Not My Turn to Die: Memoirs of a Broken Childhood in Bosnia

by Savo Heleta

In 1992, Savo Heleta was a young Serbian boy enjoying an idyllic, peaceful childhood in Gorazde, a primarily Muslim city in Bosnia. At the age of just thirteen, Savo's life was turned upside down as... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814401651
• ISBN13: 9780814401651
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: AMACOM/American Management Association
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 17 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

A must read of an excellent memoir!

Mr. Heleta's story is a great book for anyone trying to understand the tangled web of the war in the former Yugoslavia. His story is filled with sadness and despair, yet in those tragic times, Mr. Heleta has found courage to share his story and to make a difference in this world sometimes filled with turmoil. I recommend this book to anyone learning about the former Yugoslavia, war, or looking for inspiration. Thank you to the author for sharing your experiences.

I am proud

I have been honored to say I have witnessed this process from the first draft to it's published work. The story has grown from its infancy on the computer in my basement to an inspiring story that opens one's heart to understanding. Savo's story is a "so absorbed that I forgot to eat dinner" read. He describes the pleasures of a simple life that we can all empathize with. In this globalized world, we realize our commonality within this human experience. Yet, shows us how quickly humanity can devolve into a torrent of violence. This story will imprint its mark of hope, generosity, and goodwill beyond the grasps of blind hatred. I am thankful this story will be shared.

Excellent piece of non-fiction narrative

Not My Turn to Die is a must read for everyone. The truth and ugliness about war and hatred are illustrated through the eyes of young Savo Heleta whose family was made to suffer for two years at the hands of people they once considered friends. Page after page takes you back to the early 1990s and into the heart of the conflict in Bosnia that most of us observed from afar in the safe havens of our own homes, thinking the situation unfortunate but never knowing exactly how horrific it truly was. Through his book, Savo provides a much needed human face to the pain and oppression that takes place during a war, in a time when such a reminder is needed. The world is a much better place because he has shared his story that highlights despair, but more importantly, hope, kindness and forgiveness. It is quite the page-turner and it will evoke every possible emotion within you. You will not look at life in the same way by the time you've read the last word.

Vivid story of deception, suffering and shattered dreams

Savo Heleta has written a riviting first hand account of his childhood years in Bosnia. I found the book endearing and yet a page turner of a story that takes one to the heart of war and its effects on civilians caught in its grip. Mr. Heleta recounts his years of suffering at the hands of people that were once neighbors and friends but with the advent of war people that have turned from caring and friendly to vicious haters. Mr. Heleta has written a heart warming story that ends in hope and peace. I thank the author for humbly sharing his families suffering and dashed dreams of a peaceful Bosnia.

Not My Turn To Die Review

I'm 21 and live in the States. I read Savo Heleta's book "Not My Turn To Die" and all I can say is.. WOW! I read it through cover to cover in two days. His story touched me in a life-changing way. I can't give this book enough praise and Savo Heleta does such an extremely good job of detailing his experiences clearly, in a way that makes sense to the reader and moves one to think and to feel. There wasn't a dull moment, nor a misplaced detail. I just couldn't put this book down. EXCELLENT.