Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
Release Date: 7-01-14
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Format: Audio
ISBN-13: 9780425272022
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 7/1/2014
Pages: 368
My Rating; 4 Stars
A war bride awaits the arrival of her GI husband at the platform . A Holocaust survivor works at the Oyster Bar, where a customer reminds him of his late mother A Hollywood hopeful anticipates her first screen test and a chance at stardom in the Kissing Room.
On any particular day, thousands upon thousands of people pass through New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, through the whispering gallery, beneath the ceiling of stars, and past the information booth and its beckoning four-faced clock, to whatever destination is calling them. It is a place where people come to say hello and good-bye. And each person has a story to tell.
Now, ten bestselling authors inspired by this iconic landmark have created their own stories, set on the same day, just after the end of World War II, in a time of hope, uncertainty, change, and renewal .
My Review
Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion, what an incredible and beautiful tribute to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal 101th birthday— with the main entrance to this historical landmark, dedicated to the former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis this past Monday,honoring her efforts to keep the station open. This group of talented ten bestselling and inspiring authors have put together a beautiful collection of memorable stories, each unique. Every person has a story to tell; allowing readers to enter the lives of many who have passed through this historical landmark. It is a place with lovers meet and ones say goodbye. Of course, my two of my favorite authors are featured, the queens of historical fiction: Sarah Jio and Karen White, fitting for this heartwarming and compelling read. In addition, my other long-time favorite author, Kristin Hannah, introduces the novel with a touching story, as she describes that often in our war fiction, we overlook the truths of women and their importance during this time.
As Hannah mentions, “This talented group of authors has taken an intriguing premise and coaxed from it a seamlessly integrated group of stories. In it, a single day in Grand Central Terminal—entrance to the melting pot of America—becomes the springboard for ten very different stories which when read together weave a beautiful tapestry about men and women and their war years.”
In some stories, the characters are finding new loves after devastating losses; while others are battling the terrible effects of the war and are seeking a better future. World War II was the last Great War for Americans, a time of national sacrifice and common goals. In our modern divided and conflicted world many of us long to glimpse a forgotten time, when the right path seemed easier to identify and follow. The Greatest Generation. This is what makes these stories powerful and compelling, as we revisit this era. The characters are coming and going in so many different directions—not only geographically, but in their own individual lives. Set on the same day, just after the end of World War II, in a time of hope, uncertainty, change, and renewal. I also enjoyed reading the other stories some authors which I have not had the opportunity of reading, prior to this book. A great way to make an introduction, to add to your to read list. I felt privileged to listen to the audiobook (and the e-book), from this distinguished group of authors, and narrated by Carla Mercer-Meyer. A special thank you, for putting together this gem, readers can treasure for years to come, and pass along to future generations. Highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and love stories, who will appreciate this deeply moving collection to remind us what was lost and hope for the future.
