About the Books

FIVE STARS FOR 94 MAIDENS

5.0 out of 5 stars! Packs a punch! By Ash Quadir – I had the opportunity to read the screenplay first, which the book 94 Maidens is based on. While I really enjoyed the screenplay, the novel had so much more depth and detail, that it really packed a punch. The multiple story lines and the juxtaposition of past and present events was handled seamlessly, and I really became emotionally involved in the characters’ fates. Not only do you pick up a good bit of history… there is a lot of suspense and the pages turned quickly. And the fact that it’s a True story, is all the more reasons that this novel should be read. To echo somebody else’s review, it should be required reading at school… not just because it’s about the Holocaust… but because it sheds light on the depths that humanity can fall… and that even today history is repeating itself with oppression and genocide of groups around the world. In the end, it’s a very uplifting story. The author should be proud of the efforts she’s gone through to bring this story to light. I would love to see a movie made. It could be as good as Schindler’s List in the right hands.

5.0 out of 5 stars! Courageous By Carol A. Cook – This book is a must read for all generations. I have read many other Holocaust books, but this one was completely riveting. From beginning to end, the author’s style is one of family love. It is written for the mother from the mother. I could not put it down. I felt as if I was involved in the true story of this Jewish family and the steps they took for survival. The easy thing is not always the right thing and the family in this book went through and witnessed many difficult to horrid ways normal, everyday humans can act like animals when their hearts are so filled with hatred. “…As long as our choices sanctify God’s name, they will be right…” Choose love.

5.0 out of 5 stars! You Will Not Be Able to Put This Book Down By LeenersG – It only took me only 2 days (well, nights) to read 94 Maidens. I just could not put this book down. The character portrayals based on real people touched me in such a way I can not even describe. I felt as though I was right there with Rhonda Fink-Whitman as she discovered the truths about her family and others. There have been so many books written about the Holocaust, many of which I have read, and I must say this one was so well-written that it is hard to believe it is the author’s first book. I look forward to more books and hopefully a movie based on 94 Maidens in the future.

5.0 out of 5 stars! I recommend this book to EVERYONE! By Jody H. Kessel (phila, pa) – I brought this book along with me on my recent family vacation. Although the calendar was about to ring in 2013 and the beach around me was sunny and warm, I was transported back some 70+ years to Nazi Germany and Poland. The book is impossible to put down. The story is so well-written that you can’t help but carry it with you and make time to read it every chance you get. The true story weaves together a family’s journey through the terror of the rise of Nazi Germany and a private girl’s school “family” in Poland, as it too, falls to the Nazis. The author details her own personal investigative story through the book and adds a perfect current reflection on the past. This book should be a must-read for every adult and classroom around the world. As you read through to the end, you’ll want to read it all over again. And you will most CERTAINLY pass the recommendation along.

5.0 out of 5 stars! An excellent story for all ages By Book Maven – This book is written with love and context that can be enjoyed by all readers interested in reading stories about the Holocaust. I found it easy to connect with the characters and could not put it down once I started to read. Great book. I recommend it to readers even as young as 7th or 8th grade and have sent it to my daughter’s history teacher for him to read. Great book. Thank you for sharing your story.

5.0 out of 5 stars! A powerful novel about a triumph of human spirit and dignity…that can empower generations By Neal R. Voron – Circumstance doesn’t just affect “other people”, and history pages reflect real events, no matter how surreal or distant they may seem. Sometimes you just don’t know how others’ life events have affected YOU – until you learn, IF you learn. Millions of people know Rhonda Fink-Whitman as a TV & radio personality or traffic reporter. Far fewer – but an important group – know her as a caring religious school teacher who, besides teaching about Jewish history and traditions, has the responsibility of introducing students to the tragedy of the Holocaust. Along with that – and being a mother, wife, and future Bubbie – researching, writing, and sharing 94 Maidens may be her greatest legacy and gift to the world.
The author’s personal, real-life journey – to places, times, and experiences where most would dare not venture – brings home a powerful novel about a triumph of human spirit and dignity during the Holocaust and a sense of connection that can empower generations to appreciate – and preserve – the future by understanding people and the past.  94 Maidens by Rhonda Fink-Whitman is an important and worthwhile read.

5.0 out of 5 stars! A must read for everyone! By Ilene Cullman – Rhonda did an amazing job by bringing past and present together in her search for her family’s life during the Holocaust . The memories and stories of these people will always live in my heart and of those that read this book. I could not put this book down and completed it in 3 (busy) days.

5.0 out of 5 stars! A Treaure By Read2Learn – This book is amazing in that it interweaves past and present so perfectly and brings history to life. Through her contemporary, vivid and detailed account, Rhonda takes readers along with her on her quest through the modern, formerly Nazi-occupied cities of Europe, and continually sends readers back in time and *shows* them what happened. There are parts of the book that can easily stir up tears and anger and disbelief over the atrocities of the Nazis. But the story is also full of so many bright and beautiful moments, anecdotes and inspiring messages that illustrate the innocence and humanity of a group of unjustly victimized people. Rhonda maintained a delicate balance of material in this way. Overall, one will truly feel changed after reading this book, with a newfound respect for both the wonderful gift of freedom that is so often taken for granted, and for those innocent people who had this most precious gift taken from them, simply for living as they believed.  It is difficult to image the amount of time, research and effort that went into the creation of this carefully-written treasure of a book. It should be read by everyone!

 5.0 out of 5 stars! Amazing book, a must read By BookEnthusiast – Highly recommend 94 Maidens as an accurate depiction of history which we must not forget. It is so hard to imagine such complete and utter disregard for human life, but Rhonda Fink-Whitman cleverly illustrates the horrors of the Holocaust in this novel. I now have a much more personal knowledge of this time through the accounts portrayed, more than I’ve gotten from most other resources. I’m blessed by the time and effort the author put into her research. This would make a wonderful, poignant gift for all ages.

5.0 out of 5 stars! A great, great book! By rinakop – Having just read the book, it is difficult for me to set into words my thoughts simply because of the impact this book had on me. It left me weeping for the unimaginable cruelty of these monsters and in awe of the selfless acts and sacrifices made by the so many in this book. How throughout all the agonizing pain endured (much in silence), their faith is what helped them to go on, comforted them. I love how the book was written, describing the events that led up to you entering that place in Germany is so Rhonda! I loved it! You made me smile on occasion, cry at others. The book was so well constructed, so rich with detail and you took me along to finally tell your mother’s story – her life story. I am honored to have had the opportunity to read this book. I am buying multiple copies as gifts to all my loved ones. It was a book I hated putting down . Thank you for writing this book, Rhonda. Thank you.

5.0 out of 5 stars! Inspired by true events, 94 Maidens is an unforgettable story of heroism, resistance, martyrdom, and survival By JeannieB – Written by Rhonda Fink-Whitman, a well respected Jewish educator, whose mother endured the Holocaust. An authentic emotion churning telling of the atrocities yes, but more importantly of the courage and tenacity of these 94 maidens. Read it!!

5.0 out of 5 stars! Beautifully interwoven stories By MRosenthol – 94 Maidens is a book that you will pick up and finish in one or two sittings. The author is efficient and the stories not only move quickly but are PERFECTLY interwoven! Fink-Whitman will take you on a ride through history and land you firmly in the present. Not only will you will find out what happens to everyone, but be able to dive in even deeper into the story as it is based on actual events. The characters are so perfectly developed that I don’t think you can hear about the survivors of the holocaust and their families again, without feeling like you are one or the other. I cried real tears!

5.0 out of 5 stars! Put this in the schools By justBstill (Lafayette Hill, PA United States) – 94 Maidens is a rich story that would not only benefit an adult reader, but a mature teen as well. The story includes young children that I believe other teens could relate to. If you are a Hebrew School teacher or History Teacher, this book would serve your students well to stimulate discussion. The book is easy to read which young people appreciate. I enjoyed that I could I read it quickly and become engrossed in the story.

5.0 out of 5 stars! Great read By DLB – I loved how Rhonda told the story. It flowed so beautifully throughout the book. The characters came to life. Not only did you feel for each character, but you felt you were right there. It was definitely a book where you could not put it down. It left me feeling how brave these people were in such a horrendous time. A must read. I would also recommend this book for a book group. It lends itself to great discussion.

5.0 out of 5 stars! A Must Read! By MJ – This is a story that must be told over and over again. Powerful emotions with every turn of the page.

5.0 out of 5 stars! Amazing By AJP – Rhonda Fink Whitman tells her family story. She has a gift with words and you do not want to put the book down until you have finished the book. I got so engrossed in the story that my emotions got the best of me. An amazing story by an amazing writer. Reminder is so true, those who do not remember history are bound to repeat it.

5.0 out of 5 stars! This Book is A Treasure! By Avid Reader (Pennsylvania, USA) – As you ride the emotional roller coaster that is this book you become part of the story. The characters are so real that you experience every event as if you are alongside them. This is a real page-turner and is difficult to put down! You’ll learn something from the struggles described in this book. Rhonda-Fink Whitman really knows how to tell a story. Dive into this book and savor every page! It is the best read of the year!