Defy the Darkness: A Tale of Courage in the Shadow of Mengele

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Summary: Defy the Darkness
Review: "Defy the Darkness" is a must-read book for anyone interested in the Holocaust. The first-person narrative puts this book on a personal level that has a huge impact on the reader. And this is one of those can't-put-down books. Once you start, you must keep going. This is not a light subject, of course. But it is one that the world cannot be allowed to forget. I guarantee you will not forget this book.

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Summary: A gripping tale
Review: Holocaust stories are inherently dramatic, so the writer's challenge is to tell the story without letting the writing get in the way. David Kohn succeeds beautifully. You are transported into the heart of the holocaust and held their in suspense and fear for most of the book. Although there is already a large body of Holocaust literature, you will be mesmerized by this story even if you have read the others.

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Summary: Courage, Defiance Make REAL Survivor
Review: In this age of TV's phony "survivor" shows, the book reminds us that even the simplest act of survivorship takes courage, will, and, sometimes, defiance. The fact that Joe Rosenblum survived the Holocaust at all is a miracle; his tenacity in telling his story is powerful and powerfully-told by his co-author/ghostwriter, David Kohn. Without a hint of self-pity, Joe survived the worst of the worst, including a stint with Josef Mengele. In brief, the book is full of both passion and compassion, and I intend to share it with friends.

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Summary: Heart breaking, inspiring, riveting
Review: Statistics concerning the atrocities committed during the Holocaust are readily available. What I found immensely touching and absolutely fascinating about this book was that for the first time I understood how the citizens suffered. I experienced their terror, their degradation, their pain--both physical and that of the soul. But thankfully, Joe Rosenblum's story also demonstrates the incredible courage, ingenuity and stamina that enabled him to survive. The fact that he was never overwhelmed by bitterness, never lost his compassion nor his determination to survive is a testament to the human spirit. This is a book to be relished and cherished.

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Summary: Remember Before It's Too Late
Review: There is no shortage of writing about the Holocaust, fortunately, because nothing so evil should ever be forgotten. In addition to the dry historical accounts, we have many novels, military assessments and first-person accounts.
What Joe Rosenblum gives us is a closeup look at his hometown of Miedzyrzec, Poland, as it is swallowed up by the Nazis, the effects on its mostly Jewish population and the terrible events that upend and destroy his family. Equally important, he tells us how he survived his hellacious odyssey through Nazi death camps, his techniques for survival and the pure luck that kept him from destruction.
I found the writing a little choppy and some of the material was a bit repetitious. The book sometimes read more like an interview with someone eager to spill out the details before it's too late. So what? This is not literature, this is humanity, set down on paper so that we'll all remember and, if we're lucky, have just a little of the courage of this survivor.

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Summary: Chilling Insight
Review: This book defines a moment in time that should never be forgotten. The author has survived the horrors and atrocities imposed on people that are usually left to science fiction. The mere fact that he could remember the details of such horrors and recapture them with such eloquence is a testament to his character. This man defines the word "hero."

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Summary: Unforgetable Account of Horror, Suffering and Bravery
Review: This book is fantastic. Joe Rosenblum's story is inspiring. I have shared this book with many people and every one of them found the book intriguing. Mr. Rosenblum went through hell and emerged a hero and a very decent man. Very well written with co-author Mr. Kohn.

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Summary: Truth be told
Review: This book is one of the best suvivor accounts I have read. The authot lets you into his life and lets you see things through his eyes. Once you are in - it's hard to leave. The author has such an amazing memory of his life that the pages beg to be read. I happen to have been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Rosenblum and hear him tell his story to my students. Truly an amazing man. I highly reccomend this book for it's truth, honesty and heroism.

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Summary: Truth be told
Review: This book is one of the best suvivor accounts I have read. The authot lets you into his life and lets you see things through his eyes. Once you are in - it's hard to leave. The author has such an amazing memory of his life that the pages beg to be read. I happen to have been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Rosenblum and hear him tell his story to my students. Truly an amazing man. I highly reccomend this book for it's truth, honesty and heroism.

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Summary: Heartwrenching Acts of Bravery & Wit
Review: This book was a page turner that I could not put down. It went straight to my heart and I wondered if I could do the same things to survive. Joe's thoughts and actions were absolutely amazing, thinking about my 14 yr old nephew the whole time. Unimaginable acts of bravery and the things he has to overcome just to stay alive. Giving kindness to anyone he could even though it could mean death in an instant. Watching and telling his stories of death all around him and of his family. The work he had to endure, the pain, and the hopes to keep him going.

This book is an excellent read and really opens your eyes to his life and the lives around him.