He is a young man; navigating career and relationship uncertainties; caught up in his own life. But a grudging afternoon visit in New York City with his grandmother will open windows to an untold family past – and a profound friendship with the extraordinary woman who will change his life. Finding Maria tells a story of love and discovery; of tragedy and growth. As they walk museums and see films; they talk about her younger years in Budapest; including stories of Holocaust survival and an escape from Communism; leading him to a deeper and more mature understanding of his grandmother; and himself. This beautiful memoir calls us to ask; to learn; and to love ... while there is still time.
#326505 in Books 2014-08-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x 1.25l; #File Name: 0986076007376 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Son's Story About His Father's ServiceBy Jeffrey T. Munson"Shot Down" chronicles the story of the B-17 "Susan Ruth" and its crew. Written by the son of the pilot; Howard Snyder; this book gives the reader an inside look at the Eighth Air Force as it grew from a small force to the greatest air armada of World War II.Snyder and his crew went through training in the United States before being sent overseas. Once in Great Britain; they were attached to the 369th squadron of the 306th bomb group. Missions over Germany soon followed.In February; 1944; the Susan Ruth was shot down by enemy fighters. This was the beginning of a seven month odyssey for Howard; who jumped from the burning plane along with eight others of the crew. Howard eventually joined the Belgian resistance to fight back against the Germans. With the help of numerous Belgian civilians; Howard managed to make it out alive."Shot Down" is a fine book. Not only does author Steve Snyder tell his father's story; he also tells the story of the build-up of the Eighth Air Force. The reader not only learns about the bombing missions; but other ares; including flying in combat; training; and the problems faced while trying to return to base. I've read several books about the Eighth Air Force; and "Shot Down" is a worthy addition to its history. Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I was a little disappointed and left somewhat looking for more information and details ...By LeRoy C. FeusnerVery interesting story about a WWII aviator who was shot down flying bombing missions over Germany. Using both his personal autobiography and story telling ability; the author attempts to describe what aerial combat crews experienced in England while not flying; while flying their combat missions; and escaping from German occupied lands. I was a little disappointed and left somewhat looking for more information and details about his experiences and circumstances while attempting escape from the Belgium area. A lot of detail mentioning people who assisted him; but not much detail about the daily experiences during the entire time period. I got to the point where mentioning all of the people started to detract from the story. Overall I thought the book was very good.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Missions lasting many hours at high altitude on oxygen they were scared and painful. Eighteen years old plus flying thru the flaBy ed kolbSteve.....Thank you so much for writing this book.As I have mentioned before my Dad was a belly gunner on the B-17 called the "Yankee Maid" shot down over Germany and a POW I do not know how long my Dad was on the ground or how he was captured. My Dad never would talk about the war so with Steve's book about his Father I was able to understand what those fathers;brothers; uncles went thru.Missions lasting many hours at high altitude on oxygen they were scared and painful.Eighteen years old plus flying thru the flack areas and seeing other B-17's shot down I can not even imagine what those men felt.While reading Steve's book I really felt close to my Dad.Many times tears would come down and I would have to stop for awhile.Steve's book means so much to me because my Dad never would say any thing so I found out some of the experiences my Dad went thru with Steve's book so if you want to know what happened to a B-17 crew and feel like your right there.GET IT..READ IT and PASS it on.....Steve you sir have made my day much brighter...I wish I could thank your father in person for his service but I know he knows. GOD BLESS YOU and your family and your tireless work...ED KOLB
