Please send your comments to ann@salasgift.com.
Dear Ann, Just moments ago, I finished reading your book. As the end of the book came closer, I had this feeling you wouldn't get to your aunt Rose and aunt Blima.....though of course you did. I thoroughly enjoyed your book and could not put it down. (I'm very upset with Harry though!) Ever since I read Anne Frank's Diary, 20 or so years ago, I have held a very special place in my heart for all victims and survivors of the Holocaust. I have read so many different accounts over the years. It's almost like an addiction. It just amazes me that something like that was allowed to happen In any case, thank you for Sala's Gift and may you find continued success. Sincerely, Donna Dear Ms. Kirschner, I find it hard to find the words to describe the experience I had while reading your book. Since I was in grade school I have always been interested in the stories of Holocaust survivors but none touched me like your mother's story. It amazed me how a girl, so young and naive, could survive but come out to be an amazingly strong and courageous woman. I found myself taking a look at my own life at the end of your book… I have a son who is almost 2 years old. I ached when I read that those with small children were killed as well. I ached for our world that annihilated someone so small who could have been the one to cure cancer, or become another religious leader in a world that lacks faith. I ached for your mother who lost a loved one and for you who never met those precious people that help mold your mother into a beautiful young woman. I don't know why I write you other than to say that your story touched me more than anything else has and I appreciate you opening my eyes to how to love, how to persevere and how to cherish my loved ones. We never know what tomorrow brings and must always be prepared to say goodbye. Thank you Ms. Kirschner and please thank your mother for sharing her story and opening the hearts of millions to understand that forgiveness and love are the most important things in this world. May God Bless you Always, Kira Dear Dr. Kirschner, I don't recall writing an author before, of all the books I have read. However, I just finished reading "Sala's Gift", and wanted to say that it's a most remarkable book about remarkable people. I wanted to know even more details about all of them! I also can understand how difficult it must have been for you to serve in dual roles, as both memoirist and daughter of a survivor. I do know what it's like to live with secrets. How wonderful that Sala made her invaluable gift-- to you, your family, future generations, and ultimately, to all of us. Thank you so much for sharing it. Best wishes, Suzanne Dear Ann Kirschner, I wanted to send a note thanking you for writing your mother's story in Sala's Gift. I just finished reading your book, and I hardly know how to understand what an experience it must have been for you to write this book; it was certainly a tremendous experience to read it. Your mother's story of survival, finding expression in your book, is an honour to read. My very best wishes to yourself, your mother, and your family, and thank you so very much for writing such a deeply moving account of your mother's experiences. The chance to read your mother's story is truly a gift, as the title of your book indicates. Maija I just finished reading your book about your mother’s journey. I was so incredibly touched and choked with all sorts of emotions when I finished. Thank you for sharing such an incredible story. Sincerely, Karen M Dear Ms Kirschner, After several searches I finally found an email address for you. I want so much to tell you how much I have enjoyed Sala's Gift. How wonderful for you that you were able to do this book. Not only were you able to share your mother's story, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but the connection you made with her is something I think almost every daughter would envy you. I especially enjoyed the last chapter, The Other Side of Silence, you wrote..."In the house of memory, which used to belong to her alone, she invited a visitor who moved in and proceeded to fill every corner” – and she allowed it. I was lucky enough to find old letters and photos in a family trunk after my mother had passed away, making her closer once again. But you had your mother to talk to. I grew up in New Jersey in a world so different than yours, but I was still able to enjoy your story. Thank you for a great story. Marjorie G Purcellville, Virginia Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michael G Dear Ann and Sala I just read your book, started this morning and could not put it down. When I was looking at the photos after finishing, I could not help by cry, for all those souls who died and suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Please tell your Mom what a brave woman she is and to share this story with you and the rest of the reading public. My family did not endure this at all, but I felt like I understood more with this story than what you read in History books. Thank you for writing it. Christy Hi Ann, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the story you told about your mother. I am a 40 year old mother of three, living in Chicago and although I am not Jewish, I am fascinated by the story of the Holocaust and the courage of those involved. My family comes from Brataslava, Czechoslovakia; Krippola, Austria and Berlin, Germany. There is a story of my Grandma's cousin and his wife, escaping from Czechoslovakia before the war, but that's about all I know about my history. Your Mom had such an amazing life. What a strong woman. You are so lucky to have worked with her on this - imagine how many unanswered questions you would have had if she had not given you the box of letters. I will definitely be recommending this wonderfully important book to all of my friends. Peace Kris Chicago, IL Dear Ann, I have read a lot of stories about the Holocaust but none so touching as your Mother’s. How brave she was and how proud you must be of her. It was such a difficult and challenging time for her and yet she survived. May God bless and keep you and your family and thank you for writing Sala’s Gift. It was an inspiration for me. Elaine Mobile, AL Dear Ann— I wanted to thank you for your book “Sala’s Gift:”it touched my soul. I finished reading it last night and had to send you an email to thank you for not only writing it, but also your mother for sharing her life’s experience with readers. You answered the questions I had been forming in my mind as I neared the end of the book—I was thinking “What happened to Harry” and then you answered. Then I thought “What about her sisters” and there it was! I wanted to ask if you found out what happened to Chaim or any of the young women that your Mother had become so close with in her last camp. Your writing style was beautiful and drew me right into the story. I learned so much, too—I never knew that there were ‘labor’ camps like the one your Mother was in, I only knew of the death camps like Auschwitz. I had no idea there was anything like ‘Organization Schmelt’! I cried when your Mother told you how she felt when she first went back to her apartment after the war and again when she stood outside of the apartment with you and your brother. I was also very sad when I read one of the letters from Raziel about how God had turned away—I know there are many people who have felt that way at one point or another in their lives. But your mother’s survival, that was a gift not only for your family but for us- to learn about, to absorb, to ask forgiveness for what happened, to forgive…. Thank you, Ann. And please thank your Mother for sharing her story. May God Bless her. Very Sincerely, Amy G Dear Ann, I bought your book "Sala’s Gift" for my mom who also is a Holocaust survivor and not only is she loving it but she just called me (from Florida!) to inquire about some of the people in the book. I live in New Jersey and I too loved your book. I sent it to my mom for her 81st birthday. Sincerely, Laura Dear Dr. Kirschner, I just finished reading Sala’s Gift. Thank you for sharing your mother’s story. Lisa Dear Ann and Sala Kirschner I have stolen a moment from today’s crazy schedule to write you. Sala’s Gift is a beautiful work of art that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Through the detailed descriptions and the ease of the delivery, I was able to be swept away. There were numerous moments that I felt a glimpse of the pain, the anxiety of the future, and the triumphant joy of Sala’s survival. This book has helped me in my immediate surroundings by appreciating what I currently have in my life, and inspiring me to accentuate the simple things around me. My generation in this country is driven by speed, multitasking, and outperforming others. I am so often rushing to work, rushing at work, rushing home to rush to the gym, and then I rush to do my daughter’s homework, bath, hair, bedtime reading, and then I rush her to bed. Although I may have completed ten tasks at once, I later wonder if I did some of them, and often wonder if I did any of them well. My intention was to write a quick note to someone who has inspired me, as Sala has. To let her know that her efforts to risk her life by keeping her letters as a memoir was not in vain. Many years will pass, but thanks to this book, her energy will live forever. Although I have never met Sala, thoughts of her will forever be in my heart. People ask me where I get my inspiration from. I have stumbled on a perfect example; women like Sala, daughters like Ann. As for me, I’m a single mother of a 7 year old daughter, and an RN in the ICU for cancer patients. I too am a child of war, the Vietnam War. Born in 1971 in Da Nang to an African-American GI and a Vietnamese mother, and abruptly abandoned at the age of three, I miraculously found my way to an amazing family who adopted me, and have since claimed me as their own, one of nine other siblings. I too can celebrate a gift! With admiration, Tia New York City What a great book .you did a wonderful job! My question is -- did your mother ever look for the brother in Russia after the war? Steve About Sala’s Gift -- what an incredible story this is on so many levels. Reading this book felt like watching a movie scroll by in my mind. Actually -- a few movies, and some of my favorites -- a bit of Casablanca, some Schindler's List, a bit of The Grand Illusion, some Julia -- others, too. Sala is a remarkable woman, of course, and Ann Kirschner did her multi-layered story justice. It's mind-boggling to think not only that the letters had been saved through the 7 work camps, but that Sala had not talked about her experiences during the years that followed -- until, of course, she did. I didn't think there could possibly be another new take on WWII, but here it is. With current interest in women's history, I think this should be a great success. While it was fascinating to see the letters, it's the stories in between that gripped my imagination -- and won't let go. Sandy Hi Ann, Thank you for "Sala’s Gift." Your Mom is an amazing woman. You are amazing for sharing her story with so much love instead of repulsion...and... with love you make a bigger and more powerful impact on all of us. Thank you. Adriana Dear Ann and Sala, I just read your book, started this morning and could not put it down. It was well written, and between the letters/postcards and the research you did, it was put together well. When I was looking at the photos after finishing, I could not help by cry, for all those souls who died and suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Please tell your Mom what a brave woman she is to share this story with you and the rest of the reading public. My family did not endure this at all, but I felt like I understood more with this story then what you read in History books. Thank you for writing it. Christy Hello Ann, I just finished reading this unbelievable book. What an accomplishment. I too am a child of Holocaust survivors. I am 55 years old with children of my own and have a million and one unanswered questions about my parents and their past. My mother died in l976 after a very similar journey. She was one of 8 children from a small town in Poland. Only she survived, and her story is very similar. So similar that I had to write this letter. I listened to stories from the war for so many years, some I remember and will never forget. It stirred up so many emotions. Thank you for writing this book. Susan Dear Ann, I just finished reading Sala’s Gift. It was gripping, touching, sobering and amazing. If I am ever in New York I will definitely make a visit to see the letters in person at the New York Public Library. You did an fantastic job of putting all the information together. It is a book I will read again and keep in my own library. Your mother is an amazing person. Thank you for telling the story. Please give my regards to your mother for sharing her story. People of my generation must hear it! We must never forget! Sharon Dear Ann Kirschner, I recently finished reading your book about your mother. I was very moved and touched by it. At one point I had to stop reading due to the tears in my eyes blurring my vision. I've never written an author before regarding their books. I saw the area on your website about writing about my own family and thought, Why not? You wouldn't ask if you didn't want to hear it. So here it goes: The person I am going to tell you about is my great-grandma, Margaret. She lived until I was 23 years old so I knew her well. She was born in Russia, but her family was German and relocated to Russia when Catherine The Great moved there after her marriage. She had a few brothers. Her father, Jacob, made the family move to America when Margaret was 8 or 9. They went to Colorado and worked wherever they could. At each place they worked, Margaret's age changed to whatever the age was required to be able to work. So sometimes she was 9,10 or even 12. As a result she never knew her real birthday or how old she really was. She guessed she was born around 1898 and she chose the month and day that she wanted to celebrate it. All the money that Jacob earned he sent back to Russia to show the people there that he was rich and doing very well, when in reality they lived as poor as they did in Russia. At one point they returned to Russia. At the nearing of WWI Jacob uprooted his family again to leave Russia because he did not want his sons to fight for the Russian army, since he couldn't stand them. I believe one or two of Margaret's brothers remained in Russia since they already had wives and children. Jacob took his wife Anna, his daughter, Margaret and two sons to America again. One of Margaret's brothers died when he was 19 years old of an illness. They settled in Iowa this time and had a farm. They lived in a house that was very sparse in furnishings. Jacob didn't believe in spending any money unless they had to. Margaret and her mother had to serve her father and her brother, George and then were allowed to eat after the men were done, never with them. Margaret eventually fell in love with a man named Frank. They wanted to get married but Jacob forbade them to no matter how much they pleaded. Margaret was a very feisty girl. I remember her telling me about riding bareback on horses with her long hair blowing in the wind. Anyway, she was determined to have her own way and eloped with Frank. They married Feb. 15, 1996. They had ran away to Akron, OH where my grandma was born on Sept. 9, 1916. So we know how rebellious she was being pregnant when she married. She had four children in four years. Once on a visit back to Iowa, Margaret and her mother, Anna, walked miles to the store to get groceries. Margaret went inside and Anna, tired from the walk, remained outside on a bench. When Margaret came outside, Anna was slumped over on the bench. She had died of a heart attack while Margaret was inside. Margaret and Frank had many hard times. At one point they lost their house and had to move in with the rich people she cleaned houses for. During Prohibition she had a friend who made bathtub moonshine and she had to go get her out of jail after the friend was arrested! During the Depression Frank went out everyday in suit, tie and hat to look for a job. And everyday returned without having found any work. They eventually rented a house again and lived there with their children Mary, Katie and Frank,Jr. Plus,their daughter Magdelena (who legally changed her name to Helen), who was my grandma, had married and her and her husband Joe, lived there and eventually continued to live there after their daughter, my Mom, Mary Ann and a son, Bob were born. Joe's mother had died and his father died not long after Joe and Helen were married. Joe had 2 younger brothers that needed raised, so they also lived in that same small house. When Margaret's father became older he came to Ohio to live with her. The first time Margaret served supper Jacob informed her that the women were not to eat until the men were done. Margaret didn't share this opinion and told him that's not the way things work in her house! I was always told by my mother that Jacob was a mean old man. He lived to be 98 years old. Frank had a stroke and was an invalid the last 16 years of his life. He died 1 day before their 50th anniversary. So there is one story of my family. As I'm sure with your family there are so many others from the other side of the family. I hope you found this interesting. Kathleen Dear Ann Kirschner, I just found your book Sala’s Gift at my public library and once I got started I couldn't put it down. You have done a marvelous, tender and understated job of bringing your mother's world alive via the letters, documents and history, and your own story of needing to know your mother's story. It is a valuable historical document in addition to being a compelling story of love and survival. I was left with a number of questions, too. Sala haunted me after I put the book down. Perhaps in part because my father was also an immigrant-- a Polish Lithuanian Catholic with a very different experience, but one that included loss of home, world and all that was familiar. I best understood his experience when I went back with him to his home, after the end of the Soviet era, and walked in those same places, which evoked stories of experiences never before spoken about. Most of all I just wanted to let you know how poignant and moving your book is. Thank you for writing it and for helping this reader gain a more complex understanding of that time. Sincerely, Anna Dear Ann, I just got finished reading your book and I had to write and tell you that it was the most intriguing book I have ever read. I have always been interested in the Holocaust and read the "Diary of Anne Frank", and Carrie Tenboom’s books, "The Hiding Place" and several others. It never ceases to amaze me, what so many people went through and actually survived the brutality of it all. I am passing the book on, to several of my friends and family that would like to read it and am sure that they will feel the same way I do, about your Mother’s experience... God bless you, for sharing this with all of us, who know no better. Sincerely, Sheila Dear Ann, I am amazed that your mother saved all those letters. We have so few photos in our family. My father is also a Holocaust survivor and both their stories of survival are two of many archived by the Shoah Foundation. I think your decision to save all those letters for the library was the best thing you could have done. I wish I could learn more about my own family. I wish you the best with your book and have no doubt it will be cherished by many people and will serve as a reminder of the important things in life. Sincerely, Anita |
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