Hitler at My Side

Book Description

Lieutenant General Hans Baur, Adolf Hitler's chief personal pilot, tells his story in a gripping first person account of his experiences and observations during the eleven years he spent with Adolf Hitler when he was Fuhrer of the German Third Reich. Written in a non-political style that commands the reader's attention from cover to cover, it is a must read for those who seek to know what really went on in Hitler's Headquarters and inner circle; for Hans Baur was there. This is a first person account with many interesting details by one of the very few members of "inner circle" to survive the final days in Hitler's Berlin Bunker.

Customer Reviews:

Could have been even better.......2003-07-05

Hans Baur was Hitler's pilot from 1932 until his death in 1945. He had unique personal access to Hitler and spent many hours in his presence. Unfortunately, Baur is not a particularly gifted storyteller and his personal characterizations of Hitler and other leading Nazi figures leaves something to be desired. Baur's memory is also highly suspect, as his years in Russian captivity proved conclusively. Baur continually changed his story, mis-remembered salient points in history and just plain forgot the gist of many historical moments.

Still, the memoirs are are interesting read. Baur gives his reflections and opinions on such diverse people in Hitler's entourage as Eva Braun, Goebbels, Himmler, Goering and Hess. He narrates the story of when he begs Hitler to flee Berlin in April, 1945 and allow Baur to fly him to safety. Hitler says wearily, "I will die here in Berlin."

Unfortunately, Baur doesn't tell much about losing his leg and spending 11 torturous years in Russian captivity. Now that would have been fascinating! Another missed opportunity, but there's enough interesting material elsewhere to justify the purchase of his recollections.

History Without Reflection.......2002-07-19

Hans Baur deserves a reputation of more than just being "Hitler's pilot." He was a WWI ace and a distinguished pioneer of early European aviation. Indeed, a good part of this memoir recounts his days between wars, flying over the Alps, when the job was done literally by the seat of the pilot's pants and only the most skillful survived. Severely wounded in Berlin during the last hours of the Third Reich, Baur survived ten years incarceration in a series of Russian prisons. But it's as Hitler's pilot that Baur is best known today. Baur does give us some small insights into what it was like to have been a member of Hitler's innermost circle, but his narrative is scrupulously apolitical and while he must have known Hitler and his cronies rather well, he refrains from giving us any personal assessment of what they were really like as individuals. It is evident he admired and respected Hitler and he claims to have been a friend of Rudolph Hess, but what did he really think of these men? Even more frustrating to the historian, after serving Hitler for more than a dozen years and then, as a result of this loyal service, spending a decade in Soviet hands after the war, Baur just ends his story with a description of his homecoming. We do not know at the end of this book what Hans Baur thought about National Socialism and what it did to Germany and millions of his countrymen, much less himself (he lost a leg in the Berlin fighting). Perhaps he remained an ardent admirer of Hitler? Fine, a man like Baur is entitled to his opinions, but he doesn't say. Baur was a brave, skillful and admirable man in many ways who witnessed close up the most dramatic events of the 20th century. But in "Hitler at My Side" he emerges in the end as just "Hitler's pilot."

Average customer rating:

Remarkable memoir, remarkable woman
Wonderful Unknown Gem

Restless Wave: My Life in Two Worlds
Ayako Ishigaki
Manufacturer: Feminist Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1558614648

Book Description

With this critically acclaimed 1940 memoir, pioneering Japanese writer and activist Ayako Ishigaki made history. Restless Wave is the first book written in English by a Japanese woman, introducing Western readers to a largely unknown world; a unique voice; and a writer of great talent, integrity and courage. In exquisite prose, Ishigaki recalls coming of age in a privileged family and rebelling against strict codes of women's behavior. She also traces the political awakening that would force her to flee Japan for the United States and would eventually make her an internationally renowned activist for peace, social justice and women's rights. As The Nation noted, "In lyrical, poetic terms, Restless Wave tells the story of a single individual who lived at a turning-point of history."

Customer Reviews:

Remarkable memoir, remarkable woman.......2007-10-19

Ayako Ishigaki's wonderful fictionalized memoir is revealing for it's sometimes subtle, sometimes angry, and sometimes tender treatment of the both the culture she was born into and the culture she experienced in the U.S. It's also a remarkable historical document that presents views of Japanese women that may startle the reader. The writing is fluid and engaging. You can read it easily in a day or two.

Wonderful Unknown Gem.......2006-04-03

I picked this book up on a recommendation from a friend interested in anything Japanese and I'm quite happy I did. If you're sick and tired of reading about geisha, or if you like geisha but are interested in expanding your horizons and reading about the lives and struggles of other Japanese women who haven't been given a story, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Ayako Ishigaki gives voice in her memoir to post war Japanese women, fighting against the stereotypes and mixed messages sent to them via eastern vs western ideals. What's most intriguing about this is that I can still see this struggle played out today in the way female characters are portrayed in certain manga and anime; it gives a lot of context to modern day stories, and shows just how far Japanese women still have to go to be portrayed as humans and not mere objects of desire/ fetish.

Lest you think this story sounds too high brow, never fear: its easy to understand and read on the subway or after a hard day of work. The writing is simple, clean, and flows well. If nothing else, the tidbits of Japanese culture and traditions (post and pre war) and the personal ancedotes of the author interjected in the story will stay with you long after the last page.

Enjoy *(^_^)*

The endless hours;: My two and a half years as a prisoner of the Chinese Communists

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The endless hours;: My two and a half years as a prisoner of the Chinese Communists
Wallace L Brown
Manufacturer: W.W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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My experiences in the World War, by John J. Pershing ... with sixty-nine reproductions from photographs and numerous maps ...(Complete in Two Volumes)

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My experiences in the World War, by John J. Pershing ... with sixty-nine reproductions from photographs and numerous maps ...(Complete in Two Volumes)
John Joseph (1860-1948) Pershing
Manufacturer: New York, Frederick A. Stokes Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H4CUJS

After the Rain: Virginia's Diary, Book Two, Washington D.C.,1864 (My America)

Average customer rating:

7th grade reading, it was good
Shows us what is really important in life.
Pretty good addition.
After The Rain
After the war. . .

After the Rain: Virginia's Diary, Book Two, Washington D.C.,1864 (My America)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

In the final months of the Civil War, Virginia and her family move to Washington, D.C. where the cold winter brings uncertainty and hardship. Virginia takes a job as a servant in a wealthy home to help her family. But, just as things start to improveas her father gets a job and the war finally comes to an end, the tragic assassination of Ginny's beloved President Lincoln occurs. In this, her second diary chronicling the Civil War, Ginny learns that life is constantly changing. Indeed, even as Lincoln dies, her nephew is born. Throughout, Ginny faces it with hope and courage.

Customer Reviews:

7th grade reading, it was good.......2004-10-26

This book is about a girl named Virginia and her family that is barely surviving in the center of the civil war. In this story Virginia writes in her diary every night before he goes to sleep, that her brother gave her, before he left for the war. Their family is poor so Virginia is very independent. To find out more you should read this story if you like war stories. (It is very descriptive)

Shows us what is really important in life........2004-07-08

Virginia's story continues from Book 1 as her family moves from Gettysburg to Washington, D.C. In the final years of the Civil War, Washington, D.C. was an unattractive city full of mud-filled streets, grungy buildings and many homeless soldiers who have deserted the battlefront. Her brother had asked the family to move north so he could take a job as a reporter, but Jed ends up in a low paying job instead. The family faces some tough times that first winter, and Virginia is worried how they will survive. When she takes a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy family, Virginia learns even more hard lessons about what it means to be poor.

The story of Virginia takes readers back to the days when our nation was trying to heal the wounds of war, and deal with the pain of President Abraham Lincoln's death. It was a time of struggle and hardship, hope and rebuilding, and helps to show us what is really important in life.

Pretty good addition........2004-04-26

"After the Rain: Virginia's Diary, Book Two, Washington D.C.,1864" is a short book without a tremendous amount of action. It's sweet and simple and perfect for young readers who are interested in historical fictions. Virginia is a bright little girl and a good role model for younger readers. Even if you haven't read Book One, you'll still be able to read this book without confusion. I miss an epilogue in the "My America" series. I recommend.

After The Rain.......2002-12-13

Hi,I am doing a book review on After The Rain.The author of After The Rain is Mary Pope Osborne.There are 98 pages if you want to know.The genre of my book is realistic fiction.
The setting of this book is the Civil War around the 1800's.
This book is about this young girl who has envy(which means jealousy)See what all of this means by After The rain.
The 3 reasons I like this book are because it is exciting and it is about a Virgina's Civil War diary.2 The girl's father plays at Fords New Theatre.3 There lives turn around when she changes her live.I all like these reasons because this book has many changes And excitement.I would only recommend this book to people who like historical fiction and My America books.If you want to read this book go to your library or your local library.
Go and read After The Rain.See you later !!!! bye!!!!

After the war. . ........2002-12-01

In the final months of the Civil War, Virginia, now 10, and her family move to Washington, D.C., where the cold winter brings uncertainty and hardship. But just as things start to improve her father gets a job and the war finally comes to an end the tragic assassination of Ginny's beloved President Lincoln occurs. In this, her second diary chronicling the Civil War, Ginny learns that life is constantly changing.

This "My America" diary of ten-year-old Virginia Dickens gives us a glimpse of the nation's capital during the Lincoln presidency--the joy at his election, the despair when he dies; the challenges of finding work for newcomers like Virginia's father and even Virginia herself. The book is easy to read with large text and a diary format, as well as historical notes and pictures at the end. It is a touching though not adventurous story that gives life to the Civil War era off the battlefield.

Book Description

In this wonderful second book featuring Hope Penny Potter, the Revolutionary War wages on and Hope's daily life is much affected. The war has even kept her from her dear friend, Polly, whose parents are loyal to the King. But when Hope's much missed brother and father return, relief sets in, if only for a short while. For the plot thickens when Hope finds out that her father was with the Sons of Liberty and they will be in danger if anyone finds out.

Customer Reviews:

We are patriots.......2005-03-04

Have you ever wondered how the patriots lived during the 1700's ?
In the book we are patriots it talks about a girl that one day turned 10 and her mom gives her a diary. She startes writing what was going on
in her life,about going to the war with the Redcoats during Revolutionary war. One good quality of the book is that the ten year old had a friend that was one of her familys enemiys in th war, and they didn't know until their parents told them,but they were still able to be friends no matter what. From this I learnedthat it doesn't matter where your friends come from or what color they are. What matters is to have a true friend. I recomend this book to people that want to know more about the past and how they lived back then.

Readers will be inspired by the experiences of Hope........2004-07-08

In Hope's second Diary, readers will experience all the events of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl living in Philadelphia. Hope's family are Patriots, and that makes them a target for the English soldiers. With her father gone to fight the British, and her brother in a Redcoat prison, Hope and her mother had to stay in Valley Forge. But now they've moved back to their home in the city, and Hope is shocked to learn that her best friend Polly is a Loyalist. Polly's family won't let them see each other anymore, and Hope is sad to think they are on different sides in the war.

George Washington, The Sons of Liberty, and famous events like The Boston Tea Party are all a part of the history recorded in Hope's second diary. Readers will be inspired by the experiences of Hope and her family in this wonderful addition to the My America series.

Wonderful Story.......2003-09-06

I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters are so interesting. I love hearing them described through the love of Hope.I recommend this book for any young girl who likes history.

Wonderful second book about Hope.......2002-04-18

In this beautiful second book on 10-year-old Hope Penny Potter, the Revolutionary War rages on everyday and brings many conflicts into young Hope's life. Her friend Polly now can't even be with her for her parents are loyalists to the King and Hope is a Patriot. To aviod the British who have occupied her hometown of Phildelphia, Hope flees to Valley Forge, Pennslyvania where George Washington is. Hope worries everyday about her father and brother who have not returned from battle. But when Hope's brother and father return, relief sets in for Hope but not long for she discovers a secret that her father was with the Sons of Liberty and the family would definitely be in danger if anybody found out. I recommend this great book to every My America reader. Hopefully there will be more books on Hope. I really enjoy her!

An excellent new My America book continuing Hope's story........2002-04-16

Ten-year-old Hope Potter and her family have fled to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, hoping to be safe from a possible British occupation of Philadelphia. Hope still worries about her father, who has been gone for over a year now, and her brother Ethan, who has been captured by the British. When Ethan finally returns, it is a joyous occasion. To protect their home, the Potters decide to return to Philadelphia. As British soldiers occupy the city, and the Potters own home, Hope fears for the safety of herself and her family, but she knows that some things, like freedom, are worth believing in and fighting for. I highly recommend Hope's second diary to all fans of the My America series. I hope there is a third book about Hope and her family.

An American Army of Two (Carolrhoda on My Own Books)

Average customer rating:

good book, i guess

An American Army of Two (Carolrhoda on My Own Books)
Janet Greeson
Manufacturer: Carolrhoda Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0876145470

Customer Reviews:

good book, i guess.......2002-01-11

this book had a good story. I did not like the way the author wrote about it, but the background was good.

Average customer rating:

A real letdown
Best of the Very Best -- Ten Stars
My Two Wars
A personal outlook on My Two Wars
Honest, funny, heartbreaking - vintage Thomsen.

My Two Wars
Moritz Thomsen
Manufacturer: Steerforth
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 188364206X
Release Date: 1998-06-01

Amazon.com

Moritz Thomsen was born into a wealthy American family in Hollywood in 1915, but spent the last decades of his life living a mong the poor in Ecuador. He became known as a good writer with a small and devoted following. He passed away in 1993, but left behind this moving autobiography which focuses on the two colossal struggles of his life: one against a tyrannical father while seeking to escape his family and become a writer; the other against Hitler's Germany while serving as a bombardier on a B-17 of the fabled Eight Air Force. My Two Wars is an unusual and remarkable book, very much the reflection of an irascible but oddly charming man.

"I read My Two Wars in an elegiac mood. It's sad to think it's the last new work to be read by Moritz Thomsen... I've come away from each of his other four books feeling exhilarated -- not because of what happens in them, but because the writing is so good." -- Larry McMurtry

Book Description

THERE ARE THOSE who consider the little-known Moritz Thomsen one of the best American writers of the century," said the Washington Post in reviewing My Two Wars. Thomsen here describes the two great battles in his life – one against his rich, tyrannical father; the other against German pilots and anti-aircraft gunners in 1943 and 1944. Thomsen had an abiding hatred for his father, and with this portrait of the man he has given us one of literature’s true monsters. "Rarely has the similarity between war and family been as clearly drawn as it is in this scathing unblinking memoir," said Kirkus in its starred review of the book. "Thomsen’s writing about the war, both philosophical and descriptive, is stunning" said the Post.

Customer Reviews:

A real letdown.......2007-01-28

Had to force myself to finish this clunker; ordinarily, I wouldn't have bothered, but I thought it would eventually get good; it was Moritz Thomsen, after all, and I'd thought that "Living Poor," his first book, was excellent and that parts of "The Saddest Pleasure" were just as good.

I guess I just don't have much patience for old men who haven't gotten over their fathers (Pat Conroy's "My Losing Season" recently annoyed me to no end), and if I'd been the father of the self-indulgent and humorless young man depicted in this book I too would have been sorely tempted to smack him upside the head a time or two.

The book is about the author's involvement in two catastrophes, so you might think at least the war story would be good. But you'd be dead wrong. It's just dull. The whole book is just an old man venting spleen. I prefer to remember Thomsen for "Living Poor."

Best of the Very Best -- Ten Stars.......2006-01-11

I first read Thomsen's masterpiece "The Farm on the River of Emeralds" in 1990. Subsequently I read his other two gems -- "Living Poor" and "The Saddest Pleasure" -- but it wasn't until just a few days ago that I finally got around to starting "My Two Wars". I had always supposed that this one would be a letdown, as I'd never actually heard anyone mention it until a couple of months ago. I supposed it would be a haphazard collection of odds and ends that Thomsen tossed together as his death approached, or perhaps a book tossed together afterward his death by someone else. I could not have been more wrong. This is a phenomenal work, perhaps Thomsen's best. And that is, I think, saying a lot, because in my mind there has never been a better writer anywhere. For me to try to praise this book would be a joke. There is writing, and then there is Writing, and then there is Moritz Thomsen.

My Two Wars.......2000-05-07

It grieves me to know that Moritz Thomsen will never write another novel. His brutal honesty, his self-effacing style, his humility and acceptance of his human flaws, makes his story captivating. Never before has a book filled me with such feelings; rage at his father, joy for his victories, compassion for the difficult life he led, saddness for a life ended. It brought me to tears. This book is a fitting epitaph for a man of astonishing virtues and abilities.

A personal outlook on My Two Wars.......2000-01-03

This book is the story of a man who had a dominating father and lived in the dominating world of war. Moritz Thomsen was this man and he tells his own personal stories of the war with his father and the second World War. He captivates his audience with the knowledge of how rough life can be. His father was a rich man that lost all of his families money and still kept spending. He ruled everyone in his family to the point of being called a tyrant. His knowledge of the "feelings" of war are tremendous. He explains and analyzes every detail so that it is possible to believe that you experienced it along with him. It is sad to know that Moritz Thomsen will never write another story about his life. In closing I thought that this was an awesome book that I will never forget.

Honest, funny, heartbreaking - vintage Thomsen........1996-08-03

Devoted readers of the late Moritz Thomsen's first three books needn't be reminded that Moritz wrote better on a bad day than 99% of the authors, living or dead, who have tried their hand at English prose. Just like his classic Living Poor, The Farm on the River of Emeralds, and The Saddest Pleasure, My Two Wars is searingly honest, funny, heartbreaking, compelling in short, vintage Thomsen. It's more than just obligatory reading for the cognoscenti, however. It documents Thomsen's "involvement with two outrageous catastrophes," his father, and the shorter war he fought against the various forces, insanities, and outrages of WW II as a B-17 bombardier in Europe. The two wars are by no means unrelated. The longer narrative is devoted to military service that began as a draftee. Regarding the longer war, if only half of the outrages Charlie Thomsen visited upon his family are true, "catastrophe" still euphemizes the man. The wartime account is fantastic, but the final scene in which Moritz returns from hell as a decorated officer to confront Charlie, wallowing in drunken bitterness over having been robbed of the prospect of being the father of a dead war hero son, has to be read to be believed. God bless you, Moritz, for an amazing life and for your final gift to us

Assignment: Spy (Abridged from "Two Eggs On My Plate")

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Assignment: Spy (Abridged from "Two Eggs On My Plate")
Oluf Reed Olsen
Manufacturer: Scholastic Book Services
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

The doctor and his family ;: And, Sand in my typewriter : two books in one volume

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The doctor and his family ;: And, Sand in my typewriter : two books in one volume
Robert O Hanscom
Manufacturer: M.J. Hanscom]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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