Bring On Lemons

About the Book:  The Jews of Aleppo, Syria, had been part of the city’s fabric for more than two thousand years, in good times and bad, through conquerors and kings. But in the middle years of the twentieth century, all that changed. To Selim Sutton, a merchant with centuries of roots in the Syrian soil, the dangers of rising anti-Semitism made clear that his family must find a new home. With several young children and no prospect of securing visas to the United States, he devised a savvy plan for getting his family out: “exporting” his sons. In December 1940, he told the two oldest, Meïr and Saleh, that arrangements had been made for their transit to Shanghai, where they would work in an uncle’s export business. China, he hoped, would provide a short-term safe harbor and a steppingstone to America. But the world intervened for the young men, now renamed Mike and Sal by their Uncle Joe. Sal became ill with tuberculosis soon after arriving and was sent back to Aleppo alone....

About the Book:  The Jews of Aleppo, Syria, had been part of the city’s fabric for more than two thousand years, in good times and bad, through conquerors and kings. But in the middle years of the twentieth century, all that changed. To Selim Sutton, a merchant with centuries of roots in the Syrian soil, the dangers of rising anti-Semitism made clear that his family must find a new home. With several young children and no prospect of securing visas to the United States, he devised a savvy plan for getting his family out: “exporting” his sons. In December 1940, he told the two oldest, Meïr and Saleh, that arrangements had been made for their transit to Shanghai, where they would work in an uncle’s export business. China, he hoped, would provide a short-term safe harbor and a steppingstone to America. But the world intervened for the young men, now renamed Mike and Sal by their Uncle Joe. Sal became ill with tuberculosis soon after arriving and was sent back to Aleppo alone....

5 Star Review: This story is incredibly moving. I was touched by Aleppo when scrolling through social media earlier in the year. The destruction depicted in the photographs stopped me in my tracks. Several months later, I learned of Claudette Sutton’s “Farewell Aleppo” and I was immediately drawn in. While reading “Farewell Aleppo” I often had to pause. Such beauty and love intertwined with hardship and sorrow needs to be taken in slowly. Sometimes I had to read a section twice (not because it was difficult to read, but because I was overcome with emotion). I savored each page. Each unique story left me forever changed. I am forever thankful to Claudette Sutton for sharing the story of her father and her people. Beautifully written, eye opening, and quite moving. About the Book: The Jews of Aleppo, Syria, had been part of the city’s fabric for more than two thousand years, in good times and bad, through conquerors and kings. But in the middle years of the twentieth ...

It’s Labor Day Weekend here in the US and I’m happy to say I’m not in labor…but Dr. says any day now, so I’d like to get these 4 (yes I said FOUR) blog tours booked within the next few days so I can relax a bit once this little girl gets here. Take a look at these 4 fabulous (yet very different) books and let me know if you’d be willing to participate in any or all of the tours. There are limited guest post topics, so act fast! Thanks in advance! xoxox Crystal Interested? Please email:   crystal@wow-womenonwriting.com as soon as possible! Include in the email: * The tour or tours you would like to participate in * Your email address so you can receive an e-book copy of the book *The name and url for your blog, or a note letting me know you'd like me to post your review on this blog *A date you would prefer as your first choice, as well as a 2nd choice - this will be the date your review will be posted to your blog/this blog and social media. Includin...