1914 to 1918: A Time to Remember
“Your copy of 1914 to 1918: A TIME TO REMEMBER arrived yesterday. Thank you and hearty congratulations. It is beautiful and everything — the cover art, the layout, the table of contents, the afterword, the additional material, the map, and the glossary make it an entirely complete gift to your reader. I am so happy for you and for all your hard work, and for all the good people you brought into your life with their diverse skills that have made this the book that it is. Thank you.” (07/25)
Abandoned in Berlin
“I wanted you to know that it took me a while, but I just got around to reading Abandoned in Berlin. It was a profound experience for me, knowing you and your mother my entire life. What a story. I was unaware of your Mom’s early years, her family, her Berlin legacy and property, or of her exile in Vienna.
What a convoluted history of subterfuge and shady dealings. It’s a very interesting peek into Nazi-engineered Jewish wealth-seizing machinations, accompanied by a heavy dose of subsequent cover-up. Your dedication to the arduous and lengthy detective work is extraordinary. I really congratulate you.” (07/20)
“This is the well-written true story of how in 2016 a California woman named “Hilda” (along with her friend John, the author) began an adventure way beyond ancestry.com to try to uncover the truth behind what happened when her Jewish family left Berlin in 1936 as the building they owned and lived in was labelled as “abandoned” and sold.” (02/24)
She Wore a Yellow Dress
“The novel blends British history, ornithology, success at work, discrimination against women and the challenges of home life into a single story.”
“I do not think I have loved a book cover more than this one. It has the feeling of Hitchcock or an old French New Wave film.”
“It is a book that completely surprised me. I didn’t know the synopsis just started reading it. It is the story of John, who grew up in a small town located in rural England. From a very young age, he has a fondness for birds. He loves to sit and observe the behavior of these incredible animals. One day, the government grants John a scholarship to attend the University of Hull. John is very excited about this new adventure, as this change will allow him to meet new people. Jean Louise is one of the people John knows, the relationship that begins to develop between them, very interesting. I liked that the book mentioned historical events not only in England but in the world. I did not know about the conditions that existed in England during the 60s. This book describes these important features very well. I am fascinated by the beginning of each chapter because it shows a different species of birds. I have always liked birds but, I did not know that this hobby existed. He is a fantastic author, as I found his narrative very compelling.”
“This was a great historical novel, I loved the characters and going on this journey from beginning to the end. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Cammidge.”
Unplanned
“I enjoyed the story of Mary Louise. Knowing I was reading a true story enhanced my interest. I was aghast at her treatment. The description of the unplanned encounter is relevant today. So many women are not prepared for sexual assault, especially from one who should command trust, so unprepared that the assaulter takes shocked numbness as permission. The expected reaction of society if she keeps her baby is a reminder of how judgmental we once were, perhaps still are. That Mary Louise’s first husband felt no responsibility toward Mary Louise’s child is mind-boggling, given that she is his caretaker and more. The novel is well written and interesting. A highly recommended read.”
“This is my favorite kind of book – where a regular person (i.e., non-celebrity) decides to take the painful stories from his life and turn them into art. We change the world when we speak the truth about our lives, and if I could give separate ratings for heart, courage and dedication, then I’d rate this a 5 on all counts. The author has done a fine job of creating vivid scenes and compelling characters.”
“I really liked this book. I was engaged and curious to see where things were headed, and I finished it in a few days. It’s a story that kept me engrossed, thinking about the author’s and his family’s experiences, particularly the choices that were made. I recommend it!”
COMMENTS FROM THE BIRD BLOG
“My father took some good photos of a merlin with its nestlings in Caithness in July 1934, which I would happliy share with you if you are interested.. He was an early member of the BTO , developing his interest in ornithology at Oxford. James Fisher was a close friend”
– Posted on: Was it a Merlin, the smallest member of the falcon family, or did I see something else?
“I was fortunate enough to spot a Long billed dowitcher at the Inner Marsh Farm Bird hide on the marshes along the river Dee Wirral side. It came within two or three yards of many long lenses and binoculars, lvery excited birders all peering out the hide. I was enchanted looking down at the size of it’s bill and dark and light brown encrypted feather patterns. I probably might even have thought it as a snipe as I was new to coastal birds at the time. Fortunately several of the gathered bird lovers who were jubilated and quite sure consulting one another as to its identity confirmed my favourite rare spot. To know that they fly in their thousands in N America is very comforting.”
– Posted on: Which shorebird can be blown across the Atlantic to make very rare appearances in Britain?
“This information is perfect! It is a thorough evaluation of owls in Marin. I will get in touch with the Hungry Owls Project and look forward to having an owl box here as soon as possible.
Many thanks for the information!!”
– Posted on: Owls of Marin
“Saw pics of a male teal and blue winged teals in a Tamil newspaper Dinamalar on April 28, 2025. While confirming the pics through Google Lens online I came across your article. The birds are set to fly back from Pallikkaranai marshland in Chennai. Your article was informative. Thanks.”
– Posted on: A Species of Duck that Gives its Name to a Color
