This is the candid, no-hold-barred autobiography of Kati Holocaust & cancer survivor, wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, fashion designer, model, journalist, entrepreneur, impresario, friend, cook, public speaker and campaigner against hate of any sort. The book starting at the outset of World War II spans seven decades across seven Hungary (Transylvania), Israel, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal & the U.S.A. It is a book that deftly chronicles love, persecution, triumph, adversity, turmoil, peace, affairs, partings, collaborations, betrayals, births and deaths. It is a veritable history lesson told with much humor, insights, incisiveness and empathy. She knew and interacted with many a famous person in multiple countries, in multiple scenarios. Now in her seventies she is an indefatigable and much sought after inspirational speaker to the younger generation – her message always that of love, tolerance, acceptance and inclusiveness given the experiences to the contrary she experienced firsthand.
While this book chronicles horrors of life some of us can only imagine, the most unbelievable thing is how insanely optimistic and loving Kati Preston is. Maybe because I know this author personally & have witnessed her kindness first hand I am biased when I say she is a truly remarkable person. A lot of the joy I gained from this book is the authentic way she tells her story. No flourishes, no shadows, but truth and familiarity. She is a marvel.
I had the opportunity attend a presentation where Kati shared her story of Holocaust to healing with my middle school students. As I read more about Kati's life after surviving the Holocaust it is clear she has overcome so many challenges and obstacles. I'm so grateful to Kati for sharing her life, her stories, and her reflections in her books and presentations.
Interesting story and incredibly successful life. Making lemonade out of lemons. Also for all my NH connections..she will be speaking at Rivier University on April 24th at 7pm
Kati Preston is an amazing woman. I had the pleasure of hosting her for dinner and at my school when she spoke to our students in spring 2016. What a life she has led! This book follows 70 years of her life across multiple continents and many careers. She has fraternized with celebrities and dignitaries, but she still exudes humility and a great sense of humor. This story teaches us about kindness, empathy, grit, resilience, acceptance, and love, always love. Wonderful lessons to learn from Kati's story.
I loved this book so much. I t told the amazing story of Kati Preston and her life in hiding during the Holocaust. It was amazing to read because I had family in the Holocaust and I got to meet her. I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a firsthand account of what it was like to be in the Holocaust.
This book is written by an amazing woman. You can tell every single word is the truth; her voice is strong and proud of every detail of her unique and sharp life. Her opinions on people are very clear; she makes you feel as if you are having a personal conversation with each character. This is a lovely read that moved me many times. I recommend it for any age!
This is one of the most moving and interesting stories I've ever read. It is beautifully recounted and truly inspiring. I recommend anyone with the least bit of interest in the Holocaust, fashion design, theater, cancer survival or overcoming and surviving against all odds to read this book!
I gave this book 5 stars because of the way the author tells the truth. She does not complain or moan about how life isn't fair. I enjoyed reading about the people she was close to in addition to people she met. Her travels and glimpses about her family and friends are so honest. She presents history in a straight forward manner almost like a teacher giving lessons, yet with emotion. I am glad I read this book.