Kind Words from Happy Readers
May’s Long Wait
The story of ‘May’s Long Wait ‘ written by Tara Blieden Rothman about her parent’s experience during World War Two, captures the impact that war had on families over 80 years ago. It reflects the anxiety that families had when men went off to war, never knowing if or when they would return. Families relied on handwritten letters from the soldiers which took weeks to receive as well as telegrams. The book is easy to read, very well illustrated with a glossary and helps expose children to the hardships that previous generations lived through. It is an informative and worthwhile read for the younger generation.
-Naomi Schamroth Rapeport, 11/19/20
‘Tears in my eyes
I read the books
I learned things I never knew
Thanks for doing this for us and our future generations
-Mavra McCann, 10/12/2025
The daughter of one of my mother’s first cousins said: “I know the story. I heard it was a beautiful romance. So happy that you were able to share it. Congratulations!”.
-Shelley Weisberger, 9/24/2025
Thanks for all the hard & dedicated work in writing this book. I enjoyed reading it, alternating between smiles and tears.”
-Ira Blieden, 9/16/2025
Gussie’s Suitcase Packed with Courage, Hope and Secrets
I just want to say a big thank you to my friend Tara Blieden Rothman for her wonderful new book, Gussie’s Suitcase: Packed with Courage, Hope, and Secrets.
As an immigrant grandmother, I purchased Tara’s book thinking it would be a great story to share with my grandchildren—and I loved it so much, I ended up reading it three times! I found the story, not only something I want to share with my grandchildren, but my greater community of friends and family.
It’s a touching, beautifully told story, and I truly recommend it to anyone—especially children of immigrants. There’s so much heart and history in its pages.
– Parivash Minou Michlin, author of “I Kept Walking: The Unlikely Story of a Persian Woman with Polio“, 8/22/2025
Congratulations on your book. Your text is so warm and accessible and vivid — the smells! And the photos and the graphics are very special too.
– Elaine Elinson, 9/23/2025
Gussie’s Suitcase is wonderful! What a beautiful tribute to those who went before and a precious legacy to preserve for your children and grandchildren. This is really a unique family gift, but it also speaks so much more broadly about the immigrant experience that I’m glad you made it into a publically available book.
I am impressed with every aspect of the project—your skill in telling your own family story; the research that helped you flesh out an historically accurate account of the journey; the fabulous artwork which must have taken thoughtful AI-prompts to produce; the creative design elements, like the map and timeline to help track the journey; and the wonderful bonus back matter that provides additional information and links to learn more for those interested.
I also want to shout BRAVO for not only having an original idea that kept growing, but for seeing the project through to completion, with the help of technology and guidance from others. I was impressed with the web of relationships you nurtured to bring this book into being—your family, colleagues, and friends. I remember feeling that there should be a Pulitzer prize for generous and uplifting dedications and acknowledgements. You would get an award for yours.
I checked out your blog (it’s terrific) and was surprised to see that Gussie was 16 years old (not 18 as portrayed in the book) when she made her journey. How old was Sarah? I didn’t find that information in the book or blog. I was also surprised to see that there were four brothers between Gussie and Sarah. Do you know why the family decided to send Gussie and Sarah together? I find the ethos and obligation to help family members emigrate so compelling.
I know you initially thought of this project as a low-profile endeavor meant for a close circle of family. I don’t know how realistic it is to market your book, and I have no idea how time intensive or costly it would be, but I do think Gussie’s Suitcase should find a home in Jewish museums, bookstores, and gift shops; JCC’s and synagogues; and genealogy associations.
Well done!
– RM, 8/22/2025
Tara, what an accomplishment! And beautifully put together, however you did it —I admire crediting your non-human support group—it’s a charming children’s book with marvelous illustrations but also an interesting historical document.
Perhaps especially, it is a testament to your grandmother’s spirit, which calls out from that photograph she had taken after reaching America . . . not to mention the impressive older lady staring out at us at the end! And speaking as a writer, I completely admire her writing/stretching her own story when the young you asks about her past.
– EM, 8/21/2025
Gussie’s Suitcase Packed with Courage, Hope and Secrets is a well written and illustrated book with thought provoking questions, author’s notes and precious pictures. The travel line at the end of each page takes us along Gussie’s journey with intrigue from beginning to end.
We are all descendants of immigrants, and this book will inspire you to consider your own roots.
– Avra Tietze, 08/21/2025
I read your very interesting book, and it’s great to keep factual history alive. Thank you for writing this book. The timeline of travel is a great idea!
– Shari Schwam Sachar, 08/17/2025
I absolutely love the book, and it’s a true page turner, as they say. I learned things. So beautifully presented and illustrated. I definitely wanted more, and I hope you will spill some secrets. What happened to the trunk?
– Amy Blieden, 8/16/ 2025