Non-Fiction

Title: Surviving the Folded Flag: Parents of war share stories of coping, courage, & faith
Author: Deborah Tainsh
Genre: Non-Fiction, Anthology
Reviewer: Charlene Rubush

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 193461713X

Author of Heart of a Hawk and Gold Star mom Deborah Tainsh has gathered essays from more than twenty-five parents who received the dreaded news that their child had died in military service. These invaluable stories show how today's military families are surviving the folded flag and give a glimpse into the lives of fallen service members as Gold Star parents tell the stories and celebrate the lives of their fallen heroes.

Surviving also includes advice for other Gold Star families, their friends, and family members.

Bonus essays from a casualty assistance officer and a former soldier give deeper insight into how wartime death affects comrades left behind.

Title: America's Finest
Author: Stephen Peterson
Genre: Non-Fiction, Creative
Reviewer: jim greenwald

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 1438985681

The more than sixty short stories that make up "America's Finest" details the humanitarian service as well as the personal sacrifices of the men and women of each of the branches of the United States Armed Services in Iraq. United States service members provided Iraqi citizens health care services, formal education, public works and many other services too numerous to describe. Though the United States Armed Services are trained in the art of war, more than 70% of its activities, even during the period of armed conflict, was dedicated to non-combative work for and on behalf of the Iraqi people. within days following combat action, American service members began initiating public service work toward re-building the infrastructure and personal lives of individual Iraqis in a spirit of compassion, mercy and forgiveness towards those who had been enemies only hours before. Airmen/women, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers gave thousands of manhours each week in their attempt to make life better for the Iraqi people. A number of these service members gave the citizens of Iraq the greatest gift any person could render-their lives. Privates, junior enlisted non-commissioned officers and junior company grade officers most between the age 18 and 24 years of age make up the majority of the figures in these stories. These brave, resourceful young men and young women are the REAL heroes and heroines. From rural communities, suburbs and inner cities; rich, middle class and poor; every racial and ethnic group make up the United States armed services. As an all volunteer force, there is no compulsion to serve. Yet each do so willingly for freedom and liberty for all. They are indeed "America's Finest" and patriots all!

Title: I Will Never Give Up On God Again
Author: Derek W. Clark
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Reviewer: Bill McDonald

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0615267351/a>

Have you ever given up on God? Or been close to giving up on Him? I have. This is the story of a spiritual journey: from feeling abandoned by God to feeling embraced by God. For years I'd felt an oppressive weight bearing down on me: the burden of anger against God. Why did it feel like He never stuck up for me? Why didn't He rescue me from the abuse, loneliness, and pain of a troubled childhood? Why didn't He stop my parents from abandoning me to the foster care system? With every disappointment, I became more and more convinced He wasn't there, wasn't guiding me through my struggles. He either could not or would not comfort me during the hard times; the times I needed Him most. I didn't fear God, and secretly despised Him. It was the drowning death and resuscitation of a young girl that forced me to rethink my contentious and unhealthy relationship with God. Knocked hard out of my irreligious complacency, I came to see tragedy, hope, suffering, and overcoming with new clarity and understanding. Adversity, I realized, can be one of God's greatest blessings. This spiritual epiphany has filled me with immeasurable gratitude: for the breath of life, the goodness around me, and even for the sad, troubled past I had to overcome. This is a story about rediscovering God, and gaining awareness of His presence. A former High-Risk Foster Child with thirteen years in the foster care system, Derek W. Clark is an Inspiring Motivational Speaker and Author. As a helpless child, Derek was nearly institutionalized due to erratic behavioral problems and violent tendencies. He is a survivor of child abuse, and was diagnosed early on as mentally retarded. As he developed, it became clear to his foster parents that this diagnosis was without merit. Even against unbelievable odds, Derek never gave up, using music, laughter, will power, and positive decision-making to triumph over adversity. He is the author of the autobiographical I Will Never Give Up, which received the highest rating of 5 Stars from the American Authors Association and I Will Never Give Up On God Again. He is also a recording artist, singer/songwriter and successful business owner. Derek currently resides in Northern California, with his wife of 15 years and their 4 amazing children.

Title: Bible Promises for Soldiers
Author: Jacqueline Barnes
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Reviewer: Claudia Pemberton

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 143433757X

This book is a must read for soldiers and those in other branches of the military who are facing or who will face a deployment. It examines the role of the soldier from a biblical perspective. It examines the lives of some of the greatest warriors in the bible and the strategies they used to defeat their enemies. This book contains over 100 promises from the bible specifically for soldiers. They are promises of protection, deliverance, strength and encouragement for those facing the challenges of deployment and war. This book is powerful, uplifting, and encouraging. Do not go to war without reading this book.

Title: Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from World War II
Author: Larkin Spivey
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Reviewer: Rob Ballister

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0899570402

The purpose of Stories of Faith and Courage from World War II is to strengthen the faith of its readers by showing the power of faith of those under the most extreme circumstances imaginable. This is accomplished through 365 one-page stories from America's greatest conflict presented in a daily devotional format with relevant scripture readings for each day of the year. Additionally, the book presents a unique and concise history of World War II with summaries, maps, and photographs of the major campaigns of the war. On this level, the individual stories provide insights into the war and combat not found in typical historical accounts.