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Here are the first two books I finished in 2024. Both are fantastic biographies of men who showed grit and resiliency in the face of extreme difficulty. Their perseverance paid off and both men succeeded in completely different ways.
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Milton Hershey: More than Chocolate by Janet Benge
Rating: 10/10
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed diving into the life of Milton Hershey, the visionary behind America’s favorite chocolate. He grew up very poor and struggled in school – many doubted his potential. This was a powerful reminder that each person possesses unique gifts that may only surface later in life. I was amazed at Milton Hershey’s grit and relentless determination to succeed. Despite encountering many failures in his business ventures, he did not give up. I admired his innovative thinking. When land and buildings were too expensive in town for his factory, he built a factory in the middle of nowhere, and built a town around his factory. He allowed the public to name his town – it became “Hershey, Pennsylvania.” Before he died, Milton gave his earnings away to build homes and a school for children in need.
Click here to read more about Milton Hershey.
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The Boys in the Boat by Daniel Brown
Rating: 10/10
Review: “The Boys in the Boat” is a non-fiction book that tells the inspiring and true story of the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team and their journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The story primarily focuses on Joe Rantz, one of the rowers, and his challenging life circumstances. Against the backdrop of the Great Depression and rising tensions in Europe, the book explores the team’s struggles, dedication, and ultimate triumph in the face of adversity. The book takes us to the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, where the American team, including the University of Washington crew, faced off against Adolf Hitler’s favored German team. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Brown captures the spirit of determination, teamwork, and resilience that defined the boys in the boat. I highly recommend this book to anyone 15 and up!
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(Side note: I thought I had read “Boys in the Boat” a while back, only to realize I had confused it with “Unbroken.” Both books are set in the same historical era, and while “Boys in the Boat” revolves around a rowing team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, “Unbroken” follows the life of Louis Zamperini, who not only attended the same Olympics but also survived World War II, including a period spent with several “Boys in a boat.”
Despite the mix-up, I thoroughly enjoyed both stories. The tale of the boys in the boat is distinct from Louis Zamperini’s incredible journey, but each narrative stands on its own merits. I highly recommend both books for their gripping accounts of resilience, courage, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.)
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Here are my four favorite books of 2023.
What are you reading and loving? Leave a comment!
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