Another fascinating historical account has been written by Lorraine B. Diehl and published by HarperCollins. Over Here!: New York City During World War II is a written and pictorial record of one of our country’s finest, most prominent cities during the 1930s and 40s, during the war that shook our entire nation.
The early beginnings of changes seen in NYC are described as Nazi sympathizers and “Friends of the New Germany” began showing their faces within the city. Celebrations of Hitler’s birthdays at local casinos raised a ruckus and caused much mayhem. Anti-semitic groups formed and propaganda appeared in shop windows along main thoroughfares.
The story follows the accounts of the many Jewish immigrants that fled to the city before the war’s outbreak, including the nearly 1,000 children that were a part of the “kindertransport” movement.
Subtle changes are noted, signs that a war was most likely imminent….notably the stealth moving in of ocean liners to be converted into troop carriers.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked and America was certain to enter the fight, New Yorkers told where they were when they heard the news, and the radio broadcast of Mayor La Guardia was heard all over the city limits, a warning to be ready for an attack on the notorious and vulnerable city.
The mood of the New York City dwellers changed as the events unrolled. Japanese-American businessmen, professors, and ministers residing in NYC were interred and shipped off to camps. Rockefeller Center’s Japanese Gardens were converted to Chinese Gardens. Air raid signal sirens were installed on roofs, and black-out and air raid shelter kits were available for purchase at nearly every department store. New York children wore ID tags each day to school, and maps with 28 exit routes out of the city were disbursed, an earnest preparation for the worst possible scenarios.
NYC became a hot spot for the war effort, too, though, with people all over looking to its inhabitants and leaders for an example on how they can help. Victory gardens were tucked in between skyscrapers, and war bond counters sprung up at Saks and other popular stores. The heralded “New York at War” parade is recorded in word and photo. Clubs and casinos became entertainment venues for visiting GIs, including the famous Stage Door Canteen, the basement of the West 44th Street Theater where Broadway stars frequently popped in to boost morale.
All things lead to the wonderful celebration in the streets when Germany and Japan surrendered, Times Square packed with thousands of grateful citizens, eager to begin anew.
Over Here!: New York City During World War II is a thorough, descriptive diary of one of our greatest metropolises during one of our darkest hours. I feel like I know more about New York City…as well as more about the war that my grandparents and great-grandparents lived through and tell about today.
You can purchase Over Here!: New York City During World War II for $26.99 tomorrow, January 19th, when it hits bookstore shelves (or order it online here).
Win it! Courtesy of HarperCollins, I am giving away one copy of Over Here!: New York City During World War II by Lorraine B. Diehl! Just tell me, in a comment below, another book by HarperCollins that you find fascinating. I’ll close this contest next Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Congratulations to commenter #11, Amy, the winner of this book!
FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Cindi (2 years ago)
My 92 year old dad is a WWII survivor. Our family has certainly heard many interesting stories. Another book that interests me from Harper Collins is
The Happiness Project!
Many thanks, Cindi
Emily (2 years ago)
I love the Goldy mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson. Thanks for the giveaway!
Elsie (2 years ago)
I am so curious about this book, it seems very interesting and worthwhile to read.
Renee (2 years ago)
Another piece of history that I’d love to learn. Great giveaway! The HarperCollins book “Avatar” by Maria Wilhelm and Dirk Mathison is a must-have for any fan of the movie “Avatar”, with a Na’vi-English dictionary included in it. Very entertaining!
clenna in NH (2 years ago)
A book that I haven’t read but is on TBR list is The Lace Reader by B. Barry. It’s set in Salem, MA and is about women who see the future.
Rachel G (2 years ago)
I like the book Pirate Latitudes.
Donna Brown (2 years ago)
I would love to read The Bone Chamber
By Robin Burcell also!
Cassie M (2 years ago)
The Happiness Project looks awesome as well! This book is right up my alley! I love historical books, and I love NYC! I really really really want to win!
Cassie
cjm92995@yahoo.com
Winning Readings (2 years ago)
I’d love to read Fancy Nancy!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Sarah E (2 years ago)
I loved A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn.
Please enter me in this giveaway!
Amy (2 years ago)
I think A Year with God
Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines
By Richard J. Foster looks interesting.
Leigh S (2 years ago)
Hello! The Visual Miscellaneum by David McCandless looks (pun intended!) very interesting.
(Like another reader mentioned, my husband’s grandfather is also a 92-year-old WWII veteran. We’d love to win this book!)
Thanks much, and good luck to all!
Leigh
Abi (2 years ago)
I love children’s books. I think Goldilicious looks like a fun book to read. Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Eco-Friendly and Frugal (2 years ago)
Going Rogue by Sarah Palin! I really want to read that, I hear it’s fantastic.
This is a great giveaway! I am from NYC and my Dad is obsessed with NYC history, he would absolutely love this.
Katie (2 years ago)
Oooh… I wonder if this would help my Grandma with dementia… I’ve often heard that looking back at the past will help draw them out of their shell…
Renee G (2 years ago)
I would also like to read “The Happiness Project”.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
Wendy (2 years ago)
As I kid I loved the Ramona books.
Angela W (2 years ago)
I find the book “Highest Duty”
By Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger fascinating!! What an amazing man with an incredible story!
Judy B (2 years ago)
My folks were around 15 when WWII ended and knew lots of people affected by it. Looks like a good book. The PostSecret books looks good too, I love that blog.
Nancye Davis (2 years ago)
I would like to read “Don’t Leave Me This Way”
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net