Remember Us: My Journey from the Shtetl through the Holocaust

What made this Holocaust book so different and better than others I’ve read is that Martin Small’s entire life was recounted, not just his concentration camp experience. I learned what life was like for him and other Jews in Poland before the Nazi invasion, which gave more perspective to the story, and a deeper appreciation of all that was taken from them. And I enjoyed that the story didn’t end with liberation, which is usually the case. Life as a DP was all new to me; the fact that the suffering continued for years after liberation, as the survivors were homeless wanderers with no nation willing to accept them despite their suffering. I liked that the founding of Israel was included in the story as the only place for displaced people to finally return home. And I enjoyed the final segment of Small’s life story, living an American life and creating a new family in New York. For all these reasons, this was the best book I have read about the Holocaust.

I've read several books on the Holocaust, but this one is by far the best. In fact, in my opinion it should be REQUIRED READING in every high school and college. The author tells all. He starts by describing his life, his town, his family, before the trouble began. Then he takes you through the most detailed account I've ever read on the subject of the concentration camps, and finally and heartbreakingly he details the effects it had on him for the rest of his life after liberation. A MUST READ.

I was drawn to this book because it was promoted as defining a culture that was lost in the Holocaust rather than a litany of horrors. I also wanted a feel for life in an area where my grandmother had lived before the war. I was not disappointed. This is a touching luminescent jewel of a book that provides a glimpse into the simple and colorful life of Maitchet and makes the reader understand the full extent of what was destroyed by the Nazis and their supporters. And also, what was carried as treasure inside the hearts and minds of those who survived. In some cases mind numbing, heartbreaking treasure, but still important and valuable.

This was an excellent book with a look at the holocaust from a Jewish perspective. This story will stay with you long after you put the book down. I found myself telling people about this book and wanting them to read this book. So many people don’t believe there was the holocaust but this man’s story will tell you from the beginning to the end was he and his family endure during WWII in Europe. It was not a book to make you feeling sorry for Martin Small but to admire his courage and fight for his belief. You will not be sorry for this purchase.

Yes, to know the entire abomination that was the Holocaust, you need only to read this one stunning, riveting, powerful accounting of one survivor. Mr. Small manages to tell this storytelling miracle without concentrating on the explicitness of the torture. He treads very lightly there, yet still manages to make us feel the enormous grief that was his life and the lives of 6 million others. He lives to a very old age and never stops being haunted for even one day. He explains, "It was too horrible to remember, but too horrible to ever forget." We learn much that is not usually part of the telling of this most massive-scale depravity in human history, much of which I knew but preferred to forget, such as the fact that the Polish hated, tortured and murdered the Jewish people, just as the Germans did. The Polish atrocities were perhaps worse because they had formerly been their friends and neighbors. Most people think that at the war's end, the concentration camp survivors went home to resume their lives where they left off. Not so! There were no homes to return to! What had not been destroyed in the rubble that was now Europe, had been confiscated by others. Europe was then a teeming mass of millions of wandering, homeless "displaced persons," many of whom were Germans attempting to hide from and escape justice. Foreign countries did not want these survivors, so there was only one solution -- the land that God had promised them -- Palestine, and so the rebirth of Israel. I hope with all my heart that Mr. Small is now peacefully at rest.

Martin Small's memoir is a must read. Sure there were parts of this story that I couldn't read because they were too disturbing, that I had to skim over, and yes place that made me cry. The atrocities committed against the Jewish people in Europe are beyond comprehension, how can people be and do such evil. Today we have terrorists picking up where the Nazis left off. Sobering to think we may be reading some of the survivors memoirs in a few years. God definitely had His hand on Martin, sparing his life and making away for him to be with extended family in the US and start his own family with a wife who was also a Holocaust survivor. I don't want to share too many details to spoil the read for someone else, but there are a few "coincidences" that could only be arranged by the hand of God.

EXCELLENT BOOK! However, it started off a little too slow for my taste. I feel we could have left out 1 or 2 chapters in the beginning. I felt like it was starting to drag. Please don't get me wrong when I say this and feel that his family is unimportant, not so. I just don't think every single minute detail needed to be there. Anyway, I really felt that the book was expertly written. Well documented, it gave me an insight to Mauthausen Concentration Camp that I didn't even know existed. Which is unbelievable, considering it was THE WORST CAMP OF THEM ALL!!! Read the book, starts off a little slow but it's worth it in the end..

This was an experience I cannot imagine surviving. He made himself into what was necessary to survive. He had a great sense of humor but was able to reach out to others to help them. He eventually came to the United States, had his family and used his art skills to help him and others heal as best they could. I was very touched by what he shared and highly recommend this book.

I have read many different memoirs from Holocaust survivors and other victims of The Nazis’ WWII slaughter. This one is the most comprehensive, giving you an idea of who he was beforehand, his life in one of the worst concentration death camps, and after. It’s the afterwards that differs from so many other accounts. Martin (previously Mordi) tells about the majority of his life in the days, months, and years after being liberated from the concentration camp. His story is full of opportunities to help build Israel to immigrating to the U.S. However, his story doesn’t end there. Instead it goes on throughout his long life, letting you know how he moves forward, but also cannot forget the painful past. It is one of the most comprehensive, yet personal stories I have read in a long time. His story sticks with you and thankfully ends happy. It’s incredible how someone who was starved for that long can go on to live a long life.

As I look at the living hatred that is even now taking over much of our 21st century world I can only pray that we will learn from this history of man's inhumanity to other humans. May Martin Small's story never be forgotten...he has , with the help of a compassionate writer, managed to open a window into a period of absolutely unimaginable depravity. Nothing I've ever read about the holocaust has affected me so profoundly...and I've read much. As the granddaughter of a man who fled Germany for America as Hitler was assending and who was not Jewish I used to hear him talk with a friend about "that madman" This book would have grieved him even more.

What made this Holocaust book so different and better than others I’ve read is that Martin Small’s entire life was recounted, not just his concentration camp experience. I learned what life was like for him and other Jews in Poland before the Nazi invasion, which gave more perspective to the story, and a deeper appreciation of all that was taken from them. And I enjoyed that the story didn’t end with liberation, which is usually the case. Life as a DP was all new to me; the fact that the suffering continued for years after liberation, as the survivors were homeless wanderers with no nation willing to accept them despite their suffering. I liked that the founding of Israel was included in the story as the only place for displaced people to finally return home. And I enjoyed the final segment of Small’s life story, living an American life and creating a new family in New York. For all these reasons, this was the best book I have read about the Holocaust.

I've read several books on the Holocaust, but this one is by far the best. In fact, in my opinion it should be REQUIRED READING in every high school and college. The author tells all. He starts by describing his life, his town, his family, before the trouble began. Then he takes you through the most detailed account I've ever read on the subject of the concentration camps, and finally and heartbreakingly he details the effects it had on him for the rest of his life after liberation. A MUST READ.

I was drawn to this book because it was promoted as defining a culture that was lost in the Holocaust rather than a litany of horrors. I also wanted a feel for life in an area where my grandmother had lived before the war. I was not disappointed. This is a touching luminescent jewel of a book that provides a glimpse into the simple and colorful life of Maitchet and makes the reader understand the full extent of what was destroyed by the Nazis and their supporters. And also, what was carried as treasure inside the hearts and minds of those who survived. In some cases mind numbing, heartbreaking treasure, but still important and valuable.

This was an excellent book with a look at the holocaust from a Jewish perspective. This story will stay with you long after you put the book down. I found myself telling people about this book and wanting them to read this book. So many people don’t believe there was the holocaust but this man’s story will tell you from the beginning to the end was he and his family endure during WWII in Europe. It was not a book to make you feeling sorry for Martin Small but to admire his courage and fight for his belief. You will not be sorry for this purchase.

Yes, to know the entire abomination that was the Holocaust, you need only to read this one stunning, riveting, powerful accounting of one survivor. Mr. Small manages to tell this storytelling miracle without concentrating on the explicitness of the torture. He treads very lightly there, yet still manages to make us feel the enormous grief that was his life and the lives of 6 million others. He lives to a very old age and never stops being haunted for even one day. He explains, "It was too horrible to remember, but too horrible to ever forget." We learn much that is not usually part of the telling of this most massive-scale depravity in human history, much of which I knew but preferred to forget, such as the fact that the Polish hated, tortured and murdered the Jewish people, just as the Germans did. The Polish atrocities were perhaps worse because they had formerly been their friends and neighbors. Most people think that at the war's end, the concentration camp survivors went home to resume their lives where they left off. Not so! There were no homes to return to! What had not been destroyed in the rubble that was now Europe, had been confiscated by others. Europe was then a teeming mass of millions of wandering, homeless "displaced persons," many of whom were Germans attempting to hide from and escape justice. Foreign countries did not want these survivors, so there was only one solution -- the land that God had promised them -- Palestine, and so the rebirth of Israel. I hope with all my heart that Mr. Small is now peacefully at rest.

Martin Small's memoir is a must read. Sure there were parts of this story that I couldn't read because they were too disturbing, that I had to skim over, and yes place that made me cry. The atrocities committed against the Jewish people in Europe are beyond comprehension, how can people be and do such evil. Today we have terrorists picking up where the Nazis left off. Sobering to think we may be reading some of the survivors memoirs in a few years. God definitely had His hand on Martin, sparing his life and making away for him to be with extended family in the US and start his own family with a wife who was also a Holocaust survivor. I don't want to share too many details to spoil the read for someone else, but there are a few "coincidences" that could only be arranged by the hand of God.

EXCELLENT BOOK! However, it started off a little too slow for my taste. I feel we could have left out 1 or 2 chapters in the beginning. I felt like it was starting to drag. Please don't get me wrong when I say this and feel that his family is unimportant, not so. I just don't think every single minute detail needed to be there. Anyway, I really felt that the book was expertly written. Well documented, it gave me an insight to Mauthausen Concentration Camp that I didn't even know existed. Which is unbelievable, considering it was THE WORST CAMP OF THEM ALL!!! Read the book, starts off a little slow but it's worth it in the end..

This was an experience I cannot imagine surviving. He made himself into what was necessary to survive. He had a great sense of humor but was able to reach out to others to help them. He eventually came to the United States, had his family and used his art skills to help him and others heal as best they could. I was very touched by what he shared and highly recommend this book.

I have read many different memoirs from Holocaust survivors and other victims of The Nazis’ WWII slaughter. This one is the most comprehensive, giving you an idea of who he was beforehand, his life in one of the worst concentration death camps, and after. It’s the afterwards that differs from so many other accounts. Martin (previously Mordi) tells about the majority of his life in the days, months, and years after being liberated from the concentration camp. His story is full of opportunities to help build Israel to immigrating to the U.S. However, his story doesn’t end there. Instead it goes on throughout his long life, letting you know how he moves forward, but also cannot forget the painful past. It is one of the most comprehensive, yet personal stories I have read in a long time. His story sticks with you and thankfully ends happy. It’s incredible how someone who was starved for that long can go on to live a long life.

As I look at the living hatred that is even now taking over much of our 21st century world I can only pray that we will learn from this history of man's inhumanity to other humans. May Martin Small's story never be forgotten...he has , with the help of a compassionate writer, managed to open a window into a period of absolutely unimaginable depravity. Nothing I've ever read about the holocaust has affected me so profoundly...and I've read much. As the granddaughter of a man who fled Germany for America as Hitler was assending and who was not Jewish I used to hear him talk with a friend about "that madman" This book would have grieved him even more.

I have read many books on the Holocaust but this one seemed to affect me the most. As a non Jewish girl born in 1950, I was not taught much about this terrible atrocity in the history of the world. I just became interested after visiting museums in Prague and visiting a former concentration camp in Terezin. I began to research all that I could get my hands on. I had no idea and my heart was broken for the Jewish community then and now. I am passing this information on to my children and grandchildren to make sure this is never forgotten.

Excellent book about one man’s memory of the shtetl he grew up in and the lost world of Yiddish/Jewish culture, language, history and vitality in Poland. Martin Small, the protagonist of the story is writing a personal story, but also a history of his time. He is trying to memorialize not just his personal losses, but the greater loss of the entire shtetl culture which he believes the world has not yet come to terms with and barely understands what it has lost. He does not make the shtetl life a perfect one, just his life, and that of millions of other Jews. That his family and his entire way of life was removed from the face of the earth, with extraordinary violence and for no explainable reason causes him to suffer every day of his long life. It doesn’t stop him from going on with his life, being part of the creation of the State of Israel, creating a new family, being successful in business and making friends. Nor does it break his bond with God or Judaism. Martin Small is able to live a dual existence: one part of him lost in his memories, the other part very much living life in the here and now. A great read about a great man.

This is another amazing account of what Jews went through at the hands of the Nazis. But I can't believe how it must have been like for your fellow Polish neighbors to turn on you once the Nazis took over Poland, wow! What he went through and still survived is a testament on his character and the others from concentration camps. How human beings can treat other human beings like this is beyond me. But it has to be told so we don't let it happen again to any group of people.

Upon finishing this painful recollection of Martin Small, I was struck by the realization that had my four grandparents not given up their European heritage at the beginning of the twentieth century (and my wife's grandparents theirs) this would have been our fate as well. This well written and poignant story was enchanting and repugnant simultaniously. It should be read by children of all ethnic backgrounds to show how the absence of empathy of "others" can result in hatred and unimaginable consequences. Hence, the conclusion that "there but for the grace of G-d... "

The story of Martin Small and other survivors should be required reading in our schools. My father worked as a foreman in a tungsten mine, which was an ingredient in making bombs, during World War II. As a young child I knew something terrible was happening and we were fighting to put a stop t o it. It is unimaginable to me that certain people's try to rewrite history and we must do everything we can to make sure it doesn't happen.

Having read copious volumes of autobiographies from the Holocaust, I feel confidant in saying that this is a must-read. The descriptions of Motel's family and community in Poland, pre-WWII, are so vivid and engaging any reader will mourn their loss. This is a very talented author. In some similar works of people telling their stories, the reader is aware of of rather ordinary people trying to tell such horrendous happenings. In this book, an extraordinary talented author weaves a tale so lyrical, so haunting! We have to read the personal stories of this time so we can learn from them, and not ever let such history be repeated. He says that he spares the reader from hearing day to day accounts of the atrocities in the camp, and it was a good decision. The human psyche can only take so much before we step back and disconnect a bit. Here we are given the parts that keep us involved and engaged in his life's story. This reader grew to love Martin Smart and I thank God for the 3rd part of his life to have another family, a better community and the chance to tell his story and make his art.

As a boy, Martin Small's life was nothing short of idyllic, filled with the immense love of family, and a wealth of experiences in his cozy shtetl in Poland. Then came World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, from which few were truly immune. Remember Us tells Small's story, from his recollections of a simple life to the unthinkable, unimaginable atrocities of what took place inside of a Nazi concentration camp. Though Small survived his harrowing journey through hell, he lived to tell his unforgettable story, and eventually lived a peaceful life in the United States, where he became a sought-after Holocaust speaker, and a powerful artist. Small's story, as told to the brilliant Vic Shayne, hold nothing back, nor should it. This is a time in world history that many wish to forget, but which should always, always be remembered if for no other reason than to honor the thousands who fell prey to the worst kinds of hate. Whether you're a classroom teacher or someone with an appreciation for the truth, this book is worth every tear you will shed while reading.

I loved the way this book helped me see the truly wonderful and community dedicated lifestyle was lost in the Holocaust. I learned a lot about Jewish culture as well. May we never forget how deep the depravity of mankind so history never repeats itself.

Excellent book. It presents the whole picture of Martin Small's life from the shetl' to the concentration camps, to his life afterward. It covers the holocaust after the holocaust as tens of thousand of displaced Jews roamed Europe looking for family members or even thief old homes. It covers what happens to Martin as he lives a full ninety years and ends up in America. I have read many books n the holocaust but never one that told the whole picture of life after the holocaust. Highly recommend this book.

This is an important account of a tragic time in contemporary history. Of particular importance when we must recognize that the concept of "Never Again" in relation to the Holocaust is not valid nor meaningful in light of current events in the Middle East and North Africa. We certainly need to "remember!" This very personal account of events so terrible as to be beyond intellectual comprehension was well written and reached the deepest recesses of my emotions. The sadness it evokes is great, and the discouragement that comes when considering this very real narrative of true events in light of current news is equally great. However, this book also demonstrates the greater depth of human courage, compassion and individual sacrifice - all of which are amply demonstrated in Martin Small's lifelong journey. This is story that demands to be read, should be read and that should, without any doubt, "Remembered.

This is the best book I've ever read about this era. This is something that people should always remember. However, this man put it in a perspective that will make me never forget!! Very well written. I loved how he remembered every single member of his family. They were very loved, and I'm positive that without a doubt they knew that. I hope he was able to see his family on the other side. God bless you all.

This has proven to be one of the most noteworthy books of the many I have read recounting the period of the Holocaust, its perpetrators and its victims. Most present the horrible events and the result of the remarkable cruelty visited by mankind on mankind. In a rather unique way, the authors of this book focus the reader on the humanity of the individuals depicted to a very personal degree, thereby magnifying the cruelty and resulting personal tragedy to a more meaningful level that the reader, these many years later, can share (to some extent) the loss and anguish of those many survivors of the Holocaust.

I was very touched by this book. The story is unreal. I have read a lot about ww11 , but never any thing so heartbreaking. Not only did it tell the story so that we could never forget, but it was told in a very heroic manor.

This book was an awesome read. The true story of Martin Small, a holocaust survivor, Is riveting! It is one of the best accounts that I have read. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out more about the Jews during this time in history and what they went through. So many lost their lives. This book documented real life during World War 11.

A complete circle of a story! Thank you Martin Small for doing this book! The first 20% I thought was slow moving & I almost put it down. I understand that Mr. Small was very old when he co-wrote his life story & had wonderful memories of his 'home' in Poland. I'm sure glad I kept reading! This book describes like no other I have read, how it felt to be in the middle of this dark period of history. The truth about the Poles, Russians & Germans is hard to take for many people but I think Mr. Small told the truth. Evil is inexplicable. How can people do this to each other. I will REMEMBER this book always! Please DON"T stop reading until the very end & esp read what his daughter wrote about growing up with Holocaust survivor parents. It's beautiful and incredibly sad. Bless them all!

An extraordinary book of a holocaust survivor. What does this mean ( holo - combining form) (caust - a burnt offering, destruction, or slaughter). I won’t give up any part of his story because you should all read it. Not only did Martin Small go through a hellish living nightmare, but he also helped implement a home for all Jews to live in peace without persecution. He is a hero that was meant to survive. READ IT.

The happy life lost makes the horrors more disturbing. Thankfully the story doesn't end in the concentration camp. The final chapters bring a deeper understanding of what it meant to really and truly survive.

The beginning of the book was not as easy to read as it could have been for a non Jew. Terms were used which applied to Jewish matters and a non Jew would have no understanding. A translation or explanation would have been nice. But it was a deeply moving and though provoking book. It is hard to imagine what went on during WWII but has given me a greater understanding. Anyone with any interest in WWII should read this book to get a first hand understanding.

Every remembrance of the Shoah contributes to a deeper understanding of this calamity. This memoir lingers on the fullness of this author's pre-war shtetl culture, amplifying the horrors yet to come. It also does a good job describing the post war obstacles facing the masses of displaced people. Well worth reading.

This true story brought tears to my eyes. It hurt to think of the painful memories that survivors of the Holocaust have had to live with. This book is well written but contains a few Yiddish words which I had to look up. I recommend this book to everyone. It deserves more than 5 stars.

What an incredible story. It is unbelievable that he physically survived such a horrific, brutal, evil time in his life. Emotionally, he and probably all of the other holocaust victims never truly healed. I had to stop reading the book for a few days after I read what his neighbors did to him and the other young men in his village, and they were Poles like himself. It was just too shocking. I had no idea there was so much hate then and now. Something made me go back to his story, and I'm so glad I did. I've read many other books and viewed many videos on the holocaust, but this one revealed other stuff that I had never realized before. I highly recommend this book.

This biography is what Anne Frank would have written had she lived to 91. A Yeshiva scholar born into a thriving, family-filled shtetl in Molczadz, Poland, Mordechai Leib Shmulewicz's true story of heartrending loss, capture, escape, imprisonment, deprivation, degradation, horror, torture, near death and rebirth will have you turning pages even when you think you can't take any more. The Mauthausen death camp where "Motel" was interred was the worst of the worst. However, the narrative doesn't leave you there; by mid book, the lonely young survivor makes his way to Palestine, Italy and finally America where, renamed Martin Smart, he truly begins life. On my trip to Israel later this month, I anticipate viewing his name and his art at Yad Vachem.

This is one of the best books I've read on the Holocaust. Although not the typical story of life in the camps, it still shows a lot of the hardships of that time. I wish I could have known Martin Small . I would love to meet even one Holocaust survived. These are truly a remarkable breed of people. They managed to live through so much, so unbelievable. Everyone should read books on the Holocaust. We can't answer why or how, but at least we should learn so it doesn't happen again.

I really appreciated the way this story was told, really got a sense of what this man lost but at the same time realized that I could not even begin to grasp it. Learned about what led to the creation of Israel, which I had not thought about before. Have visited Dachau and this year Terezin, both very moving experiences. I am not Jewish and my ancestors are actually from Germany. However, we owe it to these people to here their stories and remember.

A shocking story of a man's story growing up in Poland as a Jewish boy and witnessing the transformation of formerly kind neighbors turning into rabid Jew haters. He never thought it would happen in his part of the world, as refugees started coming through his home town. Finally he and his family were beaten, some killed, and the remainder sent to Mauthasen Concentration Camp.Near death, his camp was rescued and he woke up in a hospital. Upon recovery, he sought to go to family in America, only to embark on the chaos of seeking refugee status.

I knew Martin Small, the subject of this book. He was a dear, dear man, haunted by his past as any one would imagine he would be. This story is well worth reading. Many of the most hideous details of Martin's experiences have been left out as unnecessary …. holocaust victims were subjected to the worst the mind can imagine - no exceptions. I believe reading about the Holocaust, especially from the perspective of a survivor, should be required reading for every person. Martin talked freely about his experiences and I am so pleased that the author, whom I don't know, put his heart into sharing Martin's story.

This was a very informative and moving account of one Jewish man's life before, during and after the holocaust. The story begins describing life in Poland, traditions and observances of daily life. I very much enjoyed the description of weekly Sabbath observance and the deep lessons of faith and life the author learned from his father and grandfather - very moving. He describes the horrors of the holocaust with out need for graphics which brought tears to my eyes. The book also caused self refection on life, family, faith, friendship and community. I listened to this book but was very glad that I also had the kindle as there were passages that I went back to and highlighted for future reference. The reader took a chapter or two to get use to, but his voice fit the story perfectly. The only reason I gave this book a 4 star instead of a 5 star rating is because it does move slowly at times, however it is the pace of a life and once I got use to that I was totally engaged and constantly listening to hear what would happen next. I was sorry when the book ended as I felt like someone I knew and wanted to get to know more had moved away. I recommend this book highly. One of the best I have read on the holocaust.

This was a most powerful book about the holocaust. I liked how he praised those who helped, and remembered them with gratitude even many years later. He did not dwell on the atrocities but did not sugar-coat it either. I was most impressed with how he could question himself later, wondering what he would have really done if the roles were reversed. It takes an honest man to question himself. I liked his answer and how he got it.

Probably the best read about anti-semitism and the Holocaust out there! Highly recommended reading about an extraordinary man from his personal experience growing up in Poland with his family, friends who turned into enemies, fleeing from and eventual capture by the Nazis, barely surviving the concentration camp, and all the positive things he has done in his life since the war. Remarkable true story!

This is not your average Holocaust survival story. Yes, of course there is death, unspeakable inhumanity and unimaginable horror. There is also survival. It is a story of strength, grace and of love. Of stumbling out of darkness even when the images behind your sleeping eyes haunt every moment of life. Mr Small, I don't know where you are but I thank God for sending strong arms to carry you from of that horror. How proud your family must be to know that you still found a way to be who you were meant to be. A light shining in the darkness. Thank you for your strength, your grace and your bravery in sharing your story.

Heartbreaking yet also uplifting story of the human spirit. The story brought me to tears. I’m glad I read the book but it was disturbing. The book moves along and details the destruction of a culture. I recommend it especially considering the wave of anti Semitism even in our country and by some members of our government.

Wonderful book. Not so graphic that you can't enjoy the read, but so truthful and insightful that you learn new aspects of the lives of friends and enemies. I almost couldn't finish it. It was an emotional read, but a friend had read it before and recommended it to me. I knew there was a remarkable story within the story close to the end, so I continued. It was worth it. The book is definitely worth reading. I still think about how the people who were friends became enemies so quickly. Thought provoking.

There is much horror and hearbreaking loss revealed in this man's account of his personal life story as a holocaust victim. He literally lost everything; home, family, security, tradition, and came to the absolute brink of death by starvation. This true story of human depravation and harrowing attempt for survival by so many inncent people is a stark reminder of good versus evil, and causes the reader to examine his own heart and assess what is in it, good or evil. Choose good!

Wonderful truthful history of the murdering of Jewish persons and culture during WWII. Very sad to read of his personal account and not mere overview of the Holocaust. Happily, one person (our hero) survived to tell the entire story of how German and Polish prejudice/hatefulness results in death, torture and destruction of so many. A must read for all, vc

Martin Small has written perhaps one of the most thorough and graphic accounts of how the Jewish people lived during the mid- 20th century. They were able to live life fully and practice their faith almost without bounds prior to Hitler's gang gaining power. In the aftermath of WWII, he realizes that Easter Europe is out of bounds for the Jews. I am amazed how the Gentiles during and after the war so callously stole all that was so hard earned by the Jews for many of their families lifetimes, and how they "gleefully" murdered their former neighbors and friends. In one book, the Jewish history of Europe is told..

Vic shares with us a life story that is hard to imagine. Most of us have read about the horrors of the Holocaust many times but his story goes beyond just a historical view and takes us inside as a person. He also shares his life after he is freed and how his life experiences shaped his views of Israel and the world. Although the book was slow to draw me in, I could not put it down once I became part of his family and life.

Beyond words. This account covers a wide range of Holocaust experiences. It’s well-written, easy to read but the sections on concentration camps are not for youth.

I have read a lot of books but this story stands alone. Just like the story reads; sometimes there are are not words that can express what these people went through! Very compelling is an understatement. Thanks so much,Jim.

I struggle with what to say about this book. Difficult to read, yes, but very good. I will be thinking about it for a long time, I’m certain. My main thought right now, having just finished it, is that I am so grateful Martin Small took the time to record his story. His descriptions of his childhood and adolescence in Poland were so vivid that I felt I could imagine the scenes. His miraculous survival and all that he went through during the Holocaust... simply mind-blowing. I won’t include any spoilers here, but his story is _almost_ unbelievable. It’s one of those times when truth is stranger than fiction, in the way that things played out and all the coincidences he experienced. I wondered at times if these things could have possibly happened the way he described. But, though I don’t know this man from Adam, something about his writing, his “voice,” just makes me trust him. I do believe he wrote this story as accurately as he possibly could. I highly recommend to all who are interested in this time period.

This is an incredible book about survival, luck and rescue. The rescue has a twist to it, but I won't spoil the surprise. Considering world events the last couple years, it's imperative that we educate ourselves about how the Holocaust came to be, and what happened. Had people recognized the signs when Hitler first came to power, so many more people would have survived. We cannot ever allow another Holocaust.

Anyone who tries to claim that the Holocaust never happened are so wrong. Further more if we forget history we will be condemned to repeat it. In the times we find ourselves living in today where good is called evil, and evil good we need to pray for God to have mercy on America for all our sins. This book is well written and is well worth your time to read. If your heart doesn't break for these people your not human.

This book of only tells about the camp but also after liberation, the years it took for the survivors to go f a place to begin again. I had never read s out thau.

I thought I had read and knew a lot about the Holocaust but this memoir was an education. It begins by telling the wonderful memories of a life that no longer exists, it moves to the pogroms, and finally through his experiences of living hell. This is not for the faint of heart. Please keep reading. His life after being all but dead is a remarkable read. I can't imagine how any human can come through such horror and remain so intact. My thought is as humans we must read, contemplate, and try to insure genocide is eradicated from this earth.

The horrors of war as told by a survivor. A must read for anyone who might be tempted to discount the events during the Holocaust. God forbid that history repeat itself. A spellbinding novel I could not put down. Thank you Martin Small for sharing your story

A well-written memoir that reveals a life of good and bad memories, and it demontrates the resilience of life and the influence of oppression by both the government and, if you examine the words closely, our peers. The lives of all the real people need to be remembered, and the actions of all who participated in the holocaust need to be remembered in a way that the author does here, bringing home to each reader how even the best lives can be manipulated and even destroyed by ignorance and intolerance. A 91-year-old survivor of life, Mr. Small's memories should be remembered always, and I am honored to share in them.

Thank you BookBub for offering this book as a special daily offer. If not for that, I wouldn't have read it. It is an amazing story of unbearable torture, suffering and death in Poland during WWII for Jews at the hands of their Polish friends and neighors, and for the survivors then sent to the Nazi concentration camps. It is a haunting story that is at times hard to read and digest, but a true story that needs to be remembered by this generation and by generations to come so it will not be repeated.

I know quite a lot about the Holocaust, but this was a different perspective and made the losses suffered by the Jews even more profound. The peaceful, happy life in the shtetls is contrasted to the horrible outrages committed in the villages and later in the camps by fellow Poles and by Nazis. But the story goes on to Small's participation in the formation of Israel and later to his life in the United States. What stood out for me is that the sense of loss never diminished; even as he grew older, Martin Small struggled with the pain of remembering but his desire never to forget.

There are stories that send the reader into a state of numb reflection. This is one of those. The descriptive language humans have for a serious critique of the life of a holocaust survivor doesn't exist. Prepare for a bombardment of every human emotion and after reading this magnificent recap of a time in history and a man's life - see if word's fail you as a reader.

I have read a lot of books about the Holocaust and the cruelty of man never ceases to amaze me. Most of the books I have read end with the liberation of the concentration camps. I hadn't realized that after they were liberated, these people still had nowhere to go. They couldn't go home. Life would never go back to how it was before. Never again.

Remember Us gives you more of a personal side to a person who went through the holocaust. We all (or should know) know about the atrocities that they went through but I really liked how the author told about his life after.

Thank God Mr. Small was able to rebuild his life. Thank you for sharing your story! God bless you and your whole family. They must be very, very proud of you!

I’ve read this book 3 times. Mr Small gives such insight in regard to how the evil toward the Jews, and others, evolved. The way neighbors sold out neighbors was heart wrenching. In all the countries that killed their Jewish neighbors, it would never have been permitted if the people would have stood up against hate. We must guard our hearts against allowing politicians to divide us and cause us to hate. Never again.

Long fascinated with the Jewish culture and life in a Shtetl, this book is the first that painted for me such a vivid picture of this long vanished culture. The richness of Martin's remembrances brought his world to life. The depth of his loss, suffering and the joy of his "new" life brought me to tears. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand what was lost when the Culture of the Jews was decimated in the Holocaust.

This truly is the best book I have ever read in my life...and I don't say that lightly. This book should be required reading before any kid could graduate from high school. They need to know what happened and I'm afraid their history books don't do justice to the horror of the holocaust and WW11. There are many books about holocaust survivors but none that takes one person's story throughout his entire life like this one does. I was in Israel about four years ago and was in the holocaust museum in Jerusalem that was mentioned toward the end of this book. I wish I had read this before I went. This is a great one! Do yourself a favor and read it.

From start to finish this story was so powerful. From a childhood filled with a rich cultural and Family heritage to an ending that was truly inspiring, Martin Small's story will never be forgotten by anyone who reads this incredible book!

A book that cannot be closed. This story is one that should be on the Must Read list in every school, library, magazine and other periodicals. Mr. Smalls story must be read and understood to prevent another holocaust from happening. This must never happen again.

I have read perhaps a dozen or so books on the Holocaust and cannot help but be touched by each one. However, I can easily say that this is the best book I have ever read on the subject and it is deserving of much more than 5 stars! I am a woman in my 50's who has thankfully never experienced such outrageous and cruel atrocities but I am reminded of the quote that I've heard previously that states "Those that forget the past are condemned to repeat it." Given the political climate in the world today, that thought should create in every person, a desire to do better and be better. It would seem the least we can do when we consider all that the author of this book, Mr. Martin Small went through! Not only does the book capture and hold one's attention, it is written so well that you can FEEL the love within Martin's family, the simple but hard working life of his beloved village, the fear those poor people must have felt and the sense of helplessness as evil sought to destroy everything and everyone in it's path.

This memoir starts with the background on Jewish tradition and everyday life in his small town in Poland. The author writes as a victim and also as a witness to the Holocaust. Beautifully written and effortlessly heartbreaking, the author takes us on his trip through life, and what a strange trip it is! He winds up making some startling discoveries in his life. With each new book I read about the Holocaust I still find something new and startling.

this should be a MUST read in all the schools!! Itwas wonderful! What Martin Small (his American name) went through was tragic but inspiring. Martin details his life in his hometown and in the Mauthausen camp. They were horrifying and it is amazing he even survived. So glad he did. His story rates right up there with Eli Wiesel and Corrie Ten Boom. Anyone who believes this part of history did not take place , they need to read this!

I wish everyone would read this book. Engaging, heartfelt and heartbreaking. It reminded me of Unbroken. This addressed several questions from a very personal perspective, such as "how could civilized people let this happen" and now I understand how frighteningly easy it happened.

I was an American Jewish child during the great war. My relatives, all first generation immigrants from European Jewish homes, had enlisted in the armed forces. At home I went to Hebrew school, I was a Jew, but did not know all that as a 76 year old, I know now. I never fully understood the passion for Israel as I do know. Martin Small looms large to me and his story is so vivid I can never forget. It is a must read for any Jew at least in this current Israeli turmoil. ully

This is a Holocaust story , but also much more. You get to know the main character as he is a child in Poland. I found the section where he is in a concentration camp hard to read though. But, when the war ends, I found myself wanting to know what happens to him. I felt like I knew the main character and cared about him. It sounds funny to say that I could not put down a Holocaust book, but it is a real story and once I started reading, I needed to know how things turned out.

This book stands as a tribute to all those that survived the holocaust. How Martin small kept his humanity is something that can not be understood. This bookgives the reader a glimpse into hell. The reader is submitted to horrors that were real but no one should have to endure. Even after reading this story the question remains why?

This was one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. There must be a very special place in heaven for he and his family. I wish it would be a movie.

This book held my interest from beginning to end. In the beginning he tells of his childhood. It gave me such a better understanding of what their faith and their families meant to the Jewish people. What they suffered is unimaginable. Such cruelty to other human beings is something hard to conceive of. It is truly diabolical. The horrific memories haunted him for the rest of his life but he was able to channel his energies and memories into productive ways to express his feelings and memories and share them with others.

I have read many accounts of the Holocaust in my adult life, but this one ranks up there with one of if not THE best. His miraculous survival is only one part of the story. His later life is so inspirational to me, especially his willingness to share those horrendous experiences with so many others in younger generations. The historical information included at the end is also excellent and adds much to the total story. These stories should indeed never be forgotten. The actions were sub-human.

This is an excellent read. Martin Small's personal journey focuses on his time in a Polish shetl before the holocaust, and his time after the holocaust in Italy, Isreal and the US. It is extremely impactful, and documents how the lives of survivors were prior to the holocaust, and how their lives after the holocaust were affected by their horrendous experiences.

This is a gripping story of one man's survival of some of the most awful challenges of the 20th century. His life before and after Hitler's death camps and his ultimate life in the United States make this an outstanding book. Written in his 90s make this a nearly complete story of his life. If you only read one book about the holocaust, make it this one. Packard38

Learned so many things from this man’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Never Again! We cannot let this happen ever again! Well written, sad, eloquent, and disturbing.

Such an interesting, personal story of a Jewish family living in Poland at the time of WWII. When you read such stories and learn of their hardships and the eventual death of most family members, you just wonder how in the world those who survived had the strength to never give up hope. I've been blessed in having read this amazing story.

Martin Small's remarkable personal history of his life in his shtetl, his Holocaust suffering and his rebirth as a human being thanks to an American soldier, cannot be adequately described. It must be read in order to fully comprehend the physical and emotional joy and suffering a human being had to go through for being a Jew in the wrong place at the wrong time. Read this and come as close as one can to sharing an awe-inspiring life without actually having to live it.

And daily, remember that it can, and will, happen again when we turn our faces away from the incipient signs of organised intolerance and prejudice of any kind...when we surround ourselves with the tissue paper comfort blanket of "but it could never happen here."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It provided graphic descriptions of life in Eastern Europe pre-WWII. The story of the war years is gripping, like a kick in the gut. And the years after the war were particularly interesting as I had heard little about that until now. We cannot ever forget what was done so recently in human history, and hopefully learn from it.

I have been drawn to memoirs of the Holocaust for many years. Mr. Small shared not only his own extreme suffering and tragic loss but he provided the reader a wonderfully written history of his early years, culture and daily life. By starting the book with such a rich account of his life in Maitchet he compelled me to take the journey with him. Even after reading dozens of books on the subject I can say without hesitation this is the most comprehensive and detailed that I have encountered. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Holocaust, history, human suffering, World War II or any war for that matter.

It is hard to believe that people would follow what was told for them to do to other people. Especially who were friends as youngsters. So cruel. How these that did survive managed to is beyond belief............... So heartbreaking and I can understand that they never got over the terror they went through. I believe the Holocaust should be be forgotten. things like this happens...........

Incredibly moving, emotional story of the very personal effects of the Holocaust. Now know what a rich life of the Polish Jews had prior to the invasion. We know of the camps, but not of the tragedy of the individual lives and families and rich culture that was lost. Must never forget.

Martin Smalls memories will touch the heart of all the tragic who read this. A remarkable story of survival of human spirit in the most hideous sort. A most readable document of courage .

I enjoyed this book so much. Not for a fantasy walk but for truth and a reality check on how unbelievably low people can stoop in one's inhumanity to man. Anyone who doesn't think that the holocaust didn't happen needs to have a mental check. It is an easy read and speaker wrenching. I would reccomend this to anyone ,we need to remember least we forget . Especially the young.

"Remember Us" is the remarkable memoir of Martin Small (born Mordechai Shmulewitz). It is a lifetime of a very courageous, resiliant man who remembers both the bitter and the sweet, the adventure and the frustration, and shares it with us. Spanning his lifetime of 91 years, He talks with warmth about his childhood and teen years, the horror of the work camps and concentration camps during the '40s, the devastation of being the only survivor of his immediate and extended family in Europe, waiting for years to get his Visa to the US, settling down, getting married, starting a family, and learning to live again. The story is divided into four parts: His childhood and youth; the years of the work camps, concentration camps, displaced person camps; immigrating to Israel for a few years to help establish the State of Israel; and finally immigrating to the US to have a "home" again, marry, raise a family and become part of a stable community again. His love of art and study, sense of humor, love of friends and family, his faith, which wavers at times, but is always there, the warmth of his memories (like the touch of his grandfather's hand), and sheer courage make this book a memorable read. Written by Vic Shayner when Martin was 91, the book is balanced over a period of years. Read it, you'll find a sense of encouragement to live your daily life fully.

A must read for anyone interested in the Holocaust and how the survivors continued to live with what they went thru.

I have read so many Holocaust books I can't count them all. After reading "Remember Us", I will not buy anymore. This is the first one I have read that puts real faces and life experiences on the Eastern Jews. Their suffering can not be forgotten....ever! I am satisfied that the Jews went to slaughter only because of their goodness and non violent ways and culture. Not really knowing what would happen to them.

While I have read many, many books about the holocaust, this one stood out because it was not directly about the horrors of the camps, but about the loss of family, friends, a culture and a way of life. Mr. Small told the heartbreaking story from his heart, simply and clearly. He had so many reasons to be bitter, but faith and gratitude were always evident. I wish I had had a chance to thank him for his story.

I enjoyed this novel.The facts were accurate and could have been written by my father

This book shows us the amazing rich life torn apart by evil, driven by determination and rescued by bravery to pursue a new life. The horrors of the Holocaust will renew ones commitment to fight bigotry.

Absolutely the very best memoir on the topic. So well written! With the author's perspective on both Jewish history and personal family remembrances, the reader is gifted the depth required to thoroughly empathize. The author creates a most amazing true story that leaves the reader in absolute awe. Can't recommend highly enough!

This is one of the most outstanding and memorable books about the Holocaust that I have read. The narrator is a most admirable and courageous survivors that I have ever heard. One of the most admirable aspects of this memoir is the absolute candor and forthrightness of both the horrendous experiences and the ongoing impact on his life. Thank you Martin Small.

I approached this book with trepidation. I know the general story of the Prison camps of WWII, but I was not prepared for the strength and courage of this man's story. Be prepared to be horrified. Be prepared to cry, right up to the ending. Be prepared to look within yourself and ask some very hard questions. But be prepared to listen and to witness and to say, "Never Again!"

This was a very heart felt account of what it was like for a survivor of the holocaust. I think we need to be refreshed now and then and this gentleman told his story in such a personal way. I hope this time in history is never repeated. I especially liked how the author rose above his pain and did something to help others and through his words I felt I got to know about his childhood and family that was lost but not forgotten.

A compelling witness account from a remarkable man. I was especially moved by his recounting of the moral courage of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Thanks for writing this Martin.

It gave me a real understanding of the complex & interconnected lives of residents, both Jews & Christians, and the depth of the cruelty we humans are capable of. It personalized the vast subject of the Holocaust.

What a tragically amazing book. I was not aware how much other nations & nationalities turned against the Jewish people, too. It made me really think what it would be like to have NO family left. How increditbly sad. What an amazing memory & storytelling ability he has, and what a resilient spirit to have survived all that he did. Even the placement services were a joke. I like that the book didn't focus on the "war" part of history that most of us have heard. Highly recommend this book to everyone!

I cried not only for the victims but also for the survivors of the Holocaust who have had to carry these memories of unbelievable sorrow throughout their lives. How brave of them to dig into these horrible memories in order to remember! We all must continue to remember. We must continue to be fearless in the face of evil.

This autobiography of a Holocaust survivor really tugs at the heartstrings. My heart broke when reading about what this man and his family and friends went through. It's truly a miracle that this man survived everything and lived to tell his story. The book was well written and easy to read.

I've read many stories of the horrors of WW11 and the terrors that people endured in the camps but this one is different in that it paints a picture of life before these terrible things began and what happened to a survivor after liberation. I was born in the USA in 1941 so this happened during my lifetime. It is unimaginable what these poor innocent people went through. I can understand how Martin cannot forget but also cannot let himself forget. I want to believe this can never happen again but unfortunately in parts of the world it still happens. Are the children in school now being taught about the history of WW11? They certainly should be.

This is the best book I have EVER read pertaining to WWll. I had it on my IPad but, since my husband doesn't like to read like that, purchased the paperback. He was in tears at the end. I love true stories .. and this is one of the best! This book should be mandatory reading for every kid in high school ... we need for them to know.

I have read so many stories about the holocaust. None as moving as this one man's survival of unimaginable horror. His quest for freedom despite his loss of family, dignity, unanswered prayers and cries for freedom should reverberate with all of mankind.

I learned so very much from this book. I think what makes this book different from other holocaust memoirs, is that you get more than just the story during the war. I loved learning about life before the war and then afterward, also. This book was horrific in its recounting of the violent acts that are depicted but humanity, at its best, is also depicted. Excellent.

I just finished this incredible book this morning, "Remember us My Journey from the Shtetl through the Holocaust" by Martin Small (his life: Mordechai Shmulewicz) and Vic Shayne. The book is about Mordechai's life in Poland in a Shtetl (Jewish town) before the Germans came is interesting history; the hell the Poles put on the Jews when the Germans came and surviving the Germans until the Americans came; then living and building a life afterwards and his more simplified American name. Toward the very end of the book is an absolutely incredible tie in story befitting of the best of novels, only all is true. A book really worth a read from many perspectives. I got it from Amazon on my Kindle Fire and found it easy to read and captivating. The tie in story near the is more gripping and emotional to read then anything a novelist could contrive.

This book documents a way of life that was destroyed by jealousy, hate and greed. Rather than focusing on the tortures of the camps, this book rejoices in the love of life and faith of small communities of Jews which no longer exist. Its name "Remember Us" is a testament to love, resilience and life. It is a must read.

Poslano s mojeg iPada 21.04.2015., u 10:13, kiepach@yahoo.com napisao: Ova kao izgleda moj lijek za prehladu.zelim brz oporavak,kao Turci. Sent from my iPad

I have read a lot of books about the Holocaust. This one is at the top. I am so grateful that Mr. Short shared his beautiful family with me. I was struck by a section where he commented that he wrote the book so people might examine their own character and what they might do if they were one of the neighbors of the Jews. He did just that for me. I feel blessed for having learned about his life and gained more insight into the atrocities.

The story puts a human face on the horrors of the Holocaust. Racism is inhuman and monstrously evil; it is also painfully personal. The courage telling the story demanded adds to the emotional impact. It's difficult reading, but I couldn't put it down. Some discomfort, as in reading a book like this is important; it reminds us how fragile and beautiful it is to be human.

This is one of the best WW II books that I have ever read. Extremely well written and a very compelling story.

This man had an amazing life. He was not only involved in in many historical events, but he knew pivotal players or played pivotal roles. This book is a little hard to believe at times, but it was enthralling.

Painful account, beautifully told. God bless the Jewish people. He is and He will...that is what is prophecied for our time.

I am always interested to read the writings about the Holocaust. This was well written and just another story about the horrific conditions at that time. It held my interest and of course, once again, made me stop and think of these poor people and what they went through. I would recommend this book.

I was deeply moved by the trauma and loss of family and friends in this true account. I have read many excellent Holocaust survivor books, and this is among the best.

If you are like me, you've read many Holocaust books. Besides the classics, I've loved The Irena Sendler book. Didn't think I could enjoy a book as much as that one. This book is very good! Love the story because it's from childhood to old man. This book is definitely a good read if you are into Holocaust reads. If this is your first Holocaust read, it's a good one! Just try try not to read it all in one night!

This is a deeply moving account of a Holocaust survivor that should be made compulsory reading in High School. Today's generation does not know how bad it was and they do not appreciate the chance the United States gives them to lead a productive, free life in a democratic country.

This book had me from the first moment. I was in the shtetl with Mordecai, and was beside him throughout his journey. It is seldom that a book carries you through every page, but I never wanted to put this book down. It was mesmerizing from page one through the last page. I have read many books on the Holocaust, but never one like this. I highly recommend this to everyone.

While the writing was technically so so the story was excellently told. It is a true story of a boy who was brought up in the Shtetl and ended up in Munchausen concentration camp. He survived the camp and ended up in the USA where he contributed to keeping the story of the holocaust alive.

This book will being you to your knees. It is a solemn remembrance of the Holocaust and how the souls of humans can be so mired in evil that it impacts the entire world. It is also the heat wrenching, yet inspiring, story of one man's journey through that evil passageway. It is an understatement that everyone should read this book

A straightforward account of the horrors of the Nazi takeover of the small towns in Poland and Russia in the early days of WWII and the dogged will to survive of just one among the many who witnessed that and the inhumanity of the concentration camps. It was told without embellishment and went straight to the heart. It was a reminder that we should never forget and never allow it to happen again.

The author shares his life experiences being held in a concentration camp and his life following this suffering. Riveting! What is wrong with the human race that we cause such pain to another human? Never again!

This is one of the most moving Holocaust stories I have read, and I have read many! It has many details of village life in Poland unfamiliar to me and a wonderfully delightful twist to the story in the end!

It made me laugh. It made me cry. It was a book I will never forget. This read made me think and hopefully made me a better person.

Thanks to BookBub, I sampled first, then bought, then enjoyed it thoroughly in two days. This is a part of history that is so amazing in that people survived and lived a full life and used their time to leave their history for others to read. My goodness, this man went through so much. Thanks for a wonderful book.

This book should be required reading for every high school student. No one needs forget what happened to these people so that it never happens again. I had to put it Down at times, the story was horrifying , I am glad there were no pictures. I am so ashamed of the people who let this happen and helped it happen.

I found the story very painful but very informative and well written. I did not enjoy reading that Ed Asner did some proof reading on the manuscript. I absolutely cannot stand anything about that miserable actor. Yes, I would recommend this book, but it can be a very hard read.

You can never really put into words a holocaust survivor's experience because it is always so moving, so tragically sad, unimaginable and unbelievable..but in the end it is always so remarkably inspiring and beautiful!! this story like so many others touches you in such a profound way and makes you think of history itself. any survivor's story is certainly worth reading

Good

I will "never forget" this true holocaust story of life as it should have remained and the terrible, unthinkable tragedy it turned out to be. How on earth can one man control a country and everyone in it to do his bidding? I've read dozens of holocaust testimonies. If you only read one, make it this one.

Poignant. The author did not dwell too much on the horrors of the camps. Rather, it is his sadness over the loss of a culture that he was a part of which included his extended family. There is also his bafflement over the cruelty exhibited not only by the Nazis, but by former friends and neighbors. I was impressed by the few who risked their lives to shelter him. Well written and worth reading.

You read books like this. and can only imagine in the remotest way what these people experienced. How a human being can be so cruel to one another is way beyond understanding..

It was an eye opener for me! Just like 911, we must never forget. Please take the time to read this and do so with an open mind and a prayer.

This account of Martin Small's account of his experience as a Polish Jew is both horrifying and deeply moving. He speaks not only the great loss of human lives but also the loss of connections and a rich culture. I highly recommend it even if you think you have read many books about the Holocaust.

This was my first audio book. I listened while I worked and then listened to several chapters again. I plan to listen again. I am saddened each time I read of someone's journey during the Nazi invasion and "Remember us: .." is no different. I praise Schayne and Martin for sharing his story. Every attempt to share these true stories of the Holocaust is another testimonial that proves human beings can be monsters. Neighbors turning on neighbors because of ignorance, jealousy, lust, greed and mob mentality. Yet, praise goes to individuals who stepped up and helped by feeding neighbors or hiding them for a time. Martin had escaped death on several occasions. Then would end up being captured. I was struck by the goodness in people offering help. Although it was apparent how horrible the Poles were to their Jewish neighbors, the good nature of people along Martin's journey was a joy to read. I'm sure they gave him hope and helped him to live on. I couldn't believe when that cruel Polish neighbor told Martin how he had killed his family, raping his sister repeatedly. I am convinced God was guiding him. Sharing this story for us to recognize the goodness in this world is a choice, as is it a choice to be cruel.

A touching memoir one man's life before, during, and after, the Holocaust. I came away with a deeper appreciation of the strength and fortitude it took to survive an unimaginable period in history.

This is one of best books of any topic I have ever read. Graphic in some details, but it wouldn't be the book is it without those details.

This book moved me to no end. It is a proof that everything Hitler tried to accomplish was defeated by the courage of people like Martin Small. What an incredible, rich life! I only wish I could have known him personally.

I've read many holocaust survivor books and so I am accustomed to the descriptions of the atrocities committed by the Nazis. This accounting, though, describes crimes I was not aware of. This book is deeply disturbing and profoundly sad. I'm only glad that Mr. Small lived. My soul weeps for the victims.

I'm always amazed at how the people who tell of there war experience, find the courage to go on. Really enjoyed this book

This book was so much more than just a description of the horrors of the Holocaust . You get a real sense of the importance of family and faith in this book and how it helped the survivor get through his terrible experiences . I am always impressed with the faith and forgiveness of people who have lived through this Unbelievable time in our history .

"Remember Us"was an excellent recounting of the horrid treatment of Jewish people and in particular his own family in Poland, as well as all over Europe. I appreciated the author's memories and how he made it through this awful time. It was especially interesting to read the end of his story and how many times the world seems so small when people we meet have impacted our lives without our even knowing it.

This story is different from all the holocaust memoirs I've read. His story is truly a story of survival and faith and the way of life prior to the horrific events that occurred throughout Europe and dealing with its aftermath. How strong survivors had to be. I am thankful I read his journey.

This was such a moving story, I could not put the book down. While a hugely upsetting account of human cruelty and wanton destruction, the author's determination to keep his family alive in his memory has made them real for all of us

I can only cry over this book and what human beings are capable of doing to other people. This book is so very important that I was disturbed by the poor showing by Kindle that allowed misspelled words and sentences running together. It felt disrespectful of something holy.

This book is heartbreaking and uplifting. Martin Small is a hero. This story should be read by all. It needs to be remembered.

Thank you to Vic Shayne for sharing this true story of his life and the injustices to the Jewish people during World War II. Vic's strength of character and grit is amazing and he is a true American and Jewish hero.

Excellent book. I have read many books and researched about the holocaust and it the effects on the European Jewish population. This story is different in the way it approaches the life of Martin Small. The book reveals his day to day life and the immense loss of that happy life and his entire culture. I cried many times throughout the book and recommend it to anyone with an interest in personal stories from that dark time in our history.

I have learned so much from reading book. Martin's story needs to be heard by everyone, especially in these trying times.

While this book is not written like an epic novel it is a real life account by a survivor of the worse atrocities ever inflicted on human kind. This in itself makes it a must read so that we may never ever forget or allow the truth to be erased from history.

An amazing, detailed story of what so many Jews went through in Poland. Just when you think you have heard all the horrors stories, there's more! This man's courage and perseverance are very inspiring.

This a most moving, and unbelievable account of the horror of the Holocaust that I have ever read. I too feel it should never be forgotten, but always remembered. My heart breaks for the victims, yet rejoices with the survivors. I am horrified anytime somebody tends to think it never happened.

Quite a tribute to perseverance. I would have liked to meet Mr. Small, he was an incredible individual who survived.

The journey is hard to believe. History in schools cannot tell us what really happened, most of use would not believe. But it happened and we should remember those that died and those who survived.

A tragic story of loss and searching for an identy after world war ii. Vey inspiring as the main character is a real person and the afterimath was so difficult for him and many,many of th survivors .The book was very informative to me even though I thought I was well informe d of this period of tim e. One cannot ever know too much about this period and the inhumanity of mankind.

Every high school should make this required reading--- -I fear this could happen again & I dutifully pray for this never ever to come close We can't let our guard down EVER! EVER!

Though it starts off slow, the author reveals the life of one before, during and after the Holocaust. Very insightful. I highly recommend it.

I have always been interested in this terrible section of history and I feel this book is written from a different way than others I have read. I felt the heartache in his recounting of memories. I feel that we must not forget this awful time and pray others will still write their recollections for us.

I could not put the book down! Touching, incredible story told by a wonderful, gentle, loving, wise human being about non human monsters. He survived, he won and I was crying sorrow tears for all innocent victims and happy tears for his victory!People, please, never again! Five stars is not enough to rate this book!

I'm truly amazed how humanity picks and chooses who to annihilate and who ha permission to live. This book is not all vulgarity in mental imagery, but a depiction of a man who truly suffered mentally and physically, giving me a glimpse of a person suffering from severe PTSD.

A must read for everyone! Lots of books about the Holocaust and most if not all are Excellent, but Mr. Small's story spends 1/3 on his early life and family, making the horrors he went thru even more heart rending. His story reminds us again to ALWAYS REMEMBER and NEVER FORGET!!!

This is the best book I have ever read Vince bing a holocaust survivor. I am so happy to have found it and shared in this timeless masterpiece. Thank you so much Martin. I know you know.

This survivors story is mind boggling. How neighbors can commit atrocities to their neighbors is a cautionary tale we must never forget so this never happens again. The will to survive and start a new life is truly inspirational.

No two Holocaust stories are the same. Remember Us is less about the suffering, and more about the reasons we survive. Inspiring, beautifully written, and empowering.

First hand insight into this horrible time in history. An amazing story of faith and incredible courage and determination to survive.

Very thought provoking book. One of the best lines is something to the effect of "You are reading this to understand it (the Holocaust) but you must realize that you will never understand it".. I think this says it all. An excellent and very moving read. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to make some sense out of the most horrific tragedy ever perpetrated against humankind!!

I've been reading a fair number of WWII memoirs lately from all sides. This was a different take for me and I especially enjoyed that it didn't end with the liberation, but followed through to show a life worth living and one of redemption and gratitude and, most of all, forgiveness. I have told the story of finding out who his "messiah" was several times, and everyone I told got goosebumps.

What an eye opening piece about one mans journey through Heaven and Hell. This is a must read Could not put it down. We should all not forget this tragic part of world history. To those who deny the Holocaust never Holocaust never happened, shame on you.

I have read many books on this subject, but this one was written differently. The author with the distinct desire that the world never forget. This is a book that should be mandatory reading in all schools, just as those like "To Kill A Mocking Bird", etc. I wept, and made a vow that I would not allow those in my circle to forget.

A difficult book to read - takes your breath away. It's horrifying and yet triumphant at the end.

The depth of love Moishe had for his family, the horrors he encountered, and the good he accomplished in his life are more than inspiring. I am humbled and privileged to have read this memoir. I promise to never forget.

Written in the first person - you relive the beauty and love of a tightly knit family as they progress from early in the 1920's until close to present day. You see through their eyes the terror and disbelief of man's inhumanity to man during the war. The heroism of everyday kindnesses to risking lives to help others to escape the madness. I was drawn to read to the last word as wonder once again overtook the horrifying memories. I will recommend this book to all my friends.

It was heartbreaking and so vivid. A story of many that must be told. I will remember. Thank you for sharing this life.

The amazing theme in this book is not only Martin's story of life and love of family in his shtetl but that after all he had been through he still has the ability to believe in his God and to give love!