| ... by what People are saying about Neuman & his Memoir !!! |
"...refreshing honesty... has an amazing lack of bitterness... It's a miracle he didn't kill himself, or anyone else... almost every page has examples of the unusual sense of humor about his family's hardships... has suffered as much as anyone in the country, in the world...This man is amazing!... Wow!... has the patience of Job... when is your next book coming out?... an unusual man... should be in all schools... should be a teacher... why is he still alive?... why is he still sane?... Herman has the gift of discernment... Would make a great movie... a real page turner... fascinating to read... full of humour and full of sadness, sometimes both at the same time.... I really enjoyed this book... very good book... a profound thinker... If I didn't know the author, I would never have believed this... curl up with this good book and tissue paper... has a great sense of humor... nobody could make up a story like this... will you write my biography?... admire Mr. Neuman's courage for writing this book and..."
Feedback from all walks of life It is rare along the meandering path of life to encounter a person who lives up to the title of "hero". I recently met one of these rare souls in my Toastmasters group and have begun to get to know him. His wisdom and compassion from an incredibly traumatic history, beginning in Nazi Germany, make him a truly remarkable individual whom I feel honored to call my friend. He is a published author, inspirational speaker, and world traveler. Herman has written his life story, "Heroes from the Attic: A Gripping True Story of Triumph." I highly recommend giving his site a look...you will be humbled and awed.
Pantherspeak "Dear Herman, ... i finished your incredible book... I find it miraculous that you have risen above all of the evil of others that tried and tried again to bring you down... I want to send you something as a token of my appreciation for sharing the story of your struggle and success... thanks for shedding light on this for me to help jump-start a new perspective to tackle this in my life. Thanks again for sharing your story."
Norie, Japan "...this place just lights up whenever you walk in here."
Mental health worker "...The memoir is gripping, ...a most memorable story."
Writer's Digest Life Story Contest judge "...love and adore and respect you beyond words... I hope to meet you some day soon. ...Love your spirit my brother.
D. Tolman "Mr. Neuman, you changed my thinking where juvenile offenders are concerned. Every day now, I reflect either consciously or subconsciously that my clients chose to commit their crimes and often blame their circumstances for their crimes, rather than their own free will. When I find myself making excuses for them, I now remind myself that there are many of us, who, despite our dismal childhoods, chose NOT to engage in criminal activity. Thank you again and again, Mr. Neuman, for providing me this much needed insight through your own "I had it as bad as it gets, but I chose not to be a criminal" example. Through the reading of your book, I gained the mental and emotional wherewithal to stop making excuses for my clients - which is an exceedingly important component to preventing job burn out and promoting job satisfaction and effectiveness."
Juvenile probation officer "... I really enjoyed his testimonial. Loved his matter of fact-ness and his great wit with what he had to endure."
K. Perry "This is an excellent book!"
J. Swayze, The Times-News reporter "Your speech was extremely well received."
A Friends of the Library Director's Response to Speech "...I just finished reading your fascinating book. WOW! What a life...it is a miracle you are still here and sane. God certainly had plans for you... You have an exceptional command of the English language and its idioms... I was horrified at the treatment you received from your parents and your American family.... Hoping this finds you well and full of the optimism you showed in writing your courageous book..."
S. Reitsma "...You are amazing proof that God is who He says He is: gracious, loving, merciful, kind, patient, wise, and powerful. What you told us at the Agape luncheon is encouraging and gives hope that God can take the worst of circumstances and bring good out of it to bless His people...We love your smile!..."
Agape Director's Response to Speech "...I look forward to meeting you some day. I am enjoying your book and I have told my teacher all about it."
W. Dimmitt "...The human potential seems to be infinite!"
Dr. M. Brockman "AAA... ... HHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "I finished your book yesterday, and my first comment is: (Blood curdling scream) and after I put Irish curses on your family, I told my husband and my mom to hurry and read it immediately so we could discuss it, to hook up to a catheter and food I.V. or something so they could read until completely finished...
"You are so humorous! "While reading it, so many hurricanes of thoughts passed through my mind,... and I had to keep frantically reminding myself that the little boy, Ami, is OK, with twinkling eyes, charming, delightful, humorous, married, and went to a University, and is not in an asylum someplace...
"Your many, many, talents and gifts, and spiritual gifts astound me, including your insightful automatic ability to have maybe been walking around in somewhat of an "objective state," instead of a reactive one... you seemed to have "watched" the abuse, (yes, I realize you were in shock, too) and did not "react" with anger and resentment and then boil with it forever, to become what you hate, and repeat the cycle which so many of us do... (since the dawn of time in generations springing from the unloved woman, Eve/your mom/used for sex/, and Adam...
"Before reading the ending (of your book), I predicted your parents would live a long life, as usually, if people have a conscience, this will cause conflict and they will die early, unless they become "enlightened". Your relatives did not have conflict, and therefore became disconnected with conscience-(God?) Interesting. It's amazing how the world is full of MANY disconnected people, who were once small innocent babies with insight, and the evil do-er/parents took it from them (because Siggi, I think is right - it's easy to pick on the innocent, the weak "sheeple"). And the victim may become either what they hated, or, like the Stockholm Syndrome, the victim may appease the abuser–maybe mama will love me now? ...hopefully, see the world as it is, and not get eternally resentful, and become enlightened. It seems you somehow have dropped your ego and resentment which is far from astounding. There are no words. Where does conscience come from? Must be the conduit to God...
"You are a good, clever writer, and I sniff, sniff, dry, dry, tissue, tissue, "enjoyed" cough, cough, sniff, your work very much, hic, hic, snort, snort, and I think Michael Savage, or Sean Hannity... would plug your book on the radio, and you need to be a guest on their show. They do when it is something of this magnitude..."
K. Peterson
(Author's Note: Ms. Peterson was "accidentally" poisoned by a spray plane dumping excess pesticides into a dry riverbed, while she was driving across a nearby highway bridge with open windows. Consequently she almost died, and suffered intensely for years before she was able to maintain a reasonably "normal" life. She quickly became one of Herman's best friends.) "...I have started reading your book. I have really enjoyed it and have a hard time putting it down. You are truly an inspiration."
T. Dimmitt "Not really knowing any of the students, we went to hear the commencement speaker, Herman Neuman, author of the book, "Heroes from the Attic," who is a special friend and fellow Toastmaster. His speech was gripping and inspiring."
Response to High School Commencement Speech "...you are a miracle to me ...you have my greatest respect ...will you please speak here again? ...you are so blunt ...are you going to write any more books?... I am going to read your book two or three more times."
Response to Herman's address to The Valley House Homeless Shelter residents "Reading this book is an experience."
L. Patterson "A book I couldn't put down... A fascinating story that should be required reading for high schools. Not only is it a history lesson but an example of how strong a child's spirit can be."
Western States College of Performing Arts & Humanities "Herman has a keen sense of humor in spite of an ugly and life-threatening childhood."
B. Dodge, AG Weekly Columnist "...Lastly Herman, I like how you gave living in America some respect. In our society today, it's almost cliché to disrespect the freedoms and opportunities the United States of America have been able to provide. You give America its due thanks to your book!"
E., Bremerton, Washington "...I was sorry to reach the end... thought-provoking and interesting... made me think... Keep writing. We're fans!"
C. Mason, Idaho "...the humor detracted from the seriousness of the novel (and there was too much of it)."
SalDragski, Texas
(Author's Note: Thank you for this compliment. Where would I be if I didn't have a sense of humor? My memoir reads like a novel of bizarre fiction, but it is real, unembellished nonfiction.) "...has all the ingredients of a page turner: starvation, extreme poverty, dysfunctional parents, complete lack of creature comforts, enslavement, grave illnesses. It’s hard to believe this is a contemporary memoir, that people have had to live that way. It’s harder to believe Neuman has lived to tell this story, and has risen above all these hardships and even remained sane. But very intelligent, determined, entrepreneurial and adventurous, the author and his brother have both succeeded in leading fully successful lives, devoid of bitterness. 'Heroes' and 'Triumph' indeed!"
"The memoir is gripping, ...The title and subtitle are very appropriate, telling us what to expect...A most memorable story."
Writer's Digest Contest judge comments "...I'm amazed he's still alive after all he's been through."
U. Webber, Idaho "...was mightily impressed with your writing style, plus what you have managed to accomplished, and your bright outlook, considering the painful challenges your life brought you. Remarkable."
J. Jones, Arizona "...I'm buying your book for my baby, for the time he will be able to read it."
Book signing visitor "Heroes inspire and help us reach inside for uncommon strength to overcome obstacles in our lives. Herman and his brother Siggi will touch your heart in unimaginable ways and give you a renewed belief in the power of human fortitude in Herman's new book..."
"... In spite of life's cruel blows, the brothers did overcome their hardships,... Herman and his wife have traveled around the world and some of their travels are included in this autobiography."
"... Herman writes with an offbeat sense of humor and a touch of irony that will at times make you laugh and at times make you cry, but Heroes from the Attic is a journey of both heartache and triumph that you won't soon forget."
Debby Schoeningh, The Record-Courier, Oregon "... You described everything with great clarity, and I admire your honesty and openness... a very good "psychogram."... You and your brother are truly heroes from the attic..."
R. Jannsen, Retired teacher "... Both books are additional testament to human endurance. Both are eminently readable -pleasurable, in fact- ... But despite the hardships, the mood of Heroes is light. Our "heroic" brothers face down their misery with humor and a wonderful sense of irony."
"... both authors are provocative and entertaining storytellers, and I recommend them."
Yearbook of German-American Studies, Vol. 37, University of Kansas
"I've never seen the kids concentrate so hard on one task..." (listening to Herman's address under shady trees in desert)
SUWS youth counselor "...I got so mad when you didn't push your uncle's face into that pile of maggots."
A reader during a chance encounter with author "...how his memoir can be summarized. It can be stated with only one word. Love."
A Pastor "... my whole family read it..."
Barnes & Noble bookstore employee "... people sure are enjoying your book a lot... Two girls keep coming in to read it."
Restaurant gift shop employee "You are true survivors your little brother and you! Words can hardly convey the multitudes of emotions I felt as I was reading this memoir! The power of your mind is tremendous to have overcome all those years of emotional and physical hardship. I salute you dear HERO and I thank you..."
A. Dionne, Canada "We commend you for the way you have endured everything & came through without bitterness."
L. Peach, New Zealand "... Their courage, and all-out drive to put themselves through college, earn their freedom, and establish a decent living characterizes this powerfully written and uniquely recommended memoir."
Midwest Book Review "... you are awesome... I'm glad you spoke here... my problems don't seem so big anymore..."
Idaho Youth Ranch audience (listening to Herman's address) "... I'm reading it for the third time..."
Retired teacher "... one of the best memoirs ever written... triumph over unspeakable hardships. This is about heroes."
Carol Kluz, Author of fantasy and mystery novels. "... One of the best written memoirs I have ever had the privilege of reading... It is almost unbelievable that you were able to weave your subtle humor into a description of the manner in which you were treated..."
Idaho State Senator & former Deputy Attorney General "...I got so mad at your dad. He was a real bastard!"
Chance encounter with a reader "... touched me on so many profound levels that I am in the process of sending copies to friends. It is not a wallow for sympathy but rather, a bemused sardonic narration of survival... of great courage, creating Heroes where none wanted to exist. ... This book belongs in every school and in every home..."
M. E. Hemming, Hawaii "... keeps the reader on edge as to 'what will happen next'..."
Posting on amazon.com "I was fascinated by this memoir and could not put it down until I finished it. My emotions turned to awesome admiration for the boys.... Such mental strength is hard to imagine. The offbeat humor is a saver for me, as it would be quite hard to swallow all this pain otherwise."
C. Sullivan, Pennsylvania "This book is definitely interesting and since it deals with Nazi Germany so personally, I think it will be quite marketable due to its appeal in engaging others who would never be able to visualize such a situation otherwise."
E. vonRentzell, editor for iUniverse "... writing style is very unique... an odd combination of shocking forthrightness, ironic humor, and bizarre but totally appropriate descriptive terms."
T. Nemec, Iowa "... funny, earthy and so human... This book should be in all schools."
J. Lawrason, Idaho "i must say, i am so glad you found the courage (perhaps reluctantly/accidentally?) to write your story. well, i've made it to the escape with much relief! and the pictures are great, i think i spent more time looking through them than reading last night! marcia, again, thank you for sending me this book"
Wolf, An Internet book conference.
"This is one of the most interesting books that I have ever read. I couldn't put it down and..."
D. Jacobsen, Idaho "I just wanted to travel to the places you described..."
R. Shokal, Idaho "Hello Herman, ...I want to join in with the person who said "I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry." Your book has deeply touched me... Despite all the hardship you went through, I was amazed how much humor there is in you. ...Your book was written in a style that really captivated me....but the most I liked was how you really dealt with your life and succeeded."
Johanna, Germany | 
