The Biography Shelf

The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes
Michael W. Nagle
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
http://wsupress.wayne.edu
9780814349939, $26.99, HC, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Iron-King-Great-Lakes/dp/0814349935

Synopsis: Eber Brock Ward (December 25, 1811 - January 2, 1875) began his c= areer as a cabin boy on his uncle's sailing vessels, but when he died in 18= 75, he was the wealthiest man in Michigan.

His business activities were vast and innovative. Ward was engaged in the s= teamboat, railroad, lumber, mining, and iron and steel industries. In 1864,=
his facility near Detroit became the first in the nation to produce steel = using the more efficient Bessemer method. Michael W. Nagle demonstrates how=
much of Ward's success was due to his ability to vertically integrate his = business operations, which were undertaken decades before other more famous=
moguls, such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.

And yet, despite his countless successes, Ward's life was filled with ruthl= ess competition, labor conflict, familial dispute, and scandal. With the pu= blication of "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, = 1811-1875" Professor Michael W. Nagle makes extensive use of Ward's corresp= ondence, business records, contemporary newspaper accounts, and other archi= val material to craft a balanced profile of this fascinating figure whose a= ctions influenced the history and culture of the Great Lakes and beyond.

Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a twe= lve-page Bibliography, fifty-eight pages of Notes, and an eight page Index,=
"The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 1811-1875" b=
y Professor Michael W. Nagel is a model biography that reads with all the n= arrative flair of a novel. Impressively researched, written, organized and = presented, "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 18= 11-1875" is especially recommended for community and academic library 19th = Century American Biography collections. A work meticulous and detailed scho= larship, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, aca= demia, historians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in t=
he subject that "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock War=
d, 1811-1875" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.57).

Editorial Note: Michael W. Nagle (https://www.facebook.com/MWNagleHistory) =
is Professor of History and Political Science at West Shore Community Colle=
ge in Scottville, Michigan. He is also the author of "Justus S. Stearns: Mi= chigan Pine King and Kentucky Coal Baron, 1845-1933" (Wayne State Universit=
y Press, 2015), which won the Kentucky History Award.

I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood
Sally Stevens
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639886319, $27.99, HC, 390pp

https://www.amazon.com/I-Sang-That-Memoir-Hollywood/dp/1639886311

Synopsis: "I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood" by Sally Stevens takes her=
readers on a personal journey behind the scenes into the world of music-ma= kers who created the film scores, television music, sound recordings, comme= rcials and concert evenings over the last sixty years.

"I Sang That" is the story of a long singing career that began in 1960 with=
concert tours (Ray Conniff, Nat King Cole, and later, solo work in concert=
with Burt Bacharach) and went on for another thirty years of vocals and ma=
in titles for The Simpsons, vocals for Family Guy -- vocals on hundreds of = film & television scores & sound recordings, plus twenty-two years as Chora=
l Director for the Oscars.

"I Sang That" is also the personal story of growing up in a "his, hers and = theirs" family in the forties and fifties, and how a shy little girl became=
a second-generation singer in the ever-evolving music business of Hollywoo=
d.

Critique: A delightfully informative and inherently fascinating memoir that=
will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in the movie a=
nd television music business, "I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood" is an = impressively written and unreservedly recommended addition to community and=
academic library Hollywood History, Contemporary American Biography and Co= mposer/Musican Memoir collections. It should be noted for personal reading = lists that "I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood" is also available in a pa= perback edition (9781639885510, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindl=
e, $8.49).

Editorial Note: Sally Stevens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Stevens)=
is an American actress, singer and a vocal contractor. She has sung on hun= dreds of The Simpsons episodes, and sings the main title, which has been in=
use since the inception of the show. She also sings the main title for Fam= ily Guy and has worked for Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the show, as voc=
al contractor and singer since the inception of the series on Fox in 1999. = She has sung, and been vocal contractor for hundreds of films, some of whic=
h include The Last Airbender, The Abyss, Contact, Amistad, Power of One, Be= hind Enemy Lines, Beyond Borders, Forrest Gump, and Indiana Jones and the K= ingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive
Dick Nunis
Disney Editions
c/o Disney Book Group
https://books.disney.com
9781368078047, $25.99, HC, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Walts-Apprentice-Keeping-Disney-Dream/dp/1368078044

Synopsis: "Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive" is the person=
al memoir of Disney Legend Dick Nunis. It is a warm personal reminiscence o=
f learning directly from Walt Disney for 12 years, followed by more than 30=
years devoted to championing his vision and standards as the Disney empire=
grew.

"Walt's Apprentice" covers many Disney's highlights, including the 1960 Win= ter Olympics, 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, and the development and open= ing of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneylan=
d Paris. Unlike other Disney histories and biographies, "Walt's Apprentice"=
is told from the perspective of operations rather than Imagineering.

It touches on decisions that defined the guest experience and Disney's repu= tation for quality in areas ranging from capacity and people-moving, traini= ng, delivering a consistent "good show", food service, and more.

This first-person narrative is presented as a series of wide-ranging vignet= tes. Some vignettes focus on personal, character-shaping events, such as th=
e injury that ended his collegiate football career. Other stories touch on = national events, such as Nikita Khrushchev's derailed visit to Disneyland, = the decision to close the park following the assassination of John F. Kenne= dy, and Ronald Reagan's assistance in expediting the visa process for cast = members staffing the Epcot World Showcase.

Few people have enjoyed a life so immersed in Disney magic. These personal = stories from Dick Nunis share that magic through the memories of one of the=
original doers and dreamers.

Critique: An absolute 'must' for the legions of Disney fans wanting a true = insider's perspective and account of the evolving Disney accomplishments ov=
er the past 5 decades, "Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive" = will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular addition to personal, com= munity, and academic library American Biography/Memoir collections in gener= al, and Disney theme park and corporate histories in particular. It should =
be noted for personal reading lists that "Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Di= sney Dream Alive" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.9= 9).

Editorial Note: Dick Nunis (https://twitter.com/DickNunis) was a cast membe=
r when the gates of Disneyland opened in 1955. For the next eleven years, h=
e learned professional and personal lessons from his mentor Walt Disney, Am= erica's greatest showman. This personal journey takes us through his remark= able forty-four-year career with The Walt Disney Company, beginning as an h= ourly cast member, and rising to Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts,=
where he nurtured and applied with unwavering dedication and tireless ener=
gy the lessons he learned alongside Walt Disney. Thanks to his contribution=
s, Dick Nunis is a Disney Legend, and Walt's Disney's dream of creating "Th=
e Happiest Places on Earth" continues to delight each new generation of gue= sts around the world.

Witness to Dignity
Russell J. Levenson, Jr.
Center Street
www.centerstreet.com
c/o Hachette Book Group
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
www.blackstoneaudio.com
9781546003298, $29.99, HC, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Dignity-Faith-George-Barbara/dp/1546003290

Synopsis: George and Barbara Bush belonged to and were active members of a = Houston church for more than 50 years. The rector of that church, Reverend = Russell Jones Levenson, Jr., believes he was invited into private moments w= ith these public individuals so he could serve as a witness: a witness to o= bserve, and a witness to tell.

With the publication of "Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H= ..W. and Barbara Bush" and featuring never-before shared correspondence, exp= eriences, and personal stories, Levenson offers new insight into the Bushes=
' wit and wisdom; their commitment to family and friends; their tireless de= sire to bless the lives of others; and their steadfast loyalty to their chu= rch, their faith, and their God. Before embarking on writing this book on f= aith, Levenson sought and received the blessing of all the Bush children, i= ncluding the 43rd president.

Readers will laugh, cry, and be inspired as Levenson ponders how and why he=
was put in this unique pastoral position, asking questions like, "What on = earth was I doing reading the sports section of the paper with the forty-fi= rst president, his cabinet member Brent Scowcroft, and a Chinese official o=
n a breezy morning at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, Maine?"

Levenson writes with emotion about being with President Bush and Barbara Bu=
sh as they each took their last breaths on this earth. He then describes in=
full detail the surreal experience of planning a state funeral and giving =
a eulogy with other presidents in the front row.

"Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" is=
for readers who yearn for our public officials to serve with faith and int= egrity like the Bushes. But above all else, the story of George and Barbara=
Bush reveals just how powerful it is when world leaders are humbled before=
the power that rests above all powers.

Critique: A carefully crafted, informative, and ultimately inspiring biogra= phy, "Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bus=
h" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, c= ommunity, and academic library American Biography collections. It should be=
noted for personal reading lists that "Witness to Dignity: The Life and Fa= ith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" is also available in a digital book fo= rmat (Kindle, $15.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blacksto=
ne Audio, 9781668627587, $44.59, CD).

Editorial Note: The Reverend Russell J. Levenson, Jr. lives in Houston, Tex= as, where he has served as Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church since 20= 07. With nearly 10,000 members, St. Martin's is the largest Episcopal Churc=
h in North America. Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the stat=
e funeral for President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C. and in Houston=
.. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bus=
h in Houston. Levenson has been ordained for 30 years and is the author of = several devotional books.

Snapshots of My Father, John Silber
Rachel Silber Devlin
Peter E. Randall Publisher
www.perpublisher.com
9781942155508, $29.95, HC, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Snapshots-My-Father-John-Silber/dp/1942155506

Synopsis: With the publication of "Snapshots of My Father, John Silber" Rac= hel Silber Devlin provides an extensively illustrated memoir of her father,=
John Silber, a man who entirely transformed Boston University as its presi= dent and was a controversial, yet intellectually formidable, candidate for = governor of Massachusetts.

In this personal and informative memoir, Rachel Silber Devlin looks at her = family and her father's trajectory from Texas to Boston and what life becam=
e like there; she examines his personality and temperament; and she describ=
es his later years, the hardships he weathered and his continued accomplish= ments out of the public eye.

Devlin chose to tell her father's story because John Silber, the man, is so=
widely misunderstood. People who knew him either loved him or hated him. N= one were indifferent. This memoir is in no way a full biography of Silber's=
life. That would require several volumes. As the title implies, each chapt=
er is like a snapshot taken from a daughter's perspective, peering into the=
past she saw.

Silber championed freedom of speech, believing all sides should be heard, e= specially on college campuses. He was also the father of seven children, an=
d the author often meets people who want to hear what he was like as a fath=
er and they like to tell her their own stories about him. Snapshots of My F= ather is her clear-eyed vision of this authentic man of principle who had a=
drive to achieve great things.

Critique: Impressively illustrated with inserts of historical black-and-whi=
te photographs, "Snapshots of My Father, John Silber" by Rachel Silber Devl=
in is a deftly crafted and inherently interesting memoir showcasing a daugh= ter's account of her distinguished father. While also available for persona=
l reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), "Snapshots of My = Father, John Silber" is a welcome and recommended addition to community and=
academic library American Biography/Memoir collections.

Editorial Note: Rachel Silber Devlin (https://prbythebook.com/experts/rache= l-silber-devlin) is one of John Silber's six daughters. As a wife, a mother=
, and a homemaker, she always had a strong sense of who she was apart from = any labels. Devlin says that she sometimes feels like she and her dad grew =
up together because she knew him so well from a time when he was young and = still learning how to make his way in the world. She divides her time betwe=
en her homes in Texas and Massachusetts, the states where her children and = grandchildren live.

The Sign Catcher
Otilio Quintero
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004 www.artepublicopress.com
9781558859395, $19.95, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sign-Catcher-Otilio-Quintero/dp/155885939X

Synopsis: As a young boy, Otilio Quintero lived with his family in abject p= overty in a labor camp in California's San Joaquin Valley. Later, they move=
d to a housing project that exposed him to the madness of violence. Despite=
his difficult childhood, he managed to go to college. But more important t=
o his development was a trip to Mexico in which he was taken in and taught =
by the Mayan Chol people.

With the publication of his memoir, "The Sign Catcher ", Quintero writes th=
at he found his calling at an indigenous ceremony during The Longest Walk, =
a 3,000-mile march across the country (from Alcatraz Island in San Francisc=
o to Washington, DC) in 1978 by Native Americans to protest federal attacks=
on their way of life. The marchers carried the scared pipe to the nation's=
capital and ultimately legislative bills detrimental to indigenous people = were defeated.

His life then took a dramatic turn when he found himself in a maximum-secur= ity prison facing a possible 20-year sentence! Through a miracle of faith a=
nd hope, Quintero escaped prison and began teaching farmworkers at a commun= ity college. He would go on to become a leader in the movement against gang=
violence, joining forces with organizations such as Barrios Unidos and Hom= ies Unidos.

He also worked alongside the likes of Cesar Chavez, Harry Belafonte and Tom=
Hayden, and his efforts to save lives took him to El Salvador, Nicaragua a=
nd Venezuela. "The Sign Catcher"s is a compelling read that exemplifies the=
need to make change within before attempting to change the world around us=
-- and Quintero contends the challenges of the current times require our a= wakening now!

Critique: An inherently interesting, informative, and well written memoir t= hat will have a very special appeal for personal, community, and academic l= ibrary Hispanic Biography collections, it should be noted for students, aca= demia, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject = that "The Sign Catcher" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,=
$9.99).

Editorial Note: Otilio Quintero (https://mesarefuge.org/people/otilio-quint= ero) is a founding member of the Community Justice Network for Youth (CJNY)=
and a long-time youth violence prevention advocate. He worked for more tha=
n 24 years in prisons and detention centers in California and currently liv=
es in Lebec, California.

Does My Voice Matter?
Cynthia James
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647422431, $17.95, PB, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Does-Voice-Matter-Self-Discovery-Authenticity/dp/164= 7422434

Synopsis: We live in a critical and oftentimes violent world. People are af= raid to talk about what they feel, think, or believe. They withhold energy = for fear of being ridiculed, punished, or excluded. They hide their deepest=
dreams and desires away and cover them up with doubt, insecurity, old expe= riences, and fears. Cynthia James know this -- because that was her persona=
l experience.

Covering seven decades of living, traveling, and growing, "Does My Voice Ma= tter? A Journey of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, and Empowerment" follows h=
er journey of self-discovery and authenticity as she gradually recognizes t= hat she has a voice -- and learns how to use it. She uses her own life expe= riences as a backdrop for her exploration of how the voice is used as a too=
l of engagement; how a singular or collective voice can enhance empowerment=
, transparency, and accountability; and, finally, how expression can develo=
p new ideas, shift cultures, political views, transform organizations, crea=
te laws, and improve lives.

Written for anyone who wants to discover the power within that makes them s= pecial, "Does My Voice Matter?" has a vital message: Uniqueness is your own=
glorious imprint on this planet, and it is calling you to come out. It doe= sn't matter if your awakening is large or small, it doesn't matter what you=
r age, race, religion, or history is -- anyone can begin right where they a= re, right now.

Critique: A deftly crafted memoir with a mission, "Does My Voice Matter? A = Journey of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, and Empowerment" by Cynthia James =
is an extraordinary, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring read. Whil=
e especially and unreservedly recommended for community and academic librar=
y Contemporary African-American and American Women Biography/Memoir collect= ions, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Does My Voice Mat= ter?" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).

Editorial Note: Cynthia James (https://cynthiajames.net) is a transformatio= nal specialist and the author of "What Will Set You Free", "Revealing Your = Extraordinary Essence", and "I Choose Me". She is a sought-after radio gues=
t and the host of the podcast Women Awakening. She has completed two master=
's degree programs, one in consciousness studies and the other in spiritual=
psychology. An ordained licensed minister, she is a frequent presenter and=
workshop facilitator at spiritual centers around the world who also leads = pilgrimages to sacred sites. She is also a featured presenter with the Shif=
t Network and Humanities Team summits, two of the largest and most successf=
ul providers of virtual courses, online workshops, and tele-seminar events = taught by experts in the areas of spirituality and personal growth.

My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me
Terry Karger, author
Post Hill Press
www.posthillpress.com
9781637583265, $28.00, HC, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/My-Maril-Marilyn-Monroe-Hollywood/dp/1637583265

Synopsis: Terry Karger is a child of Hollywood: the granddaughter of Metro = Pictures cofounder Maxwell Karger, and the daughter of Fred Karger, a vocal=
coach at Columbia Pictures. Terry's memoir, "My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ron= ald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me" revolves around her father Fred and a trio o=
f silver-screen legends: her stepmother Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan, and, pri= marily, Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn, recently evolved from Norma Jeane Mortenson, was an unknown starle=
t when, as a twenty-one-year-old, she first met six-year-old Terry (and beg=
an dating her dad) in the spring of 1948. The orphaned, emotionally fragile=
actress initially babysat Fred's daughter while turning to his family for = support. Although the Marilyn-Fred romance lasted just over a year, her clo=
se friendship with the Kargers, including Fred, continued for fourteen year=
s until the end of Marilyn's life.

While Fred was Marilyn's first true love, his mom, Nana, was the mother she=
never really had. "Maril," as they fondly called her, was allowed to relax=
and be herself. It also enabled Marilyn to appease her own unfulfilled mat= ernal instincts, acting as a cross between a sweet, playful big sister and = generous, caring surrogate mom to Terry.

This exceptional memoir also reveals privately taken, previously unpublishe=
d photos of the iconic superstar with her adopted family and friends.

Critique: Candid, informative, fascinating, "My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Rona=
ld Reagan, Hollywood, and Me" is a simply riveting read from first page to = last and a 'must' for the legions of Marilyn Monroe fans. While especially = and unreservedly recommended for community and academic library American Bi= ography & Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists=
that "My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me" is also = available from Post Hill Press in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Terry Karger (https://posthillpress.com/authors/terry-karge=
r) graduated from the University of Southern California in 1963, one year a= fter Marilyn Monroe's death. She taught at Crescent Heights Elementary and = would later teach at Westwood Elementary where her students had parents suc=
h as Micky Dolenz, Millie Perkins, Ronny Cox, and Richard Pryor.

You're Not From Around Here, Are You?
Martin Lehfeldt
Belle Isle Books
http://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781953021960, $16.95, PB, 178pp

https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Around-Here-Are/dp/1953021964

Synopsis: More than five decades ago, Northeast-native Martin Lehfeldt was =
so captivated by the South that he made it his home. Reflecting on his expe= riences in "You're Not From Around Here, Are You? Notes from a Naturalized = Southerner" Lehfeldt has assembled a uniquely diverse collection of impress= ions that embrace an overview of the region's historically black colleges a=
nd universities, the unequaled pleasure of sipping a Bloody Mary on a rainy=
Saturday morning in New Orleans, the joys of 1960s-era first-class air tra= vel, the discovery of a coon dog cemetery, a revelatory visit to Key West, = throwing a good party, brushes with celebrity, and plenty more.

Open Lehfeldt's witty collection of sketches at virtually any page and you = will find a story that lyrically captures a moment, a feeling, and possibly=
a piece of your heart.

Critique: A combination memoir and cultural observation, "You're Not From A= round Here, Are You? Notes from a Naturalized Southerner" is a fascinating = read that is articulate, engaging, thought-provoking, and fun. Highly recom= mended, "You're Not From Around Here, Are You? Notes from a Naturalized Sou= therner" is an ideal addition to personal reading lists and community libra=
ry Social Activist, Educator, and African-American Biography/Memoir collect= ions.

Editorial Note: Martin Lehfeldt (http://www.belleislebooks.com/martinlehfel= dt.html) earned a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New Y= ork-but then self-defrocked in the mid-1960s. The opportunity to direct a p= rogram that recruited and placed outstanding young faculty members at histo= rically Black colleges throughout the South gave him a unique perspective o=
n that region, and lured him to Atlanta. What was intended to be a brief so= journ blossomed into a career as a college development officer, a fund-rais= ing consultant, and President of the Southeastern Council of Foundations. D= uring five decades as a naturalized Southerner traveling widely in the regi= on, he has become known as a speaker and author whose books include The Sac= red Call, Notes from a Non-Profitable Life, and (with Jamil Zainaldin) The = Liberating Promise of Philanthropy.

He Charged Alone
John R. Strasburg
www.johnstrasburg.com
Lulu
Lulu.com
9781387855926, $17.98, PB, 249pp

https://www.amazon.com/He-Charged-Alone-Recipient-Private/dp/1387855921

Synopsis: Frank Gaffney was a 33-year-old papermaker from Western New York = when America entered the Great War in 1917. While his age exempted him from=
serving in the military, Gaffney ran to the colors anyway. He fought brave=
ly on Belgian and French battlefields as a U.S. Army soldier with the 27th = Division's 108th Infantry Regiment.

On September 29, 1918, Gaffney singlehandedly breached a section of Germany=
's Hindenburg Line, coming away with 80 prisoners. Six grateful nations rec= ognized his bravery, including his own. In June 1919, the United States awa= rded him the Medal of Honor. Years later, the 27th Division's commanding ge= neral, Maj. Gen. John F. O'Ryan, wrote of Gaffney, "...no one man had perfo= rmed more daring exploits and had exercised a bigger influence upon those a= bout him by the gallantry of his conduct."

With the publication of "He Charged Alone: World War I Medal of Honor Recip= ient Private First Class Frank Gaffney", John Strasburg chronicles the life=
of a First World War American soldier whose bravery was once compared to t= hat of the legendary Sergeant Alvin York.

To tell Frank Gaffney's story, Strasburg deftly weaves together Gaffney's p= ersonal correspondence with military/government records, newspaper accounts=
, and published unit histories. Nearly fifty illustrations (photographs and=
maps) augment the narrative.

While much of "He Charged Alone" focuses on Gaffney's military service, her= oism on the battlefield, and subsequent rehabilitation from a combat injury=
he received in the war's closing days, it also covers Gaffney's upbringing=
and how he managed the burden that comes with being a Medal of Honor recip= ient. At its core, "He Charged Alone" memorializes a true American hero fro=
m New York State who in life was admired by people across the country but i=
n death has been nearly forgotten.

In the pages of "He Charged Alone", Frank Gaffney's legacy returns to the f= ore, where it belongs.

Critique: Informative enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a two p= age Epilogue, a two page Appendix, thirty-eight pages of Notes, a twelve pa=
ge Bibliography, and a four page Index, "He Charged Alone: World War I Meda=
l of Honor Recipient Private First Class Frank Gaffney" is especially recom= mended to readers with an interest in World War I Military History & Biogra= phies. A truly exceptional biography that effectively rescues a World War I=
Medal of Honor winner from an undeserved obscurity, "He Charged Alone" is =
a ver special and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, profession= al, community, and academic library collections

Editorial Note: John Strasburg (https://www.johnstrasburg.com) is a genealo= gist who specializes in military records research and enjoys helping others=
discover their ancestral past. He is a retired U.S. Coast Guard commission=
ed officer and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from SUNY Sto=
ny Brook, a master's degree in library & information science from the Unive= rsity of South Florida, and a certificate in genealogical research from Bos= ton University's Metropolitan School, Center for Professional Education.

Dancing in Their Light
Debbie Chinn
www.debbiechinn.com
Strange Fate Publications
9780578355993, $30.00

https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Their-Light-Daughters-Unfinished/dp/05783559=
9X

Dancing in Their Light: A Daughter's Unfinished Memoir chronicles the as-ye= t-unconcluded life of a daughter of Chinese immigrants who was born and rai= sed on Long Island, New York. Her family's successful restaurant was a fami=
ly effort as the House of Mah Jong proved both her playground and her train= ing arena, leading her to perform as a Polynesian dancer through her teen y= ears as she evolved dreams and goals which moved far from the successful ni= ghtclub/restaurant world.

Under another hand, Dancing in Their Light might have ended at this point, = with furthering her parents' dream; but Debbie Chinn had other goals, and e= ventually become the CEO of a non-profit arts group. Her family's journey t= hat led her to this point is chronicled in a memoir that celebrates her her= itage through history and explorations of the expanded Mah Jong family circ= le. Black and white and color photos of family and the restaurant/nightclub=
business liberally pepper the story to add visual attraction to her chroni= cle.

Along the way, readers also absorb circumstances of Chinese and American in= teractions, cultures, and perceptions that lend the memoir the added value =
of a cultural education as the family's fascination with Hawaii translates =
to an endeavor most Chinese immigrant families did not undertake.

While the blossoming restaurant business takes center role in this story, o=
f equal interest is her family's background history and transformations as = they moved between and within very different cultures, assimilating some of=
the best of both to present new opportunities to their inner circle and th=
e community around them. In a nutshell, Dancing in Their Light is about how=
values, experiences, and perceptions translate between generations to affe=
ct and change outcomes and birth a legendary cultural icon.

Whether readers come to the story for its Chinese roots and heritage; its r= estaurant business insights; or for the evolution of a young woman who foll= owed family tradition in following an unexpected path, Dancing in Their Lig=
ht will reach a wide audience of followers with its engrossing juxtapositio=
ns of past, present, and future worlds.

Ideally, it will find a place not only in libraries strong in business and = Chinese family memoirs, but in book club discussion circles looking for tit= les about immigrant experience, Chinese family history, and a daughter's le= ssons that led her to her own successes. Inspirational and enlightening, Da= ncing in Their Light is a memoir that is hard to put down.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte= rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi= duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
, and list price).

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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