A truly global approach to world history built around significant world history stories.Worlds Together; Worlds Apart is organized around major world history stories and themes: the emergence of cities; the building of the Silk Road; the spread of major religions; the spread of the Black Death; the Age of Exploration; alternatives to nineteenth-century capitalism; the rise of modern nation-states and empires; and others. The Fourth Edition of this successful text has been streamlined; shortened; and features a new suite of tools designed to help students think critically; master content and make connections across time and place.
#3549 in Books Diane Ackerman 2008-09-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x 1.00 x 5.50l; .69 #File Name: 039333306X384 pagesThe Zookeeper s Wife A War Story
Review
168 of 177 people found the following review helpful. A WWII story both beautiful and horrifyingBy Mary FaganThe Zookeeper’s Wife; a true story set in Warsaw; Poland at the onset of WWII; is both horrifying and endearing on a scale I’ve not experienced in years. Antonina lives with her husband and small son in a villa on the zoo grounds. They are extremely knowledgeable about the animals in their care; each one with their individual quirks; and all loved like family. The zoo is well ahead of its time in providing natural habitats for its residents. Laid out like a lush garden; it’s a world famous showplace; a haven for both people and animals. Then the Nazis come with their tanks and bombs and total disregard for life. Drunken Gestapo agents shoot animals in their cages for sport. A pig the son is caring for is snatched away and butchered. But somehow the family manages; by one clever ploy after another; to remain at the villa where they daringly rescue Jews and work in the resistance. Yet through all the fear and deprivation; the spirit triumphs.Yes; at times Ackerman indulges in excessive scene-setting; eulogizing linden trees; for instance. Or she'll go off on a pages-long explanatory tangent - which; despite my impatient nature; nearly always proved fascinating. But all-in-all; I'd have to rank The Zookeeper's Wife right up there with Leon Uris' Mila 18 for a story that will haunt you forever.101 of 110 people found the following review helpful. Great premise; but just mehBy E.N._FanI wanted to like this book. The premise is great and I like that the author tried to incorporate actual quotes from diaries and other historical sources into the story. Unfortunately; this is a case of an author who desperately needed a more assertive editor. There were very long and boring tangents that lost my attention. I put this book down/away multiple times and even considered not finishing it; but then forced myself to finish it because I was reading it for my book club. The thing that I despised most about the book was the changing voice in the writing. Sometimes it was told in first person and then it would suddenly shift to third person. In other words; it would say; "So and so did such and such"; and then; "She probably felt X based on this passage" (that would then include a quote from her diary). I would have been OK with either writing style; but the constant switching back and forth was irritating.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating Account of Courage and Goodness During the Occupation of Warsaw.By AnnieThe Zookeeper's Wife is a remarkable account of the courage and selfless actions of the occupants of Warsaw during the Second World War who rescued and hid at great personal danger; the hundreds of Jews who were hunted and murdered by the Nazis.The story's focus is on the Warsaw Zoo and the Zabinskis who were the zoo's directors; in particular the courageous; gentle and wise wife; Antonina Zabinski.I found the story fascinating and well deserving of five stars for the remarkable research; excellent writing; and a story filled with page turning tension. Those of us who have never experienced such incredible hardship will find it impossible to relate to the experiences of the people of Warsaw; but this book does a great job of bringing those terrible times to light.I enjoyed every aspect of the book; from the animal stories to the 'guests' who were given safe harbour by the Zabinkis; to the everyday existence experienced by the Polish people under the brutal Nazi regime.I am very pleased that Diane Ackerman has brought this story to the attention of the reading public as it deserves to be told.I would recommend without reservation.
