‘Treasures of the Fourth Reich’ by Patrick Parker

‘Treasures of the Fourth Reich’ by Patrick Parker

In my humble opinion art is subjective and based on an individual’s personal taste and life journey. I enjoy looking at art and know what I like when I see it. The same can be said for books. Some books that I love others pick apart based on typos or believability. I’d rather see how the book makes me feel, if it guides me on a journey, can I relate to the characters on some level, and can I take something away from the story that maybe I never have thought of or knew before.

While reading the first part of the foreword, I thought maybe that Mr.

Treasures of the Fourth Reich

Parker’s book was somehow responsible for the movie The Monuments Men as the Treasures of the Fourth Reich shows a copyright date of 2005. After doing some research online I discovered that the movie was based loosely on Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel with contributions by Bret Witter. It was published by Center Street on September 3, 2009 and sold through Hachette Book Group per Amazon Kindle’s site. However, as I read further in the foreword, I discovered the story had many more pieces than just The Monuments Men.

Part One sets the backstory. Mr. Parker shows how chaotic the end of World War II became. One soldier used craftiness to pull off a daring deed. While we, the reader, know his plan, we aren’t sure if he pulls it off.

Part Two introduces us to Dix and Maria Connor, who live in Italy in May 1993. As their story unfolds, the reader discovers their backgrounds but more importantly their love for one another.

The couple becomes enmeshed in events that put them in harm’s way. As a reader I became concerned when knowing the odds, Maria goes off on her own.

Mr. Parker’s fondness of history is interwoven throughout the story. The reader learns about the First and Second Reich as well as some of the sentiments surrounding the fall of the Berlin wall.

As you can see I got emotionally involved with the main characters, got swept along on their journey, and learned a few new things.

I want to thank Masquerade Crew’s Masquerade Mob and Mr. Parker for sharing this excellent book.

If you’d like to learn more about Patrick Parker or follow him on Social Media see below. While you’re there why not see about picking up this and his second book, War Merchant.

War Merchant

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Memorial Day 2012

I met Marie Elaina Gordon on Amazon this week.  She happened into the Doug DePew (Military history/memoir) discussion board.  Doug and I were talking about some great news concerning his first book, SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat.  After congratulating Doug, Marie shared a little bit about herself then asked if she could share a poem from when her first son joined the military. After Doug gave his seal of approval, Marie also shared some of her writing journey.  

"...I can only tell you how excited I was when a SCHOOL purchased "MY Grand-Mom Told Me.." for their earlier grades! A little girl posted a comment on Amazon thanking the author for helping her achieve her highest reading score of 104!!! That was ME Doug!! I kept writing and had a 2nd book in the series published!! A teacher had me come to her 90 students (grades 6 -8) and give a presentation on iambic pentameter - the format in which my stories are written. To be honest Doug, I never gave it any thought until then! She held up my book in front of all those young students and said:This is an excellent model for writing"!!!! I almost fell over Doug. Am I known?? NO - but my books are being read IN SCHOOLS!! My 3rd book (same format) is all about World War II - my best yet! Well Doug here goes... PLEASE ENJOY "MY TURN"

MY TURN

You're proud of your soldier, he's your son.
You can remember him on your knee.
You can remember the smiles - those moments of fun
As you held him and he giggled with glee.

You remember the very first step he took
You remember when he read his very first book.
You remember when you wiped his tears away
And how you tucked him in bed at the end of the day.

And of course you remember those days of fun
Halloween - Christmas - you remember every one.
The way his eyes opened wide from a present or two
The way he rushed to your arms saying, "I LOVE YOU!"

Then there were the days he would run to you
Shouting and crying, "I have a 'boo-boo'."
Softly, you'd say, "Don't be afraid,
This will help you heal, we'll use a band-aid."

And through out the years, you were always there
You offered support, you gave him care.
And no one would ever dare to try and harm him
Because they knew - if they did, with YOU they would reckon!

And today, it is you - who runs to him and cries. It is YOUR SON who is wiping the tears from your eyes.
He is dressed in a uniform and holding you tight,
Whispering words of comfort, "It will be alright."

Then he turns and walks away - it is time for him to depart.
His words and this moment FOREVER SEALED IN YOUR HEART.
One last time he stops and waves; saying, "Remember I'll love and miss you too.
But, NOW, you see, it's my turn, MY TURN TO PROTECT YOU!"


Marie Elaina Gordon
www.feelingsinc.com copyright 2003

I felt Marie's poem was very appropriate for Memorial Day, in part because of the "remember" theme. Not only that but Marie comes from a Military family. Her father was in World War II.  Marie and I bonded over the fact that we both have sons who started out to serve but had medical encounters that prevented them from staying in the military. 

I believe that Marie's experience with her first book might be inspirational to those just starting out on their writing journey. The main thing that I took away from it was that she has a poetic soul that "sings" to others. If you'd like to learn more about Marie Elaina Gordon, her work, and the things she cares about, then please feel free to visit Feelings Inc.  

I hope that you all have a safe and Happy Memorial Day. Don't forget what Billy Ray Cyrus shared with us, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All!"  So please thank those that have served, are serving, and the family of those that gave everything for your freedom.

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

http://www.callsignwreckingcrew.com