Books

These are true stories of airmen who didn’t return from bombing missions over Europe. To those flying with them, they were simply gone. Many died in fiery crashes, while others became POWs or Evadees. A few were captured and later escaped and a small number were shot in their parachutes or killed after landing. Back at home, the families waited, often not knowing if a loved one survived. The stories are about the struggle to survive, so that blue star proudly hanging in the window at home wouldn’t be replaced by a gold one.

They are accounts of love, duty and courage. Some include information about those who aided the downed airmen. Each is placed in the context of what was happening elsewhere in the world at the time. The author shares background history of how each story came to be, often with surprising revelations. Painstakingly researched, this book is a must read for anyone interested in 20th Century American history, particularly for those interested in WWII.

Nimericks (Narrative Limericks) by Laurence Parsons–From the nation of Imagi come these stories to inform, to uplift and to entertain. Laurence Parsons was born September 1, 1942, in Phoenix, Arizona. His father was a sign-and-house painter and his mother a housewife.

Laurence’s boyhood dreams to become an archaeologist fell by the wayside when he, at twelve, became smitten by the magic bug. During his teens he practised sleight-of-hand and, after three years of active duty in the US Army, he became a professional magician in 1964.

He and his German-born wife and assistant, Heidi, performed their magic acts in nightclubs, casinos and TV shows in many countries. Their credits included The London Savoy Hotel, the Casino Monte Carlo, the New Latin Quarter in Tokyo and numerous performances for dignitaries including the ex-King and Queen of Greece and the Shah of Iran (when American/Iranian relations were still good!).

After a divorce in 1982, Laurence continued show business activities as solo magician and also as cruise director with various lines where he was able to put his languages—English, German, French and Italian — to good use.

In 2006 a domestic situation required his physical presence in Starnberg, Bavaria, and he used his free time during the next six years to write the verses he calls nimericks.

We all had or have that one special friend in our lives, and this book shares the story of one such person, who owned a Red Kitchen, with the purpose of bringing laughter into your hearts, just as you would have experienced had you been sitting right there at the table in the Red Kitchen on into the pet store and other adventures. This is the legacy Sharon had to give and this is what she left behind.

For further information or to purchase a copy of The Red Kitchen, contact Kathleen R. Harris at kreedette@aol.com