A Bowl, A Spoon, and a Few Little Miracles

"In this World War II memoir, Ada Warner relates growing up in the Netherlands during the German occupation. Always hungry, trying to keep warm, and trying to find a semblance of daily routine... her love of humanity shines through as she tells her story." Christy Monson, award-winning author of BANISHEDOn May 10, 1940, the usually peaceful and neutral country of The Netherlands was drawn into World War II when it was savagely invaded by Nazi Germany. Five days later, on May 15th, the Dutch surrendered and thus began a five-year-long occupation and suffering of the people of Holland.The Overdieks were your typical Dutch family; strong in their Mormon faith, country pride, and loyalty. However, the devastating Nazi occupation touched all who lived in The Netherlands and the Overdieks - John, Betty and their six children - were no exception. Daily survival was a chore and living to see another day was never certain.This retrospective by Ada Warner not only shares the horrors her family faced with near starvation and the constant fear of imprisonment by their invaders, but also their resilience, ingenuity, and dedication to survive at any cost. Despite the threat of punishment by death, Ada's father was a hero of the Dutch resistance; working to undermine the Nazis, and save Jewish families targeted by them.Ada details life in Amsterdam as a ten-year-old girl during this pivotal time in history; sharing both humorous anecdotes, as well as heartbreaking memories. Constant hunger... loss of friends... surviving air raids... even dodging German gunfire - things no child should ever experience. Yet, Ada persevered through it all with maturity and composure uncharacteristic of a child her age. Most importantly, she learned that love of family, internal fortitude, and an enduring faith would always be the most precious things in life.To most of us, World War II is but a distant memory only read of in history books or seen in archived newsreels. To Ada, it was a time of personal challenge and constant struggle. A horrific dark spot in mankind's history that must never be forgotten or allowed to repeat.Join Ada as she recounts the fears of Nazi occupation, the end of Dutch suffering during liberation by Allied forces in May of 1945, and, most of all, the comfort and security the Overdiek family finally found in their new home - America."Ada tells a heartbreaking tale of suffering and hardships during WWII in an uplifting, even humorous, and heart-rending way. Through this book, Ada's wish came true... for her stories to live on for her descendants and others to give an inside look into everyday hardships during this time in history." Drienie Hattingh, author of FOREVER FRIENDS