It’s nonfiction as thriller in its recounting of the actions of a midlevel, monstrous clerk and the work of a few dedicated...
Adolf Eichmann was among the Gestapo war criminals who managed to escape from Europe and establish new lives in Argentina. The search for him involved an international group of Nazi hunters who left no stone unturned to determine where and how he had fled, find him and bring him to justice.
The trail of the man, an exacting scheduler who oversaw the transportation of Jews to the concentration camps, went cold until one small clue led to another. He was finally traced to Argentina, captured and secretly removed to Israel for a public trial. Meticulously detailed plans with timing down to the minute involving several Israeli secret services, intelligence networks, other civilian and governmental agencies, and dedicated individuals brought him to justice. Drawing on a wealth of sources that include original interviews, Bascomb swiftly establishes background, introduces readers to the key players and takes them through the search. At any moment in the hunt something might have gone wrong, with those involved being captured as spies and allowing Eichmann to escape. Tension rises from the pages, thanks to Bascomb’s command of pacing, judicious use of quoted material, inclusion of archival photographs and strong descriptions.
It’s nonfiction as thriller in its recounting of the actions of a midlevel, monstrous clerk and the work of a few dedicated people in delivering him to justice. (author’s note, bibliography, notes, index [not seen]) (Nonfiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-545-43099-9
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Levine/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: July 16, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2013
A superbly written, smart and sensitive guidebook.
From veteran journalist Seidman comes a straightforward guide for the teen interested in contemplating atheism.
Through an impressive amount of research that encompasses case studies, polls and interviews with teens, the author explores the process of becoming an atheist and the many difficulties that some “unbelievers” might face. Stories demonstrate the myriad reasons teens turn to atheism: discomfort with perceived religious intolerance, the guilt and shame associated with “immoral” acts, unforgiving doctrines—even the downright boredom some feel attending church. Seidman gives voice to teens who, because of their atheism, have faced bullying, ostracism and threats—but he’s also careful to include those whose nontheist beliefs have been met with tolerance and respect. Practical tips include when and where to tell parents and/or relatives and friends about atheist beliefs as well as how to calmly and respectfully handle religious arguments. Teens discuss how atheism can coexist with spirituality, morality and even religious holidays. There are quotes from famous unbelievers, including Angelina Jolie, George Clooney and Daniel Radcliffe. Seidman also includes a list of U.S. universities where atheists are likely to feel welcome as well as those that are explicitly religious. Appropriately included are examples of teens who turned from being unhappy, unfulfilled atheists to contented believers.
A superbly written, smart and sensitive guidebook. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 10, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-58270-407-4
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Beyond Words/Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Jan. 9, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2015
Though none of the issues presented is explored in any great depth, this overview provides readers with a useful starting...
This overview delves into the history of torture, from the flayings, burnings and other brutal methods used in ancient societies to the psychological and sexual torture of the 21st century, and tackles complex ethical and moral questions.
Torture is universally condemned in international law, yet its efficacy as a method of intelligence gathering and controlling human behavior continues to be debated. Marcovitz chronicles how torture has been used since ancient times: in witch hunts and the Inquisition, the suppression of political dissent by autocratic regimes, as punishment for an array of crimes. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment brought the push for human rights and arguments that torture was unacceptable under any circumstances. Despite attempts to prohibit torture through international compacts like the Geneva Convention and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the practice of torture persists to the present day. Marcovitz devotes a good deal of discussion to its widespread use by the United States, citing examples like Abu Ghraib, Guantánamo Bay and the policy of extraordinary rendition. Both sides of the debate on the efficacy and necessity of torture are presented and left to readers to decide if torture is ever acceptable.
Though none of the issues presented is explored in any great depth, this overview provides readers with a useful starting place for further exploration. (glossary, timeline, source notes, bibliography, websites, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: March 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4677-5049-3
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Dec. 5, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2014
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