Zaidy's War by Martin Bodek is a Holocaust family memoir you won't want to miss. As Martin said in his preface, the stories his grandfather told him about his time during the war always sounded more like a super-hero adventure story. However, as he grew older, he realized that these stories were far more and needed preserving. Without a doubt, his grandfather would be so proud of the book and grateful that Martin found a way to keep the memories of the Jewish plight alive.

Zaidy is an amazing man who loved religious learning, his family, and freedom. Yet, due to Hitler and his desire for ethnic cleansing, Zaidy could have easily lost everything he loved. And when he made it through the other side of the war, he could have easily lost his humanity. And yet, what we find is a man who pushed forward, helped his community rebuild, fell in love, worked hard for his family, moved not once but twice in order to provide the stability his family needed, and continued to follow his religious principles throughout his life. It is no wonder Martin grew up thinking his grandfather was so amazing - it is because it was true.

In today's world, where antisemitism is strong and there are many who claim the Holocaust didn't happen, books such as Zaidy's War are beyond valuable. These stories could ultimately stop something like the extermination of entire Jewish communities from happening again. Buy this book. Read this book. And then determine what you can do to begin to right the wrongs you see happening in your own communities.

Purchase a copy of Zaidy's War:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/45LyVt1​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4nBssYb

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​In the latest episode of "Online for Authors," I sit down with Amanda DuBois, the gripping author behind the impactful novel "Unshackled." As a unique voice in mystery writing, Amanda DuBois brings not only thrilling narratives but also profound societal insights, particularly concerning the often-overlooked struggles of mothers in prison.

Vermilion Harvest by Reenita M. Hora is a historical fiction set in 1919 India during the time of Ghandi's peaceful resistance. As I read historical fiction, I realize how much history I know very little about. Of course, I have heard of Ghandi, but I knew nothing of General Dyer or his attack at the Jallianwallah Bagh. Although fiction, this novel helped me understand the goings-ons prior to, during, and immediately following this attack that eventually changed the fate of the nation.

Reenita did an amazing job with her characters Aruna, who is an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, and Ayaz, a Muslim law student with political leanings - as well as a host of minor characters. I also loved how she didn't shy away from difficult topics like British rule that kept the Indian population as nothing more than slaves, the tension between three different religions in the region, romance between those of different backgrounds, the plight of Anglo-Indians, single mothers, standing strong in the face of adversity, and more. Finally, I loved a philosophy put forth that good often comes from bad. It is something I needed to hear.

Buy a copy of Vermilion Harvest:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/46mBlhO​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/46poOu1

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