Amazon.com info for 'Dig Up My Gold, But I Won't Say Where It's Buried'

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Back to reviews and details of Dig Up My Gold, But I Won't Say Where It's Buried

Amazon.com reviews:

Rating: 5 Summary: Compelling, insightful, powerful
Comment Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/06)

Arthur Birkby takes the reader on a nostalgic walk down memory lane. In the first half of the book he introduces his family, extended family, and friends. His stories touch the heart. Each unique individual from Arthur's life brought back a memory of someone from my own past.

Birkby is a natural and gifted story teller. He has lived through over 80 years of American history. The anecdotes in this book include humorous sketches about his relatives and acquaintances. Growing up during the years of the great depression provided Arthur with inimitable stories of the extremes taken by eccentric relatives to stretch their dollars. The narrative is illustrated with well chosen family photographs showing time, place, and styles of each individual era.

Reminiscent of Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation," Birkby devotes the last half of the book to relate a vivid account of his combat experiences as a young enlisted man during World War II.

From basic training to the combat service in the front lines in Europe, Arthur exemplifies the spirit of patriotism and high calling of the young soldier fighting for democracy and peace in the "War to end all Wars." Birkby pays tribute to his comrades who bravely fought with him. With keen insight Arthur relates key details of these war time experiences. Young men and women like Arthur were called upon to demonstrate selfless courage and character to preserve our freedom.

As a talented and trained pianist and organist Arthur was assigned to the post of Chaplain's assistant. This assignment gave him a unique experience. He was also assigned the duty of providing transportation and protection for the Chaplain in combat areas.

I was particularly interested in the stories relating his opportunities to use his musical talent. He played the organ for Chapel services held in the front lines. In his off duty time he sometimes found an organ to play for personal enjoyment in deserted churches and chapels. In one instance he and a friend searched an organ for booby traps before Arthur played the first note.

Arthur Birkby has created a masterful tribute to his family, his friends, and to those who served in the armed forces during World War II. The impact and inspiration will help the reader appreciate more fully the sacrifice being made by U. S. men in uniform today and their families.

This is a remarkable story of commitment, dedication, and patriotism.