From cowboy to captain; the author had a wild ride through Arizona cattle country; the Cold War; the Vietnam War; and several Pentagon Wars. From 1956 to 1980; as a Navy jet pilot; admiral's aide; and military analyst; he fought and survived by always; always flying low.
#1986566 in Books Raab Rudi 2015-06-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .57 x 6.00l; .75 #File Name: 099621920X250 pagesStumbling Stone
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Lives stranger than fictionBy MARTIN HELLMANIf I described someone as "the son of a high Nazi" official; you might imagine an unrepentant anti-Semite. While the first phrase describes one of this book's authors (Rudi Raab); the second couldn't be further from the truth – as evidenced by the fact that the other author and his life partner (Julie Freestone) is Jewish. The story gets more interesting – but sadder – when you learn that Rudi's uncle (his Nazi father's brother) was killed by the Gestapo for his anti-Nazi sympathies. Aside from being an amazing story; Rudi and Julie's lives remind us to question the assumptions that our imagination conjures up about different people and nations – in other words; to question our prejudices. While this book uses fiction to bridge some of the holes in their knowledge of what happened to others; it is based on their amazing life stories. Their decades-long romance proves that love is stronger than hate.Of course; a story like that needs writing to match; and the book doesn't disappoint on that count either. I'm pressed for time and expected to read it over a couple of weeks of casual reading; but found it hard to put down. I also enjoyed the occasional injections of humor. which leavened what otherwise could be a very heavy topic. It's hard to imagine laughing out loud at times after delving into questions about collective German guilt; Jewish prejudices (against Germans); and things like that. But I did – and expect you will too. A nice break; and laughter is good for the soul.Highly recommended!!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful glimpse into the past through an unlikely romantic pairing.By Kristen S. PeckWWII and the Holocaust are events in history that I have learned about and grieved over in a global "never let that happen again" sense. With most events and history I struggle to connect to the meaning and the experience until I hear personal stories and am able to relate on a more intimate level. Stumbling stone is a window into a unique relationship; family dynamics and world history. It challenged me to rethink right and wrong and served as a reminder that there are many ways to look at a situation and judgement must be reserved; even when you know all "sides" of a story. Nations may have won WWII but individuals did not. Stumbling stone draws you into the realities of the time and the mysteries in a family. A glimpse at an unlikely pairing and love story; and a reminder of the imperfections of the human condition.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. When these two fall in love; they must unearth and then reconcile themselves to ...By Barbara Stark-Nemon - author Even in Darkness- a novelStumbling Stone by Rudi Raab and Julie Freestone is a novel based on a true story of discovering Rudi’s family's past in WWII Germany. Sarah Stern is an investigative journalist in Berkeley California; a transplanted Jewish girl from the Bronx whose parents escaped Germany. Karl Schmidt is a cop whose beat is the drug-infested neighborhood Sarah is writing about. He's originally from Germany. When these two fall in love; they must unearth and then reconcile themselves to the impact of Karl's family's Nazi past. Along the way; they discover secrets and confront barriers that challenge their trust; their prejudices; their understanding of themselves and their relationship. Strongly written; Stumbling Stone is an interesting and entertaining take on an unusual story.
