Odyssey Of Hope

by Joseph Kazickas and Juozas Kazickas

Book Overview

The Story of a Lithuanian Immigrant's Escape from Communism to Freedom in America and the Return to His Beloved Homeland

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1482015862
• ISBN13: 9781482015867
• Release Date: January 2013
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.9" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Zeitgeschichte

Ein Buch, das eine Zeit beschreibt, in der ein kleines Volk ums Überleben kämpfte. Es ist nicht nur die Geschichte einer Familie - es erinnert auch an Ereignisse, für die es keine Verzeihung geben kann. Es ist ein faszinierendes Buch: für Litauer ein Muss, für Deutsche und Russen ein Soll!

Inspirational, historical, powerful

The Odyssey of Hope is a straightforward story told in a straightforward manner. Joseph Kazickas doesn't embellish or adorn; he doesn't have to. His story is strong enough and inspirational enough that he need only let it unfold. This is an moving tale of a man and woman (Kazickas and his wife) who struggled to survive the occupation of their homeland by first the Soviets, then the Nazis, and then the Soviets again; and who escaped those horrors to the U.S. where, through intelligence, perseverance, and hard work, they became successful beyond their dreams. He received his doctorate from Yale, met every US President from Eisenhower to the current Bush, bought an island off Florida, and saw the Soviet empire collapse. They were able to turn their success into action as they helped their native Lithuania grow into a modern-day capitalist economy. Among the many significant "lessons" of this autobiography are these: Don't give up on your dreams; don't be afraid to reach out to your friends and business acquaintances; shoot for the top; never stop learning and moving forward. Kazickas became successful in business, but one recognizes that he could have been successful in any endeavor he'd chosen. He knew how to network and how to connect - really connect - with people. You get the sense that he probably knows the name of his doorman's wife's grandmother. He pays attention to people, he values family, he loves the U.S., and he never forgets his homeland. You leave this book feeling as though you have met a very special person: courageous, intelligent, and loving. And you leave this book with a greater respect for and knowledge about this small but remarkable Baltic country known as Lithuania.