June 3, 2004

ON MY BOOKSHELF

‘Alicia My Story’
By Alicia Appleman-Jurman

Nolan Lazinski, 12,
Challenger School seventh grader

For Challenger School seventh grader Nolan Lazinski, a recent visit from a local author left a lasting impression. Two weeks ago, Willow Glen-based Alicia Appleman-Jurman dropped in on the students of Challenger, where she spoke of her work, shared some stories and signed some books. But hers is a different visit from that of a “local girl gone good.” Appleman-Jurman’s story is one of survival. She is a survivor of the Holocaust.

“The Holocaust was terrible,” explained an animated Lazinski upon learning of Appleman-Jurman’s plight and path. “I never would have survived. I couldn’t have thought up the solutions.”
Lazinski, a rare breed of 12-year-old who enjoys reading and studying as much as participating in his other hobbies that include golf, soccer and water polo, realizes the irony in today’s youth.

“Alicia Appleman-Jurman is incredibly smart,” articulated Lazinski. “I haven’t really had any tough situations to face in my life. She had to think of ways on the spot to avoid getting killed by Nazis.”

Lazinski continued, explaining that the toughest thing he faces on a daily basis is the quest for achieving good marks at school. “I couldn’t imagine facing what Alicia did,” said Lazinski.

According to Lazinski, each Challenger student is required to read Appleman-Jurman’s memoirs, “Alicia My Story,” chronicling a young adult’s experience growing up Jewish in Poland during the ‘40s. In “My Story,” Appleman-Jurman’s family undergoes a frightening separation leaving several members dead, while others are forced into exile and even concentration camps. Alicia eludes her captors, fleeing through forests and fields in search of safety. Along the way, she witnesses the brutal murder of her mother but must remain optimistic throughout the ordeal to survive.

Ultimately, Appleman-Jurman conjures up enough strength, both mentally and physically, to assist other Jews in achieving Palestinian exile. Her belief that man is essentially well intentioned saves her life and leaves a lasting impression on readers and historians alike.

“It was a really interesting book,” said Lazinski. “I could never put it down even though our teachers told us not to read ahead. Reading this book, I realized that there will always be a silver lining. Now matter how bad things get, there is still a chance.”

—By Justin Petersen