Breaking Borders: One Man's Journey to Erase the Lines that Divide

Alexander Harris
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595454150
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (5/09)

Author Alexander Harris gives readers a first-hand account of what it was like to be a teenager in Poland in World War II. “Breaking Borders” is an amazing and heartbreaking account of losing his family and being forced into an Army he didn’t want to serve, but yet needed to survive.

His detailed account will haunt readers, along with his maps and letters from family trying to get kids out of the war-torn area. Each time I read personal accounts my heart breaks for the actions of those who killed and harmed innocent people in so many ways.

His attempt to reach an area where he will be safe only puts him in the Russian gulag where he is forced to do menial labor and bow to the oppressors. Once he finally reaches the United States, after many great obstacles, he is given the opportunity to learn about the travel industry. He remembers from family members to be strong and prevail and that he does. He sets out to open up areas in the world where there is strife and prejudice. He wants others to learn about the people, politics and their daily lives. He becomes one of the greatest men in travel to these countries. His desire to teach others is the road on which we are today- he opened many doors.

As I look at the news today, I still see “hate groups” but they are not as aggressive in negatives as they used to be – it’s like the underlying comments they make. Everyone needs to read “Breaking Borders” by Alexander Harris and I think once they do, they will see their fellow man in a different light.

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