comradery of baby boomers.
Twenty-two school kids get together on Thanksgiving Day to play a game of football at Reilly Elementary School. They started off the game tackling, but when a guy broke his arm, they switched to touch and it eventually converts to an all-pass game.
As these players progress in years, we learn sidelines are not a factor and there are no offsides. There are aching backs and they inform us they don't snap the ball any longer because they don't want to bend over.
This book is well written, full of interesting cultural details and it's genuine. We get to meet the players via their high school photos and readers will find a map of the schoolyard and view the telegrams received and the invitations they designed.
I love many things about this book but most of all I love that this book takes me back in time and makes me recall all the fun that begins in youth.
I received a copy of this extraordinary story from Brent Parrott via Arden Izzo, Public Relations Manager, at Farrow Communications. A portion of the proceeds of this book goes to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
You can find an interview with the author's here https://thereillythanksgivinginvitational.com/
