Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "belarus", sorted by average review score:

Bashert: A Granddaughter's Holocaust Quest (Willie Morris Books in Memoir and Biography)
Published in Hardcover by Univ Pr of Mississippi (Trd) (September, 2002)
Average review score: 

An Important Book to Read
Never To Be ForgottenAndrea Simon has written a memoir filled with haunting memories. I found her descriptions so realistic, her feelings so intense that I was transported to the time and place of her ancestors. It became clear as I turned the pages that what began as the author's personal journey ended as a reminder to all readers, of events never to be forgotten.
an outstanding experienceThe importance of family makes the biggest impression on me after reading this powerfully written literary book. The horrors that Simon's family experienced in the Holocaust bring that atrocity home in a profound way. Her personal journey becomes our journey with her as she discovers atrocities such as the killing of 50,000 Jews in mass graves, simply because they were Jewish. Making the reading even more insistent is her grandmother's voice which we hear throuought the book, urging her on and being with her. Being able to read a Holocaust account of one family, with photos of relatives past and present, puts the reader inside the family, as if this were your own family album, and an account and discovery of your own relatives. Evil such as the Holocaust gives us all pause and reaffirms the need to pray for God and goodness to prevail in all times, even now. While some people have a family tree that they borrow from family members, Simon's family has something much greater. They are so very lucky to have a relative who puts together a detailed family experience, researches its important past,and delivers it to present and future generations. Simon's grandmother and mother must certainly be very proud of her. Proud, too, must be her living relatives who can now hold in their hands such an intelligent, eloquent and profoundly moving account of their family. As outsiders,we are fortunate to have the opportunity to experience that family, and to acknowledge again the horrors of the Holocaust, through Beshert.

The Last Sunrise
Published in Paperback by H&J Publishing, Inc. (August, 1992)
Average review score: 

Such a Horrifying, Inspirational Book!...
This has been one of the most inspirational books I've ever read...
I woke up..., seeing the sunrise and feeling very thankful for my life.
This story follows the true events of a horrific time in our world, when our fellow mankind were treated so inhumanly, during the World War 2. This book is about a young boy's personal experiences and views of staying in the Nazi Concentration Camps. That young boy grew up to be; the author of this book! The true story told in this book was horrifying and yet wonderful. I'll never forget the story of Harold's life and I want to share it with others. I can't express the sorrow, joy and hope I felt for this author and all who unwillingly had to take part in those devastating times. Thank God, he survived and shared his purpose with us. Mr. Gordon you have inspired me beyond words. Forgiveness, is such an easy word to say but not so easy to do. I wonder what justifiable, excuse I could ever come up with to not forgive those who've hurt me. I'm so happy that you have triumphed and have received such wonderful blessings in your life!
I still hadn't decided when my kids should read this book, but after reading some other reviews, I'll definitely have my teenager read it now and my other children when they are just a bit older.
I guess I was trying to protect them from reading a firsthand account of such atrocious acts. My youngest and oldest sons are the age span that Mr. Gordon was during his experience. As a mother I couldn't imagine my children going through that. I think they should read it and we'll all pray that this History will never repeat itself! Once again, this is a book I'll recommend and never forget!
I read on one of the reviews that Mr. Gordon is a speaker, does he still have speaking engagements? I live in the same area he lives, if he's still here. I would be very interested and appreciate any information about him.
This has been one of the most inspirational books I've ever read...
I woke up..., seeing the sunrise and feeling very thankful for my life.
This story follows the true events of a horrific time in our world, when our fellow mankind were treated so inhumanly, during the World War 2. This book is about a young boy's personal experiences and views of staying in the Nazi Concentration Camps. That young boy grew up to be; the author of this book! The true story told in this book was horrifying and yet wonderful. I'll never forget the story of Harold's life and I want to share it with others. I can't express the sorrow, joy and hope I felt for this author and all who unwillingly had to take part in those devastating times. Thank God, he survived and shared his purpose with us. Mr. Gordon you have inspired me beyond words. Forgiveness, is such an easy word to say but not so easy to do. I wonder what justifiable, excuse I could ever come up with to not forgive those who've hurt me. I'm so happy that you have triumphed and have received such wonderful blessings in your life!
I still hadn't decided when my kids should read this book, but after reading some other reviews, I'll definitely have my teenager read it now and my other children when they are just a bit older.
I guess I was trying to protect them from reading a firsthand account of such atrocious acts. My youngest and oldest sons are the age span that Mr. Gordon was during his experience. As a mother I couldn't imagine my children going through that. I think they should read it and we'll all pray that this History will never repeat itself! Once again, this is a book I'll recommend and never forget!
I read on one of the reviews that Mr. Gordon is a speaker, does he still have speaking engagements? I live in the same area he lives, if he's still here. I would be very interested and appreciate any information about him.
a grandaughters viewI first read this book when I was in the fourth grade and was very surprised that it was my grandpa that went through all of the trials described. I could not put the book down until I had finished it. When I finally did, my whole perception of this horrible war had changed. It was hard to grasp that these horrible circumstances had surrounded my grandpa's childhood. This book and his wise teachings have taught me forgiveness, hope, and faith. This book is an alternate for The Diary of Anne Franke. You get a different view, not one of growing up in hiding but one of growing up in concentration camps.
Fascinating! Should be mandatory reading for everyone.This was an absolutely unforgettable book which I read cover-to-cover in one sitting. My range of emotions went from laughing out loud -- to crying out loud. It made me realize how truly insignificant my minor "life's little inconveniences" have really been, and forced me to reevaluate my set of values and morals. I have rarely been as touched and moved as I was by Mr. Gordon's story. It's a book I will never forget!

The Bronski House: A Journey Back
Published in Hardcover by Arcade Publishing (June, 1997)
Average review score: 

So light of touch but yet so far reachingThe language is so poetic and fluent, it hurls you away, lightly and fluffily to a different era; a world long gone and forgotten. It has something of an East European Gone With The Wind theme, only much more concise and fleetingly. I longed for more pages, a hundred more, fivehundred more, in this novel too timid and subdued somehow. Perfect script for a fullblown-no-expenses -spared Hollywood film!

Escape to the Forest : Based on a True Story of the Holocaust
Published in Hardcover by HarperCollins (April, 2000)
Average review score: 

Escape to the Forest:Based on a True Story of the HolocaustEscape to the Forest is a compelling novel for young readers 9 and up, that tells a tale of terror, hunger and hope as the Nazis invade Poland and forever change the lives of ten year old Sarah and her family. Based on a true story, Sarah's will to live and her determination to find her way to the forest where her brother and other Jews are sheltered makes the book impossible to put down.An important addition to the Holocaust collection.

Flat-Panel Display Technologies: Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
Published in Hardcover by Noyes Publications (December, 1995)
Average review score: 

An total understanding in the LCD industriesThis book shows a whole picture of Japan LCD industries. It also contains a list of all the major LCD material manufacturers. It is an important book for people who are in this business.

The Francis Skaryna Byelorussian Library and Museum
Published in Unknown Binding by Francis Skaryna Byelorussian Library and Museum ()
Average review score: 

Location of "Francis Skaryna Byelorussian Library & Museum"The Library offers an unbiased forum to research
anything regarding Belarus, Byelorussia,
White Russia, White Ruthenia or the Grand Duchy
of Lithuania.
Find out how Arabic script was used by the
Tartars instead of Cyrillic.
Location :
The Francis Skaryna Library & Museum
37 Holden Road
North Finchley
London N12
Tel : 081.445.7774
Nearest Tube/Metro/Subway :
Woodside Park (Northern line)

Historical Dictionary of Belarus
Published in Hardcover by Scarecrow Press (July, 1998)
Average review score: 

A great book!"Historical Dictionary of Belarus" consists of four parts: chronology of historical events (from the earliest times to our days); overview of Belarus's history; a dictionary part (over 400 articles and biographical sketches); bibliography (including citations in English, with articles from Belarusian Review); and a supplement "Rulers of Belarus" (from Duke Rahvalod to President Luukashenka). The volume has two maps: one indicating Belarus' main cities and towns (courtesy of Belarusian Review) and the other showing the strategic location of Belarus in the East European context. As of today, Zaprudnik's book is the only English-language source of data on Belarus' past and present. The volume provides essential information on historical personages, current figures, political parties and their leaders; it has articles on archeology, early tribes, main rivers, major battles, economy, education, historiography, demography, language, culture, literature, arts, religion, national idea, the Belarusian diaspora, recent referenda, parliament, human rights, etc. In the article on alphabets, two sets of characters are given: Cyrillic and Latin. This will be of assistance to those who are not familiar with the Belarusian Latin and Cyrillic alphabets that have been and are still used. The easy style of the dictionary will enable English speaking families with Belarusian heritage in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia to use the book in explaining to their children and grandchildren the country of their origin and its present status in the world. The book could also be helpful to those who are learning English and wish to inform their foreign friends about Belarus.

The Last Sunrise: A True Story
Published in Hardcover by H&J Publishing, Inc. (August, 1992)
Average review score: 

This is a book about the indomitable human spiritThis book should be required reading for everybody. It is the story of a child caught in the insanities of war, and experiencing man's inhumanity to man. This is the story of little boy Harold Gordon, who went through the Holocaust at age 10 and miraculously survived several concentration camps and incredible horrors. Torn from a very poor, but adequate life, he experienced starvation, freezing, violent deaths in the family and all other kids of indescribable cruelties. The book takes us along on an impossible journey of tragedy, cruelty, and finally, triumph of the indomitable human spirit. This book is not about despair, but one of overcoming and forgiving, and most importantly, of the incredible strengths we have inside. This is a book you won't be able to put down until you finish. It's a book that will move you to tears as you go through it, and will have you smile and cheer when you are finished.

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi: A Biography of the First Lubavitcher Rebbe
Published in Hardcover by Kehot Publication Society (01 January, 1999)
Average review score: 

A fascinating and insightful look into his lifeRabbi Schneur Zalman Of Liadi by author, translator, and Rabbinic scholar Nissan Mindel is the informed and informative biography of a Jewish rabbi who lived in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and whose teachings have endured because of their inspiration and wisdom. Known as the "Alter Rebbe" among Chasidim, Rabbi Zalman was an influential leader among Russian Jewry and the founder of the Chabad Chasidic school during the first stirring of the Chasidic movement. Rabbi Schneur Zalman Of Liadi is enthusiastically recommended as providing contemporary readers with a fascinating and insightful look into the life of a devout and charismatic man, as well as a welcome and seminal contribution Judaic Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999
Published in Hardcover by Yale Univ Pr (February, 2003)
Average review score: 

Essential for Understanding Eastern EuropeThis is THE book for all those interested in a better understanding of Eastern Europe. It is a model of its kind, unique in scope, shows a mastery of multiple langauge sources, and is a scholarly yet readable account of the history of the largest European country of its day, the Poland-Lithuanian Commonwealthy of 1569. Prof. Snyder's account is masterly, even-handed, and scrupulously fair with a clear and valuable thesis. It brings the complex strands of a neglected part of Europe into focus and explains while Poland and its Eastern neighbors were able to reach a peaceful accommodation after the downfall of the soviet Union. Tragically, the Balkans did not enjoy the longterm fencebuilding that kept this corner of the world at peace. Snyder's account of the Polish-Ukrainian conflicts during World War II is groundbreaking and fills a vital gap in this story. Not since "God's Playground" has the story been told so well. Wonderful book. Buy it.
What makes this book especially moving is the way the author weaves her personal story into her search for historical fact. It is the author's personal involvement, warmth and humanity that draw the reader in and create a sense of personal involvement for the reader. We are not just reading history, but being taken along on the author's quest for knowledge and truth. We share her hunger to know what happened to her lost family.
For those with personal experience or knowledge of the Holocaust, this will add; for others it is a good place to start. It is a remarkable personal odyssey which will leave the reader affected and transformed.