I loved the pictures and enjoyed reading the oral histories. Books like yours will form an important basis for historical writers and everyone who wishes to learn the effect of war on individuals’ lives.

Dr. Sandra McIntire

Your book is interesting and so appropriate in the wake of 9/11.

Monica Benning

It is teachable and captures the reader.

Fred Migliore, FM Odyssey

This is a wonderful insight into the lives of those who lived through World War II. I’ve read many books on World War II and have been working on oral histories of the men and women who served in the military, but Mary’s book goes into the detail of how the war touched all lives and the continuing effects it has had on us. It’s a very good book to share with young people and middle-aged adults who want to better understand why their parents and grandparents feel the way they do about so many things. Those of us who grew up during the ‘40s and ‘50s were forever changed by how our lives were affected.

Heart & Home Insights into Effects of World War II, May 15, 2003
“burleson5” (Merritt Island, FL)

This book is an excellent and easy read for all ages. A good reference for students studying the World War II era and a wonderful recollection for those who lived during World War II. Brought back so many memories. Those who did not live during those times should have a very good feel for, and understanding of the times after reading the book.

I personally enjoyed it because I knew several of the people featured in the book. Highly recommend it for all ages, especially students.

L. Foecking (Algonquin, IL)

“What made us who we are today” is a fitting title for this skillful collage of World War II experiences. This book is a tribute to those who lived through that war and those who fought in it, both at home and abroad. The sacrifices made ranged from small to the ultimate and no one was untouched. Each of us learned a lesson from it all and those lessons were passed down to our descendants, truly making us who we are today.

The author has skillfully pieced together a cross-section of memories of those trying days when we all pitched in to do our part in ending that terrifying era of world history. Each story gives us an honest point of view through the eyes of those who experienced those trying times.

These individual oral histories are memories that made the greatest impressions during the war, some in the form of adventure, some in the form of horror, some in sorrow and some in thankful relief. This was the every-day life of common folk, the grass roots of America. All of them appear to communicate the important things in life; that material things are transient and it is friends, families and decent human beings who count in a crisis.

I heartily recommend this book for readers of all ages. It exudes the real values of our society. Not only is it part of this country's history but more importantly it is part of us, the real people of the United States.

The real people of the United States, April 28, 2003
Gerald H. Lufkin (Maine, USA)

This book provides an excellent history of real people and their lives during World War II. The pictures and personal stories show what life was really like on the homefront. I especially enjoyed seeing the fashions of the 1940’s. Although much has been written about WWII, few oral histories of those who lived at home during wartime have been published. An interesting as well as relevant contribution to the history of the American people. Thank you, Dr. Robsman.

EXCELLENT HISTORY, April 16, 2003
drfiddler1 (Mt. Hope, WV)

This is a highly readable oral history collected from local veterans and families. As an elementary school librarian, I used this book in my classes in honor of Veterans' Day. Students and adults alike were mesmerized by the stories. Since then, I cannot keep the book on the shelf. I also gave this book to the numerous history buffs in the family. It has brought a perspective to those of us too young to know first-hand of the sacrifices made for us then and to hint at what our military members and families face yet today. Truly a must read!

What Made Us Who We Are Today: World War II Oral History, April 11, 2003
Florida school media specialist (West Melbourne, FL United States)

I was positively enthralled as I began reading the book and found that I just couldn’t put it down. These were incredibly difficult times and I marveled at the devotion the contributors had to family and country whether they were on the homefront or fighting the war. I quickly shared this book with my Mom who was loosing her battle with cancer. She told me so many things I would never have known had it not been for reading this book and prompting my interest. I was a young child at the time and never realized how much World War II contributed to the values my parents instilled in me to prepare me for adulthood. We have passed those same values of family, commitment and sacrifice to our children. I enjoy a sense of pride in the future and appreciation of the past as I experience some of those values I now see in my young grandchildren.

JB from Galena, IL, April 6, 2003
JB (USA)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the people who also have memories of WWII although mostly from different perspectives than my memories. Reading these chapters was like sitting and listening to reminiscences and reminded me of things I hadn't thought about in over 50 years. Each person's story was so well described it was like reliving my childhood.

WONDERFUL MEMORIES, April 5, 2003
Lucy C. Kline (Cocoa, FL)

What an ideal gift for WW II buffs and for friends and relatives who lived during this time! This book encouraged me to record our family's history before it is too late. Several features make this book ideal for lovers of history—maps, pictures, chronology, resources for further reading, glossary, and index. The individual contributions, arranged around six holidays, are straightforward and compelling. These narratives describe the impact WWII had upon their lives, how they responded, and gives us a glimpse into their spirit and character. As I read this book, I was reminded that “each one serves the best he can.” This book serves to keep history alive.

What Made Us Who We Are Today: World War II Oral History, April 3, 2003
DT (Cupertino, California)

These stories, told in the words of the people who lived them, spirited me back to a seemingly more innocent and simple time in America. The fact that the stories are in the words of the people who contributed made them all the more readable and enjoyable to me. This would be a wonderful companion book to Tom Brokow's book, The Greatest Generation because here are their own words.

What Made Us Who We Are Today: World War II Oral History, March 31, 2003
"kg59" (Yreka, CA)

What Made Us Who We Are Today is a well-written book that focuses on the accounts of many of America's true heroes (who don't see themselves as heroes) through a mini-biography approach. These interviewees are the great men and women who served in the Armed Services during World War II. Author Dr. Mary Robsman interviews each of these people, but allows them to tell their own story emphasizing what each feels is important about their experience. It is a wonderful, easy–to–read approach, and each person’s story is as interesting as the next. This book is timely because so many World War II veterans have died, and so have their stories. This book is for the history buff, for educators at all levels who want to give history a more personal account, or anyone who enjoys meaningful reading.

A Book for Many People, March 30, 2003
Robin Huskins (Melbourne, FL)