The world seen from two set of eyes is enthralling, especially when those eyes belong to two people who share the same genes but different lives. For example, Mel Martin's view of Alaska in the 1960s and 1970s is certainly different from Elizabeth Martin's Alaska of this century. Besides, a father and daughter can look at the same thing and see two different universes. The book stretches from the past to the future, from Alaska to Russia, and from everyday to unique experiences. It includes poetry, short stories, opinion pieces, and even limericks. The goal is to amuse, not educate. Yet, you likely will mine some nuggets from the Martins' combined 85 years of writing experience. Many of the pieces use humor laced with sarcasm. Father and daughter occasionally berate each other, but it is all in fun and includes a lot of love. Readers of all ages will find something in this unique book that appeals to them.
This work comes at the reader from every possible emotional direction. It is a book that will nourish the soul and enlighten the mind. It is at once a fierce lesson and captivating entertainment." ~ Michael C. Keith, The Next Better Place"This is an honest, well-crafted accounting of a world tipped from its axis, then righted again. Merle P. Martin has written a deft narrative, infused with poetry. One which not only lends insight into life's fractures, but its mending."~ Robert Scotellaro, Measuring the Distance"This slender volume speaks with a steady, genuine, affectionate and insightful voice that transports the reader from childhood to maturity with unwavering strength and purpose. Who would not enjoy an autobiography that has no more qualms about self-deprecation than self-appreciation? As much as I admire the accomplishment of this book, I ended up admiring the author even more. The Now Me is a fast, fascinating and fabulous read." ~ Burgess Needle, Thai Comic Books
On December 15, 1944, Valentina and Merle Martin celebrated their third wedding anniversary with a hug, a kiss, and a goodbye-possibly forever. From that day forward, Merle Martin vowed to write his wife a letter every day as long as he was able when stationed in Hawaii and later on Okinawa during his service in World War II. Despite the flooding, typhoons, air raids, and operation of a field hospital less than a mile behind the front lines, Merle kept his promise. In his absence, Val would eventually collect well over three hundred of his letters expressing his fear, sorrow, everlasting love, and unfaltering hope for a better future. In what seemed like a lifetime of separation, Val and Merle remained together through their words and joint hope that he would one day return home safely. After reading through them for the last time, Val Martin has combined Merle's letters with her own personal narrative to paint a picture of the difficulties they faced during what would be their most challenging year as individuals and as a married couple. Dear Valentina bears witness to their experience of grief and loss as well as faithfulness and love in a time of war. About the Author: Valentina Martin was born in Tama County, Iowa on February 11, 1925. With Czech as her first language and English as her second, Val became determined to learn English and learn it well. In doing so, she received a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in English Literature from the University of Northern Iowa, including several courses at Arizona State University while wintering in Scottsdale, AZ. She completed her masters' degree while owning a real estate firm. In December of 1941, Val married her husband, Merle, and they had one son, Jerald L. Martin who lives in Waterloo, Iowa where she now also resides. After Merle's death in November of 2005, Val made it her personal mission to honor his memory and service during World War II by re-reading the love letters he had sent to her and through them sharing the history they witnessed. Dear Valentina is the realization of her dream to share their story with the world and to honor their love forever.
Written in the 1840’s, this book was long recognized as the finest biography of Martin Luther available. As well as containing remarkable insights into the man, Martin Luther, this volume also presents a survey of the ecclesiastical, political, and social events leading up to the Reformation, the atmosphere in which it took place, and the part played by men like Luther. The Life and Times of Martin Luther is a masterly portrayal of the motives, beliefs, and actions of one of the men God used to break the chains of Rome in the sixteenth century. His words and life still speak to us today.
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