TORONTO, ONTARIO (June 18, 2013) -- My Mother's Secret, by J.L. Witterick, has been recognized by The Globe and Mail of Canada as a bestselling non-fiction book.
My Mother's Secret honors two women who saved many Polish Jews from certain death. The book is based on the true story of Franciszka Halamajowa and her daughter Helena, who are honored as The Righteous Among the Nations, non-Jewish heroes who risked their lives to save the lives of Jewish citizens.
After 1939 when the Nazis invaded Poland and started the persecution of the Jewish population, Franciszka and her daughter provided shelter to Jewish individuals and families, as well as a German soldier, all acts punishable by death. With courage and cleverness, they outsmart the Nazi commander and their collaborating neighbors.
My Mother's Secret is a powerfully written story and has been chosen to be used as curriculum in studies by Middle East exchange students. The book has also been awarded Rising Star stature by iUniverse.
Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky said, "In My Mother's Secret, a new level of heroism is revealed ... heroism where no 'wow' or admiration was given. True heroism is when no one sees or knows! A truly inspiring and breathtaking book."
Similar praise can be heard from Amir R. Gissin, Consul General, Toronto and Western Canada, Consulate General of Israel, who says, "Writer J. L. Witterick paints a vivid picture of the world of Franciszka Halamajowa, a heroine in Nazi-occupied Poland who, with her daughter Helena, harbored Jews despite the mortal danger. A moving and captivating portrait of that terrible period."
"My Mother's Secret is heroism defined. It is just so much more cherishable because it is a story based on fact. We are indebted to Jenny Witterick for sharing this book with us," says Grady Harp one of the Top 50 Amazon Reviewers.
"My Mother's Secret has a strong message about finding good in the midst of the most unbelievable evil," adds one reviewer, "and it will continue to resonate with readers, young and old, for many years to come."
All proceeds of the book sold at Indigo/Chapters, the largest book chain in Canada, will go to the Love of Reading Foundation, which buys books for poor communities. And, each month for the next year, proceeds of books sold through other channels will be going to a different charity.
Explaining why she selected the Love of Reading Foundation as a benefactor, Witterick says, "My parents were Chinese immigrants who came to Canada with $200 dollars in 1968. When I first came to Canada at the age of seven, we would buy used books from the Salvation Army for 5 and 10 cents. I believe that books are the key to learning and to improving a child's economic future so I want to help put books into the hands of those who need them."
For more information visit http://www.mymotherssecret.com.
About the Author
Canadian first time author J.L. Witterick encountered the true story of heroism during the Holocaust because of a chance viewing of a documentary about the Holocaust. Witterick is not the usual author; she is the President of Sky Investment Counsel, one of the largest international money managers in Canada. More commonly known as Jenny Witterick in the investment community, she was President of the Toronto Society of Financial Analysts in 1995/1996 and is a Certified Financial Advisor Charterholder.
Media Contact: For a review copy of My Mother's Secret or to arrange an interview with Jenny Witterick, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Communication Book Marketing at scottlorenz[at]westwindcos[dot]com or by phone at 734-667-2090.
Company Name:Westwind CommunicationsContact Person: Scott Lorenz
Email:scottlorenz@westwindcos.com
Phone: 734-667-2090
Address:1310 Maple Street Plymouth, MI 48170
Country: United States
Website: http://www.westwindcos.com
