World War I 100th Anniversary Spirit of Philadelphia
~ FROM PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARDS TO PENNSYLVANIA'S COAL REGION, this historical fiction by G. J. House paints an eclectic picture of the "Commonwealth" during WWI. "Spirit of Philadelphia" hinges on chronology and patriotism, events and families, and provides a window into America's earlier culture. Included are vivid characters -- one being a Philadelphia youth working at the world's largest shipbuilding yard when Philly dominated the metal shipbuilding industry.
A treasure trove overflowing with Pennsylvania -- places, families, heritage, industry, relationships; military including the US Expeditionary Forces, US Army Ambulance Corps, & WWI medical personnel & ordnance; the Emergency Fleet Corporation. So, if open to the "wisdom of elders" shared with heart & humor, then you're apt to benefit from, and enjoy this book, while becoming further informed during this WWI Centennial timeframe.
Places in the book include
Allentown, Elkins Park, Harrisburg, Jenkintown, Neshaminy, Ogontz, Philadelphia, Shamokin, Tinicum, Valley Forge, Willow Grove, etc.
Surnames in the novel include
Cook, Jones, Lennox, McEliece, McGuillicuddy, Olbrecht, Rigney, Roberts, Rosenwald, Rubin, Sousa, Urquhart, Woodside, and more.
~ EXTRAS:
Images, there are several from the National archives;
Endnotes, for history lovers, and some historical societies are noted in the back of the book;
Message "What is the underlying message of "Spirit of Philadelphia"?
~ COPYRIGHT COMPLETE
~ ISBN: 9781478716525
~ FOCUS & FORMATS:
Fiction: Historical, Cultural, Family Saga, War, US Military, Literary. Christian
E-Book: Kindle (this edition has been further edited with a chapter index added), Nook & iTunes .
Paperback: 12-pt. font (eye-friendly for many).
Espresso Books too.
~ REVIEWS
1.
Balpeen's Review. June 2018. A heartwarming story with lots of interesting tidbits. A nice story, chock full of fun facts, written in a colloquial manner that reaches back in time to revive a city’s heart and spirit. Set in Philadelphia during World War 1, the story follows Jon Roberts, fresh out of school, in his daily routine to help his family which at first seems mundane until his life is abruptly interrupted by the nation going to war. Being patriotic, Jon is hit with a tough decision to go off to battle, or stay at home and take care of his family. He decides to split the difference by getting a job at the Philadelphia ship yard to help with the war effort. About the same time, a cute girl, Mary, catches his eye. They meet several times while going about their business and create a cordial relationship that, in keeping with the customs of the era, masks their desires. Along the way Jon is hounded by a dastardly villain who also has his eye on Mary. To make matters worse, the nation is threatened by one of the world’s most deadly flu epidemics. As the war heightens, it is not Jon who is called to duty, but his sweetheart who signs up for nursing duty and is sent off to Europe. Though times are tough, they maintain a long distance relationship through correspondence that carries them along until Armistice Day.
I enjoyed the writer’s unique style of combining a heart warming tail with interesting tidbits about the locality, the era, and the people, all of it painstakingly footnoted. I would recommend this book, especially to anyone who is interested in the WWI era or the history of Philadelphia.
2.
Kathy's Review. May 2018. This is a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's descriptive writing. I was able to visualize being in the World War I era in Philadelphia. I also learned a number of facts about World War I that I never knew or learned in history classes. The authentic pictures of posters during this era added a special touch to the story. Reading one chapter a day enabled me to gradually proceed through this book and feel all the characters, their personalities and settings. I also reminisced of my life experiences a number of times. I highly recommend this book.
3.
Jennifer's Review. February 2018
What a wonderful story about a young man and the eclectic mix of people in his life in the WW1 era of America. The author has a unique writing style that allows the characters to come to life and entwined in the story are facts and fun tidbits about life in that time period. I would definitely recommend this book.
4.
Ron's Review. February 2018.This book takes you back with personal stories and drama to a historic and formative time in the history of our country. It brings to life with vivid and interesting descriptions of the towns, houses, landscapes, food and clothing of the period, trying times when our people were still in the aftermath of the Civil War and found themselves needing to unify and put the good of all above their own self interest. The author puts you in the middle of this unique time where great opportunities coexisted and clashed with dire want and needs, and brought out the best and worst of human nature. The fertile mix of customs, culture and languages which House weaves into the story provides a striking glimpse of the reality of life in Philly and America at the time, and succeeds in placing the reader right in there with the characters in a simpler yet harsher time where victory (in a lot of ways) truly depended on teamwork and faith.
5.
Maryanne's Review. January, 2018
Wonderful fictional history. The work that the author put into research paid off. I learned so much about the history of Philly during WW1. The story line is light and entertaining and blends nicely with the historical facts. Looking forward to her next book.
~ STORE AVAILABILITY: Order from this website or Ingram for your Store or Library or ask that they carry the book. You may want to call one of the below stores in advance to make sure they still have a book in stock.
Cambridge Springs, PA, John's Barber Shop
Carlisle, PA, US Army Heritage Education Center Museum Store (signed)
Clearwater, FL, Barnes & Noble
Corning, NY, Connors Mercantile (signed)
Corning, NY, Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, Gift Shop (signed)
Elmira, NY, Barnes & Noble (signed)
Erie, PA, Barnes & Noble (signed)
Jenkintown, PA, Old York Road Historical Society (signed)
Lewisburg, PA, Barnes & Noble (signed)
Meadville, PA, Tattered Corners New & Used Bookstore
Newtown, PA, Newtown Bookshop
Philadelphia, Walnut St., (Rittanhouse Square), PA, Barnes & Noble
Scranton, PA, Library Express Bookstore
Towanda, PA, Afton's Book Nook (signed)
Valley Forge, PA, Barnes & Noble (signed)
Valley Forge, PA, Cabin Gift Shop
Wellsboro, PA, From My Shelf Book & Gift Shop
Williamsport, PA, Otto Bookstore
Willow Grove, PA, Barnes & Noble (signed)
