Lawrence Elliott
George Washington Carver:
The Man Who Overcame
George Washington Carver
Even when I read it again and again, I immerse myself in this special life story as deeply as I did the first time. How much dignity and true humanity this man showed, and what a beneficial work he did!
I also appreciate the subtleties of the writing style of the author. The descriptions are clear and of such a richness of color that they present a well-rounded picture of life from the first to the last line.
MW
The real-life story of a person who did not have it easy from birth: black skin, slave, ailing physical health. But he survives and overcomes these obstacles and eventually becomes a famous botanist and inventor. For him, it was important to help other people with his inventions.
RK
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Chingiz Aitmatov
Duishen / The First Teacher
Original Title: Первый учитель
Kyrgyzstan (Soviet Union) 1924: All on his own and despite the ridicule he is subjected to, the “first teacher” Duishen goes against the wishes of the villagers and converts an old stable into something that has never existed in this remote area: a school. Despite having no formal education himself, the idealistic young teacher is driven by the purpose and goal of his work, and he encourages his students wherever he can.
Told with a great deal of sensitivity. A thin book with powerful content.
GP
P.S. Aitmatov unobtrusively expresses his sympathy for communist ideas. His main character Duishen idolizes Lenin, though he is serious about not only preaching the communist ideals, but also living them.
Probably not intended by Aitmatov: His story clearly shows why the socialist-communist “paradise on earth” is really just a castle in the air and will remain a utopia: no one else throughout the whole plot of the book is even remotely as socially minded and helpful as Duishen, so constantly concerned with the common good.
A “paradise on earth” needs a lot more selfless, loving people such as Aitmatov’s “first teacher” exemplifies. People are not all the same: some develop their talents, others do not. Some want to work and others try to avoid work.
Human maturity of the people on this earth is too varied; while some want to build a piece of paradise, others build a hell on earth or allow it to be built.
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Michael Ende
Momo (or: The Grey Gentlemen)
In my opinion, “Momo” should definitely be included in your book recommendations. It’s my favorite book, and I’ve given away many copies, not just to children. Being present in the here and now, listening, giving depth to the moment, friendship and loyalty … An important book in our fast, superficial, digitally fueled times.
That’s why little Momo is such a great danger for the gray men, the time robbers. She has an extraordinary ability to listen:
Momo could listen so that inarticulate folk suddenly came out with bright ideas. It wasn’t anything that she said or asked that brought such ideas out of the other person; no, it wasn’t that. She simply sat there and listened with full concentration, completely involved. While she gazed at them with her huge dark eyes, others felt unique ideas (which they had never guessed were there) suddenly surfacing from deep within.
Ages 9 to 99 (especially topical for adults)
BPH
Gabriele Hoffmann from the German Leseleben [reading life] association finds it very interesting to read “Momo” in light of how digital media steal our time:
Momo” as a book! Because a lot gets lost in the film.
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Abd-ru-shin
The Ten Commandments of God
How is a child supposed to honor his father and mother if one or both of the parents are not worthy and respectable? From this book I learned that this “THOU SHALL HONOR FATHER AND MOTHER!” has a broader sense:
“Thou shall honor father(hood) and mother(hood)” is primarily aimed at parents who are supposed to take motherhood and fatherhood seriously, that is, to honor them! –
The commandment “THOU SHALL NOT KILL!” means not only the act of physical murder, but the commandment also warns of killing, deaden the joy and hopes of others. The reputation of another person can also be killed: character assassination!
Abd-ru-shin explains each of the ten commandments in a broad sense and, in doing so, brings clarity to them instead of restrictive interpretations.
This short book contains a wealth of knowledge for those who wish to make the world a better place, starting with themselves. Because it is written in a simple and understandable style, it is also suitable for use in school ethics and religion courses.
As someone who was baptized a Catholic and who attended Protestant religious instruction, this little book provided a lot of new knowledge and expanded my understanding.
Even readers who have little use of religion will find their horizons broadened by this book and will discover spiritual values for their everyday life, as soon as they start seriously looking for ideal values.
Ages 12 and up.
GP
With the clear and enriching interpretations of the commandments, I no longer see them as restrictive prohibitions, but as well-intentioned advice for my own path in life.
F.J.
Most people have heard of the Ten Commandments and are perhaps even quite familiar with them. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to examine them in more detail every now and then, so that they don’t simply become negligible! Or even get forgotten.
MJE
By the same author: ‘In the Light of Truth’ – The Grail Message
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Peter Carter
The Sentinels
Royal Navy warships sail off the west coast of Africa to intercept ships involved in the slave trade and free their “cargo,” who are to be sold as slaves in Brazil and the U.S.
Fifteen-year-old John Spencer is an officer cadet sailing with the “Sentinel.” He learns firsthand about the hard work on board a ship and also finds himself involved in combat.
The author adeptly describes his very believable characters, “the good, the bad, the indifferent, the heroes and the villains” as well as their motives.
The fate of the kidnapped Africans, who are chained and treated like cattle, is portrayed in dramatic scenes.
Peter Carter wrote this book “in memory of the millions of Africans who were kidnapped and forced into slavery and the thousands of British Royal Navy sailors who perished trying to free them.”
The book also illustrates how judgments can in fact be unjust, with the righteous being punished and the criminals acquitted.
This story also reminds me of my former classmate Jochen, who decided at thirteen that he wanted to set out to free the Indians, the Native Americans. Similar feelings arise when reading “The Sentinel.”
Ages 13 and up.
G.K.
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Udo Weigelt / Cristina Kadmon
Bear’s Last Journey
“What does it mean when you are dead?” the little fox asked the old bear.
“Some say it’s just like sleeping. And others say that you go to heaven… ” answered the bear.
The old bear is (deathly) ill. Fox, badger, rabbit, squirrel, deer, all of his animal friends have gathered in his cave to say goodbye to him.
A quiet, tender story about how death is something completely natural. The surprising ending gives those who remain behind the feeling that life will go on.
Delicately and finely illustrated, written with lots of heart.
Ages approx. 4 and up. Also moving for adults.
RK & GK
An outstanding pearl that depicts a deep topic of life in a child-friendly way, without being forceful.
AS
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