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The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come

The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come  - Sue Macy
One man’s mission helps millions. This nonfiction book speaks volume on so many levels. Aaron wanted to preserve his grandmother’s books which started a mission that ended up saving over a million books. He united individuals, he helped save a language, he showed what one person can do, he is bringing back a language, and he is helping people connect.
 
Aaron couldn’t forget how his grandmother’s journey from Eastern Europe to the U.S. ended. The few treasured possessions that she had carried with her, were now gone yet Aaron wondered about her. His college studies would draw him closer to his grandmother’s past as he realized that he needed to learn a new language to read books for one of his classes. Finding Yiddish books were difficult so Aaron returned to his hometown where he stumbled upon his first stack of Yiddish book which started his collection. I thought it was interesting that the Rabbi was going to bury the books (which is a sign of respect) before Aaron arrived.
 
Aaron began graduate school in Canada and soon his apartment was flooded with donations of Yiddish books. He transported all the books back to Massachusetts and he didn’t give up even after talking to some important people in the Yiddish community.
 
I like how there are Yiddish words in the text with a glossary in the back of the book to help you figure out the meaning. The illustrations were well done and compliment the informative and interesting text.
 
Don’t forget to read the afterword and note from the author, the illustrator’s note which are included at the back of the book also. He also included (at the back of the book) a few sites if you want more information on this topic. Aaron’s energy, ambition, and compassionate is felt through this book both in words and in the illustrations. It’s inspiring to see how one individual can make such a difference in the world. This book is really fantastic and should be read. I highly recommend it! 5 stars