Book Reflections: American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom

American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom, written by Rick Santorum is a fun, quick read.



I supported Rick Santorum for president back in 2012, because he best represented my political and social views.  I actually got to meet Rick Santorum at a campaign event in Greensville, SC, which was a really great experience.  He is a genuinely good man with a really impressive family.  He campaigned on Faith, Family, and Freedom.  His love of country is only surpassed by his love of God and his family.  He is very knowledgeable about the history of the United States of America.  He sincerely believes and supports the founding fathers and their vision for this country.  He reveres the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.  He has a great appreciation for the sacrifices made by many patriots during the American Revolution.

American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom is in some ways a brief American history lesson.  Rick Santorum does not go into a lot of detail in the lives of the people written about in this book, but he does expose you to several people you probably never heard of that supported the cause of freedom.  Many of these people were ordinary citizens that were able to accomplish extraordinary things.  Sometimes it is the little things that often get overlooked that mean the most.  This is a great lesson not just when reading about the American Revolution, but also something to remember in our daily lives.

Any person with even a little interest in American history should enjoy this book.

God Bless!

Book Reflections: See You in a Minute: A Mother's Journey Through the First Year of Grief

I have a personal interest in Misty Novak's book; See You in a Minute: A Mother's Journey Through the First Year of Grief.  My family has a close connection with the Novak family.  My mom and grandma are especially close with the author, Misty Novak.  We also know Dan well from church and sporting events.  Growing up in Anderson, IN and being a member of the same church, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, it was impossible for me to not to know Zack.  Everyone, it seemed, knew Zack.  My sister, Jenny, has always been involved in the music ministry at church, so she had several interactions with Zack.  His musical talent was unquestioned.  His joy for life was infectious.  I am sad to say that I personally didn't know Zack that well, but I knew enough to know that he was a truly special person.  I sought this book out primarily because I know the Novak family.  I wanted to know more about Zack's life, and Misty provided many great stories about Zack that are truly inspirational.

After reading this book, I have an even greater respect for Misty and Dan Novak.  As a man, I am particularly impressed with Zack's father Dan Novak.  Misty understandably was heartbroken as any mother would be at the loss of her child.  Her grief was intense and will never completely go away.  Dan undoubtedly felt similar pain, but he had to stay strong for his wife.  He selflessly put the needs of his wife and family before all else.  Dan is a model father and husband.  Misty also possesses many wonderful qualities.  She is a very faithful person, and it shows throughout this book.  While I believe this book can teach us all many lessons about the stages of grief and how to interact with people who have experienced tragic events, ultimately I believe that this book is about a celebration of life.  The life of Zachary Novak in particular.

Zack's life can teach us all several valuable lessons.  He truly was a special person.  His talents will forever be missed by many.  His legacy, however, will live on forever.  The world is a better place because of Zachary Novak.  May we all strive to live our lives with the same joy and love that Zack lived his life.  Please do yourself a favor and buy this book.  Once you have finished reading the book, please come back to this page and leave a comment with your thoughts.  If you know the Novak family and had any interactions with Zack, please leave a comment below sharing your story.  God bless the Novak family for their courage and their great example!  We will never forget the great Zachary Novak, a good and faithful servant of God.

God bless,

Mike