JAAK

JAAK is a telling of the memories of a young boy, Jack Vander Waal, who lived through the World War II German conquest and occupation of Holland. The book reflects upon a country under duress yet speaks well to experiences one might expect of an adventurous lad and his friends living in a small Dutch village. Through Nazi German soldiers were everywhere, including occupying his home, Jack and his friends went undeterred in their quest to observe the war activities, search for war souvenirs and just being boys. Jacks story is one of the hardships of war but also an understanding that his experiences were on a far different level than the horror faced by those who lived in the cities. The author not only relates of his memories of war but of Dutch life in general. He also tells of Dutch foods, customs, family life, school days and history. Finally, and vividly recalled, is the aftermath of war and the need to for his family to ultimately migrate to America. JAAK could tear at your heart in some areas but is also found to be heart warming as might be one's own childhood memories. This book is printed in large 8.5 x 11 format and contains 175 photos with many in color, giving life to the narrative.