BOOK REVIEWS
Reviews for What The Hell Is A Liberal?:
Review - Independent Professional Book Reviewers www.Bookreviewers.org
What The Hell Is A Liberal, May 11, 2008:
By Tracy Roberts "Write Field Services" www.amazon.com
A Political Dirty Word, May 7, 2008:
By Midwest Book Review, James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief www.amazon.com
Reviews for Think Back to Tomorrow: Review - www.Bookreview.com
Reviews for Rebirth of a Realist: Sidney
T. Black Publishing, Review—Bowker Books In Print "David Truskoff has done
it again. He has brought Americans back to the real world. The many
Americans who are asking for their country back should read this
book."..................... Marc Wilkovich. "Rebirth of a Realist has
truly been a rebirth for me. I have that empty feeling most older
Americans have...that feeling of unrequited love. World War II veteran
Truskoff misses the exhilarating patriotism that we all once had. I, too,
want it back. Truskoff asks, "Is there time for realists to save the soul
of America?" There is if we look back and recreate what we were so proud
of years ago.".............Oscar M. Bryant Reviews
for Ecumenical Death: Reviewer:
BookReview.com (Madison, WI United
States) Ecumenical, literally defined: pertaining to
movement for universal Christian unity. When a small town has an Ecumenical
Council, one could assume that there would be discord when it comes to any other
religion. What David Truskoff's "Ecumenical Death" is about though is discord in
the way of one group of the community opposed to another group with a
splattering of racism thrown in. It is about small town politics, unhappy
marriages, public issues and control over the town. Reviews
for Genes of Gregoria:
SVETLANA ROZOVSKY, Professor of Russian Studies, University of Hartford: JACK A. LUCAS,
Prof., Central CT State College, retired
Reviews for God Go With Them: God Go With
Them
Reviewer: THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW,
JAMES A. COX, Editor-In-Chief God Go With Them is a
fictional novel based on true events in history. Divided into a three-part
trilogy, “God Go With Them”, “Forgive Me Doctor” and “The State House”, it
follows the story men who objected to the Vietnam war and refused to take part
in a military action they found unjust by fleeing their country. Many years
later, they ask for no medals, only dignity and the right to be as respected as
their fellow citizens. A powerful parable of the importance of individual rights
and decision-making, and a sharp denouncement of the savagery of American war
crimes and two-faced justification of intolerable humanitarian outrages during
the Vietnam occupation, God Go With Them ultimately champions the human spirit
in its willingness to to take a stand based on what is right, in spite of the
scorn of one’s brethren.
Reviews for Forgive Me Doctor: Forgive
Me Doctor e-mail publisher with
questions: suttonbear@erols.com
Publisher: Sidney T. Black
What the Hell is a Liberal? is David Truskoff’s thirteenth book. In it the author continues his conversation about American and international politics. Truskoff is candid and unapologetic about his views. As a veteran of the United States Navy and the Civil Rights Movement, the author pulls from an impressive body of experience as a patriot and an activist to formulate his opinions on the current state of affairs in America. His delivery is direct and often tough, but he is careful to back his assertions with documented facts. Readers who have enjoyed Truskoff’s work in the past will not be disappointed. Those who are receiving their first exposure to the writer should brace themselves.
Truskoff does not hold anyone’s hand in this collection. He takes on the current Bush administration, Israel, Jewish liberals, and African Americans. His opinions about these groups can, of course, be disputed, hotly challenged. But one has to admire Truskoff for his honesty and insight.
In the opening essay, “Seize the Moment,” Truskoff introduces the reader to his activist background and his belief that the sacrifices he and others made have not produced the fruit expected. “I want to see more results of my efforts and the results of the efforts and sacrifices of my family. Today we are marching backwards (16).” The author repeatedly points out that there are still segregated schools in the United States and poverty remains a significant obstacle for many African Americans. His outrage is warranted: lives have been damaged and lost so that long-lasting change could occur.
“Who Owns the American Congress” exposes the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a foreign lobbying group that, according to Truskoff, throws it’s weight around in the United States Congress by “…raising more money from around the world to support or defeat candidates than any other political structure (76).” Truskoff spends a lot of time with this organization and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a Jewish American, Truskoff offers tough words against the practices of the Israeli government and includes horror stories from the Palestinian side of this struggle.
Having participated in the Civil Rights Movement, Truskoff freely shares his thoughts about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. He also offers strong words against current African American leaders such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. In “Am I a Racist,” the author recounts his meeting with Jackie Robinson in 1963 when he arranged for the former baseball player’s appearance on a television show. Truskoff was shocked when he learned of Robinson’s support of Richard Nixon from Robinson himself. The essay goes on to discuss the Don Imus controversy and Jewish liberals questioning themselves about being racists, but the set-up leaves the reader wanting on this particular topic.
This book is rife with historical references, the author’s personal accounts, and his theories of what needs to be done to erect change as a permanent edifice in this country.
What the Hell is a Liberal? is enlightening, fiery and forthright. You will talk back to this book. You will scribble agreements and objections in the margins. And, I believe it is the author’s hope that you will also be moved to jump into action.
Melissa Levine
for
Independent Professional Book Reviewers
(Nova Scotia, Canada)
In today's world, war, violence, poverty, disease, starvation, and oppression, have become an unspoken accepted reality. These were issues that Liberals once fought to overcome. In his book, What the Hell is a Liberal? author David Truskoff presents a candid look at how liberalism has been successfully minimized by the powerful political "right." The rich are getting richer. The growing gap between the "haves" and "have nots" is increasing, and our natural resources are being rapidly depleted.
The term "Liberalism," is defined as equality for all that includes such aspects as engaging diplomacy instead of choosing war to resolve political turmoil, ending poverty, promoting free governments, advocating education and affordable healthcare...etc. Truskoff has been an active participant and witness to Liberal struggles such as the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King. Truskoff provides an in-depth account of the evolution of the relationship of the US with other foreign powers, particularly the US and Israel partnership. As well, he chronicles the influence of powerful lobby groups such as the American Israel Political Action Committee, one of the most powerful lobby groups in Washington.
Delivered as a well-plotted series of essays, Truskoff is able to chronicle how the evolution of the Right has successfully exploited and depicted Liberalism as a negative philosophy to mainstream society. The book is not presented as completely anti right as he notes a number of high profile figures on the left who have abandoned key principles of Liberalism for their own agenda. Truskoff points to Senator Joe Lieberman as one important example of abandoning one's principles and ethics. He discusses Palestine, without supporting the acts of terrorism, but the apartheid type conditions the citizens of Palestine live in. Fundamental themes that emerge throughout the book are how the greed and indifference of a select elite, with the help of the media, have been able to successfully change the dynamics of the world to everything Dr. Martin Luther King struggled against. That is, there are people in the world that are now considered disposable and military colonization has become an accepted method of resolving conflicts. Survival of the richest is now defined by Military Might.
Truskoff writes with clarity, having witnessed the decline of liberalism and the rise of capitalism without compassion, morality, and ethics. It is a very well researched and well written book that acknowledges this new breed of capitalism that seems unstoppable. Truskoff explains that it is not and writes with hope. He points to our own need to learn from the past so that we can go forward and adopt liberal ideas that seem to have been lost over the years. What The Hell Is A Liberal? is an engaging and compelling read meant to open our eyes to our past, present, and future. Whether you agree or disagree with arguments made in the book, it will definitely make you think and hopefully start a dialogue with others. It is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of humanity.
Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services
Somehow over the past 30 years America's right-wing neo-cons have managed to make 'liberal' a political dirty word. They've somehow made 'liberal' synonymous with notions of being un-American, elitist, and morally unsound. It's a classic example of the Big Lie, of Orwellian-style 'double-speak'. Now finally, in a series of articulate essays, that neo-con Big Lie has been successfully and persuasively debunked by David Truskoff in "What The Hell is A Liberal?". Of special note is Truskoff's cogent essay 'Who Owns the American Congress'. These essays are particularly timely in view of the current presidential campaigns and should be considered a 'must read' for anyone who supports progressive solutions to our chronic problems of involvement in foreign wars, dilapidated infrastructures, faltering economy, failing schools, broken health care systems, the shrinking middle-class, and the growing chasm between the rich and the poor. Now at long last we have a book that we can simply hand out the next time someone asks what a liberal believes in, stands for, represents, or aspires to, thanks to David Truskoff!
Rating:
Excellent!
Publisher: Sidney T. Black
It is 2002 and Hank Lesko is in the hospital awaiting surgery in the morning.
His wife prompts him to remember when they’d met some 50 years previous. He
takes the time to think back on his youth, his football days, his boot camp
time, his Navy gig, his first love, and meeting his lifetime partner. This look
back is a history lesson come alive for the reader, and is a tender story of
life in America.
Hank was a genius and Hank was a football player. His first love was
immeasurable in a time when war made men and women of teens, overnight. The Navy
proved a rite of passage like no other and turned out men changed forever. Hank
made lifelong friends and faced life-altering events with the steadfastness of a
man twice his age. He loved passionately, and accepted fate fiercely.
The story follows a young man coming of age, finding love, discovering himself,
and finding love again. It is a classic American tale, well written and richly
described. David Truskoff offers a glimpse at the pain and passion of becoming a
man during the 1940’s. It was a time when life choices were made for the youth
who would put their lives on the line and there was little they could do about
it. No one could control their feelings though, and “Think Back to Tomorrow”
certainly proves that.
Readers will laugh and cry with the characters in this book; they will get
lost in a world that is all too real and true. Well done!
Review by Heather Froeschl.
Baker and Taylor, $21.99 US, paperback
(240p)
ISBN: 1-4134-3887-3 (soft Cover) 1-4134-3888-1 (hard Cover)
ISBN 13 978-1-4134-3888-8 (hard cover) /978-4134-3887-1
Reviewer: The Midwest Book Review
Today isn’t the first time in American history that a majority of the citizenry
are thoroughly disenchanted with the performances and representatives of the
Democrat and Republican political parties. But the pessimism of the American
electorate has rarely been as pervasive or as deep as it is today. David
Truskoff’s “Rebirth Of A Realist: Voices From History ‘America Save Yourself” is
a clarion call for political and social realists to save the very soul of our
country from the right-wing generated decisions, policies, practices, and
imperatives that have resulted in Americas dysfunctional foreign relations and
deteriorating domestic social conditions. David Truskoff writes with an
articulate reasoning that is as engaging as it is thoughtful and
thought-provoking, laced with illustrative examples and sage insight, “Rebirth
Of A Realist” offers a political discourse that deserves the widest readership
possible if our country is to prosper ethically, socially, and politically at
home and abroad.
REBIRTH OF A REALIST
“Rebirth of a Realist” begins with a seven-page invective against the policies
and values of modern America and the manner in which the richest nation comports
itself on the world stage. Author David Truskoff refers to poor, third-world
laborers as “slaves” and the Americans who purchase the clothing they make as
“slave owners.” He criticizes the American brand of capitalism as a “ Brain
disorder” that causes us to abandon familial happiness for the pursuit of bigger
houses and newer cars. He condemns using the word “democracy” to describe
elections in which rich men like Michael Bloomberg spend tens of millions of
dollars to become mayor.
It would be easy to dismiss Truskoff as a disaffected extremist if not for his
next words: “If you are angry enough and fighting back your own cynicism, [then]
perhaps together we can find a new positive attitude.” His harsh condemnations
are the birthing pains for the book’s central theme: America is not living up to
the ideals and values enshrined in its Constitution, and as patriotic Americans
we need to do something about it. He writes that Americans must “stop
rationalizing and sugarcoating our mistakes (because we] must know the truth in
order to make corrections.” Truskoff challenges himself and his readers to
abandon cynicism for an open-eyed realism.
Part personal history, part call for social and political reform, “Rebirth of a
Realist” chronicles the past 60 years as experienced by its author. In 1947
David Truskoff was an optimistic young American who served proudly in the Navy
during World War II. In the following decades, however, as his Russian-born
parents suffered at the hands of the anti-Communist movement, our hard-earned
peace was shattered by the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict, Watergate shook
Americans’ confidence in their government, and great economic damage was wrought
by “trickle down” economics, Truskoff became a political activist seeking to
change America’s political system “back to what it was supposed to be when it
was created.”
An integral component of Truskoffs solution is to revisit the words and policies
of Franklin D. Roosevelt, examining how they can be adapted to solve the
challenges America faces today. Some will strongly disagree with his political
views, but Truskoff’s experiences are compelling snapshots of America in the
second half of the 20th century, and his heart is always in the right place.
Reviewer:
BookReview.com (Madison, WI United
States)
Can America learn from its past
mistakes? How about those in the very recent past? Is it possible that we could
learn something from the past words of our leaders? In a time when a lot of
Americans feel that all we hear is lip service from our currents leaders, maybe
we are due to listen more carefully to the past.
"Rebirth of a Realist" offers the words and wisdom of Henry Wallace and Franklin
D. Roosevelt. It offers a relevant look at the Preamble of the Progressive Party
Platform from 1948, which could very easily be applied to today's world. But,
will we listen?
Author David Truskoff takes us back in the beginning of the book via his journal
of 1947. A veteran of the war, happy to be back home but unsure of what his life
would be, he hitchhiked across the country to discover himself. His rediscovery
of that journal triggers memories of that time, up to the present day as
memories have a way of progressing. During the recollection of those he also
shares moments of politics and world affairs and brings to life the quotes of
those he wishes us to pay heed to.
A work of non-fiction, "Rebirth of a Realist" reads much like a political
editorial commentary. It isn't for everyone's tastes, but everyone should hear
its message. We cannot sit blindly by when there is much to be done. Younger
folks should read it as a means of discovering some truth about America's
history through the last century, truths you may not hear about in history
class. Those of the "greatest generation" will likely find points within the
book to agree upon and nod over as well as others that won't be quite as they
recalled.
Truskoff speaks his mind. He is a realist. He offers voices from the past so
that we just might listen.
Review by Heather Froeschl.
Not unlike just about any official meeting in Small Town, America, there are
differences of opinion, people trying to control others and others trying to
maintain control of what they've worked so hard for. The cast of characters is
too large to focus on any one storyline, but the main plot revolves around a
plot of land that lies adjacent to the elementary school and the desire by some
to create affordable housing there. This becomes a huge issue to the
neighborhood, the Ecumenical Council (who is running the show) and the
businessmen who run the show from behind the scenes.
Truskoff immerses the reader into a chaotic town that just might leave you happy
that you don't live there, but afraid to look into what really goes on in your
own home place. The characters are realistic enough to lead you through the
stories of their affairs, business dealings and idiosyncrasies. In the beginning
it is somewhat difficult to follow all that is going on, all of the sub plots
that contribute to the whole. This adds to the realistic feeling of never
knowing who your neighbors are. I give the book a nod of positive review.
ALEXANDER
PUMPIANSKI, Editor in Chief, THE NEW TIMES, MOSCOW:
Literature is always humanitarianism, brotherhood, an all-human odyssey, a
reincarnation in other people's lives. In this case the author tries to
reconstruct what a private life could have been, had it taken a slightly
different course. The instructive device of split personality is, in fact, used
to present a united personality, torn in two by the century of the great schism;
they are put into extremely different social positions, and pushed through
numerous battles and dramas, apart or together. The Russian American is an
idealist, dreamer, fighter - an eternally restless heart.
YEVGENIA NIKOLAEVNA MAYOROVA, Herzen Pedagogical Institute, St. Petersburg
Your book makes one think of a huge documentary photograph taken with a long
exposure for many years, almost two human lifetimes. It is not a family
chronicle or a history of a single part of a family's life; it is simply a
story, a story that appears through two human souls, a story that is reflected
in letters, where letters are mixed with tears, words with pain, facts with
tragedy, where people are not considered as representatives of two different
political systems, where the search for similarities is more important than the
search for differences, because the main characters of this story are brothers.
Thank you very much for the wonderful book. I enjoyed it a lot! The genre of the
book is perfect and very up-to-date. Every line sounds so realistic to me. It is
impossible to express myself and all my feelings the book aroused in me. I would
be very happy to invite you to speak to my Russian Studies class.......
BRIAN JOHNSON, Asst. Prof. Doctoral Candidate Russian Studies, Boston
College:
I finally had a chance to read your manuscript The Genes of Gregoria. This is
not meant to flatter you, but the work is brilliant. It covers so much ground,
yet it claims it's humanity and stimulates the intellect at the same time. When
I picked it up I figured that I would read two letters and finish the book over
the next couple of days, however, I was hooked after the first twenty pages. The
book would be of immense value as a teaching aid in a variety of uses on the
college level.
A few years ago, I found The Genes of Gregoria among new books at the West
Hartford Public Library. After 9-11. 1 began to attend Monday night meetings of
what became the CT Coalition for Peace and Justice. One time you were there, at
the Friends Meeting House. When you were ready to leave, I told you of the
impact the book had on me. I am again reading it, with increasing appreciation
of its significance. It should become more widely known as a document from the
final phase of the US-Soviet Cold War and the tragic and perhaps inevitable
phenomenon of missed opportunities
By David Truskoff
Review by www.Quilldipper.com ,
www.Bookideas.com
Two men have very different beliefs. The end of WWII brings on the
beginning of life and celebration in an awakening America. At what cost
though? Do the affects of war reach further than the battlefield?
Further than back home where a place stands empty at the family table?
Further than the minds of the men who return to pick up the pieces of
what was once their life? Yes, it does, for it reaches into the future.
The affect of war reaches into the future lives of those who would be
affected by the next war. If it didn’t, all would be lost.
“God Go With Them” is about those lives affected… the young men
returning home and starting again, the decisions they make, the way they
choose to make a living, the feelings they have about and what they do
about the next war. WWII is over and Vietnam looms on the horizon. Two
men become fathers, and continue to grow into their own very different
beliefs. Both were in the “war to end all wars” and now, both face the
future war and how it affects the young men of America. The draft is in
full force. Howard Weinbaum is a volunteer with the American Friends
Service Committee, a Quaker run organization that counsels and informs
young men on their rights to be conscientious objectors to the Vietnam
War. Mark Edwards Sr. is a father who would like to see his son finish
college but has instilled in Mark Jr. that he has an opportunity to
achieve manhood by accepting service in the military, and a
responsibility to serve his country.
Those directly affected by the conflicting views of their elders, are
the draft aged young men who face the toughest decision, and
repercussions. Do they fight in a war that they do not believe in, or do
they face the consequences of standing up for their beliefs? Jail,
demeaning service jobs, fleeing the country, public condemnation, or
going against your core beliefs? It isn’t much of a choice. In “God Go
With Them,” the main characters struggle to find their way, find
themselves, and find an answer.
This powerful novel will leave readers thinking, not only about the
trials and tribulations that our country has already gone through, but
also those in the here and now. Do we condemn those who stand up for
their beliefs and label them unpatriotic? To this reader, it seems so. I
could not help but see the parallels of Vietnam and Iraq. The plot of
the book is very well planned, the story rich in American culture. Baby
Boomers will see themselves, and younger generations will have a better
understanding of who their parents are. I look forward to the next book
in the trilogy of “God Go With Them.”
By David Truskoff
Review by Heather Froeschl of
www.Quilldipper.com and
www.Bookideas.com
In August 1969, America was in the midst of a civil war, but at the same
time, in the midst of great growth. It was Civil War in the sense that
instead of Red, White and Blue, America was Black and White. The flag
should be seen in the vibrant colors that it is and represent all of the
shades of gray that stand below it. Some folks can’t see that though and
decide to use the uncertain separateness of the times to their sick
advantage.
Political gain is the goal for some who will take things way too far in
“Forgive Me Doctor” by David Truskoff. This second book in a trilogy
examines the verge of out of control power over people who are incited
to react. It stands alone or part of the series of looking America in
the face.
Pete Rosoff is the Assistant Director of the City Office of Renewal, his
higher up is his best friend Ben Coffey; both of them are trying to keep
the peace in their city between the people who make the rules and the
people who are trying to live within them. When corruption happens, the
two try desperately to keep control of the situation and figure out
exactly what is really going on. Police respond to riots that haven’t
yet happened, fires are intentionally set but not by those whom the
authorities wish the people to think, murder is committed and the city
streets become a war zone. How does one deceit affect a whole community?
Quite easily when it comes to politics and greed, and a bit of
narrow-minded prejudice.
Truskoff’s book will make readers think about what is actually happening
behind the headlines. It is a snapshot of the uncertainty of America’s
past and hopefully a reminder of how far we have come. Certainly,
sometimes we haven’t come far enough, but if we don’t look back we
cannot look ahead. An interesting and captivating read, “Forgive Me
Doctor” is intense and memorable. Well done!