mjsteimle's review
3.0
3.5 stars.
I initially picked this up because I was intrigued that Elder Busche had served as a German soldier during WWII. I was interested in hearing about his experiences. It turns out that Elder Busche was drafted into the service at the very tail end of the war (although he was taken as a POW for a brief period of time) - so WWII was not the focus of this book. Instead the book focuses on Elder Busche's experiences being converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serving in the church while it had a relatively small presence in Germany, and later on Elder Busche's experiences traveling across the world meeting with members of the Church. His stories are inspiring and faith-promoting and make me want to do better at seeking revelation and submitting myself to God.
I initially picked this up because I was intrigued that Elder Busche had served as a German soldier during WWII. I was interested in hearing about his experiences. It turns out that Elder Busche was drafted into the service at the very tail end of the war (although he was taken as a POW for a brief period of time) - so WWII was not the focus of this book. Instead the book focuses on Elder Busche's experiences being converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serving in the church while it had a relatively small presence in Germany, and later on Elder Busche's experiences traveling across the world meeting with members of the Church. His stories are inspiring and faith-promoting and make me want to do better at seeking revelation and submitting myself to God.
alissabar's review
5.0
I remember loving this book the first time I read it years ago and thinking that I would want to reread it in the future. I'm glad that it held up to my original impressions. It was interesting to read about his early life, since he was born in 1930's Germany and how that molded him, and then his passion of finding God and truth. I also loved all his experiences while serving in different church assignments. It was an inspirational read that left me wanting to do better and have greater faith.
2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #15 A book with a subtitle.
2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #15 A book with a subtitle.
cmbohn's review
4.0
This quiet little book has some amazing depth to it. Busche is a man of deep faith and humility. He shares some of his amazing experiences that led to his conversion to the LDS church and his subsequent service in the church. Any Latter-day Saint would find this a compelling read.
It is his early life, however, that makes this a book I would recommend to just about anyone. The first two chapters are a sort of stand-alone that tell of his boyhood in Hitler Germany. Busche was born just 3 years before Hitler came to power. He describes just what it was like growing up at such a time. He remembers being enrolled for Hitler Youth when he was very young, and the excitement he felt at his tenth birthday when he finally got to wear the uniform and go to meetings.
At age 14, he and some other neighborhood boys were rounded up, issued guns and uniforms, and sent off to the Front. By the time they had arrived where they thought they should be, the Front had dissolved and the American tanks were rolling in. He soon became a prisoner of war. As I read this, I looked over at my 12 year old son. It was almost impossible to imagine, but frightening all the same.
If you have any interest in reading more about World War II, I really recommend looking for a copy of this book. It might be hard to find outside of Utah, but I can't recommend it enough.
It is his early life, however, that makes this a book I would recommend to just about anyone. The first two chapters are a sort of stand-alone that tell of his boyhood in Hitler Germany. Busche was born just 3 years before Hitler came to power. He describes just what it was like growing up at such a time. He remembers being enrolled for Hitler Youth when he was very young, and the excitement he felt at his tenth birthday when he finally got to wear the uniform and go to meetings.
At age 14, he and some other neighborhood boys were rounded up, issued guns and uniforms, and sent off to the Front. By the time they had arrived where they thought they should be, the Front had dissolved and the American tanks were rolling in. He soon became a prisoner of war. As I read this, I looked over at my 12 year old son. It was almost impossible to imagine, but frightening all the same.
If you have any interest in reading more about World War II, I really recommend looking for a copy of this book. It might be hard to find outside of Utah, but I can't recommend it enough.
ravenhaymond's review
5.0
Fantastic. This book was amazingly inspiring and uplifting. It reminded me not to get stuck in the mediocrity of comfort and routine, but to push myself to have daily meaningful interactions with the Living God and to look to Him in all that I do. A testimony that when you turn your life over to God, He will make it a miraculous one. Throughout all the wonderful anecdotes and stories, Bushe speaks with humility and true love.
More...