I love a good biography. Call me nosy. I can take it. And
when you combine another favorite book genre by way of the historical
non-fictional novel you have me for life. I knew immediately that I NEEDED to
be on the review list for Bessie’s Pillow published by Strong Learning, Inc.
I have always been interested in those journeys to the New
World and wondered what kinds of things could compel a family or individual to
leave all they loved and knew to sail across the ocean to an unknown world.
Before I tell you a little bit about Bessie’s Pillow I need
to say this.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is the kind of book that answers all those questions.
It places the reader in the shoes of a 19-year-old Jewish girl and her journey to New York City in 1906. She lives in Lithuania, which at the time is part of
the Russian Empire. It is placed within the Pale of Settlement.
If you are a student of history you understand the
significance of being Jewish in the Pale of the Settlement. Jews in 1906 Russia
were treated despicably. Young Jewish men were conscripted into the Russian
army and often sent to the “front” of the front lines.
Bessie’s family sends her alone across the Atlantic for a
better life…away from the troubles of her homeland.
We follow Bessie has she arrives at Ellis Island, makes a
new life for herself and finds love. Her story doesn’t stop at the Happy Ever
After. She suffers devastating losses and becomes a woman of independent means.
It was written by Bessie’s granddaughter, Linda Bress
Silbert. Linda’s mother (Bessie’s daughter) had the presence of mind who record
her mother’s conversations and stories. I sure wish I had had done the same
with the stories of my grandmother and great-grandmother. What they could have
told me!
Now that I’ve peaked your interest I have some more
awesomeness to throw your way.
Bessiepillow.com is filled with great resources
for a study of life and immigration in the early of 1900’s. There is a Teacher’s
Tab which houses a 16 page PDF Teacher’s Guide with suggestions on how to use
Bessie’s pillow in the classroom. We are
given a list of silent movies that Bessie might have seen, given instructions
for making a Peach Melba and how healthcare compared to our modern medical
practices.
On a side note: Some of this story hit home. I have been in
treatment for cardiomyopathy for nearly 20 years. Part of my health history has
involved extremely high blood pressure. In fact, not 2 months ago I had a
medical crisis that required visits to the hospital, massive doses of blood
pressure medication and constant monitoring of my blood pressure. I was sad to
hear that Bessie suffered from small strokes and eventually died in 1950
because she did not have the advantages I do of modern medicine.
The book is written for with high school students and adults
in mind. I knew that when I requested this review that there might be a chance
that I read it by myself. Josiah’s birth father was an immigrant. I know that
one of these days this is going to be a great resource for us to discuss. I
know from having brief discussions with this young man years ago that
immigration has greatly changed in many respects. However, there is still the
strangeness and adjustment when one comes to a strange new world.
This book does just a beautiful job of drawing you into Bessie's world. We care about her. We laugh and cry with her. I can't recommend it enough.
You can read more about Bessie via the book’s website
(bessiespillow.com) or the following social media sites. Don’t forget to click
on the banner below to read more reviews.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BessiesPillow @BessiesPillow
Rebekah, this sounds amazing! I need to get my hands on a copy of this book for sure!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had that medical scare. Hugs and prayers for healing & blessing!
So glad that you enjoyed my grandmother's story and learned much about the world she lived in through the book and Bessie's America. Hope you're feeling well!
ReplyDeleteDr. Linda