Meet Herminio |
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Book signing at INDIGO/CHAPTER
Herminio with a happy reader
Click and enjoy this uplifting video: The Berlin Candy Bomber (find Herminio and his brother standing on top of the ruins) Feedback from a reader: "What a beautiful video of your hometown, Herminio! It brought tears to my eyes. I’m passing it along to my daughters in Yellowknife and in BC." "I’m brought back to your experiences in Berlin during and just after the war recalling the story in your book of those unforgettable years you spent there as a boy. Thanks for sending." "Good comes from experiencing evil. We should never forget the better natures of such people as the Berlin Candy Bomber and so many others." Barbara Naylor. |
What people are sayingbout
A camper in Yukon, Canada.
“I just did not want to put it down, what a fantastic read.” Dwyer Sullivan _______________________________________ German edition now available:
Deutsche Ausgabe: www.herminioschmidt.com/deutsch.html _______________________________________ Editorial Review: “A unique, often marvellous memoir of discovery. ... Schmidt provides a first-person account of many fascinating times and places. The enigma of Pascasio becomes secondary to the experience of viewing major developments of the 20th century through one man’s personal development.” — Kirkus Reviews – New York ________________________________________ Reader's responses: "WOW! WOW! is all I can say! What an amazing life journey! Truly a fascinating read! Thank you for sharing your most inspirational story!" Margie Whyte “The book was an absorbing read. Mr. Schmidt's search for his father becomes not only personally and emotionally riveting, but also historically informative. It is an adventure story that spans several generations of his family, and has Herminio and the reader travel over half the globe.” Elizabeth Reuss ________________________________________ “Thanks for enriching my life with your story. I was born the last year of WWII. I learned about the horrors of war from a Dutch perspective. The people of Holland suffered a great deal during the war. Germany and all its people were the enemy from my perspective. Having read your book, I come to understand the great suffering that is experienced on both sides. I have again learned to put myself in the other person's shoes before being judgmental. Thanks for sharing your journey and pain suffered during those times.” Kees Vandermey ________________________________________ “What an interesting testimonial story! Your book is a moving story, very well written, which kept the reader's interest along. I just could not wait for the next episode to see what happened next. Your psychological traumas, feelings, doubts, and reaction to people and events were very well spelled out. The communication with the readers: -- excellent, providing them some information about political events. You made the reader think, be curious, and seek more information.” Dr. Sergio Quimper ________________________________________ “I found the story incredibly captivating, an unusual “page turner” that I could not easily put down. Your story is an incredible journey that you had the luck to live, an extraordinary trip, the one that made you a person who lived life to the fullest. It seems to me that a German edition would find great interest in Germany, and possibly a Spanish edition in Spain. I congratulate you with all my heart, not only for a great book, but also for sharing such an unusual journey in life so openly and honestly with the reader.” Dr Hart Bezner ____________________________________________ “My, you have lived in very interesting times. I have read many personal accounts of people’s experiences during WWII, but never from the perspective of a small German child. And what a fascinating point of view it is, as you paint your daily life, family upheaval, and childish concerns in front of this grim backdrop. The atmosphere, the events, and the family story are delivered very creatively, with rich dimension and heart. . . I see and hear the people so clearly and, though it’s from a child’s-eye view, you deliver the German national zeitgeist just as vividly…” Oriana Varas, Author CNF Writer ______________________________________________ “FINDING PASCASIO is more than a story of a man’s search for his father. It’s one man’s adventure through some of the most prominent events in recent history. The author finds himself challenging Fidel Castro for control over Cuba, returning on foot to his native Berlin over hundreds of kilometres after being separated from his family in the final throes of World War II and attempting to reach South America on an unfinished road through Central America. All roads ultimately lead back to the Canary Islands, where Schmidt discovers the missing pieces of a long held family secret.” Amazon.ca- __________________________________________ “I thoroughly enjoyed your book and found it very engaging. I just had to keep reading. Hard to imagine all the twists and turns in your journey. I learned much history that I had forgotten, as I lived in pretty peaceful times in Canada.” Joan Sichewski ____________________________________________ “I thoroughly enjoyed reading Finding Pascasio. Finding Pascasio is 630 pages and I could not put it down. Herminio’s endurance and determination to find out what happened to his father is profound. You want to keep on reading, as it takes you through many emotions. I highly recommend reading this fascinating book, as you won’t be disappointed.” Debbie Luxford ________________________________________ “Finding Pascasio is a great tonic for lockdown conditions. The reader is transported by Herminio through over 100 years of family history, to exotic locations and life-changing events in several countries. The story has just enough tension to keep the pages turning. I think I read it in five sittings.” Jon Howey ________________________________________ “Your book has kept me captivated. Your optimism amidst so many challenges, and your persistence in completing this life work, is amazing to me. The intertwining of major historical and political events with your life and the lives of your family made a great impact on me. The significance of your life story and the stories of your family will remain with me.” Laura Pont-Sgargi ________________________________________ “Fascinating, amazing story. I have just spent a week at the cabin in Northern Manitoba, during which I devoured Herminio's book. Fascinating, amazing story - I couldn't stop reading once I started. Well done, Herminio!” Marye Pointras. ________________________________________ “What an absolutely WONDERFUL book. Herminio certainly has a gift. And what a story to tell. I feel as if I am now personally acquainted with all of his family members as well as feeling the atmosphere of Germany, Cuba and La Gomera.” Nancy Bunker _______________________________________ “I felt connected to your experiences.” Ursula Thoene ________________________________________ “Thank you for sharing. Herminio's writing is superb; the descriptions are powerful, vivid, which makes the readers feel like they are living in the story. Personally, having grown up in peaceful times, watching footages about WWII had always felt very remote. While reading this book, I felt the gut-wrenching horror of the war. At the same time, I had great admiration for young Herminio's ingenuity, resilience and spirit. Thank you for your marvellous and soulful book.” Ka (Monica) B. ________________________________________ “THANK YOU so much for the gift of your story! It was a page turner. And, until the very last 2 pages, a cliffhanger!! I am awed by two main lives lived: yours and your father's. Your Mother and your Grandmother were also Giants. Indeed, it seems that what does not get resolved in one generation is destined to repeat itself in the next, as your book so profoundly illustrates. “Having been raised as a Mennonite pacifist Christian, I have not delved into war stories much ever ---- and this 'inside look' was both revealing and agonizing. Not only 'inside your family life' — but also inside the modern wars that you analyzed at various points. “I am thankful that you lived to bring benefit to many others throughout your lifetime. God bless you!” Mary Mae Schwartzentruber ________________________________________ “What a read! Excellent story. I enjoyed your book very much. The historical backgrounds and descriptions gave it lots of meaning. And of course, the suspense kept one going. I was always amazed at the level of detail, and your wonderful memories of not only facts, but how you were feeling about things”. Pauline Copleston ________________________________________ “Reading your book was hard to put down, I was reading it until well after midnight. It is very well written, with many details, even from your early childhood. I found the chapters, that describe your childhood, very emotional. As well, the first meeting with your father, your excitement, and some disappointments, too. I enjoyed the pictures, that you included in the book. You looked just like your father in the picture from Madrid.” Eva Stehlik ________________________________________ “It's hard to put the book down.” Thank you so much for writing the book. I can follow the author's life. It is so special and interesting, it's hard to put the book down. Charlotte B. ________________________________________ “Enjoyed it immensely. I was captivated after the first few chapters. Thank you for putting your writing skill to work and providing a peak into the world you lived. Seeing the war through your eyes and feeling as a child made my heart ache and my brain angry. You are blessed with an insatiable curiosity that has given many insights and adventures. Thank you so much for sharing. I saw your face and smile many times in the text. Thank you.” Bobby Bleiler ________________________________________ “I really enjoyed reading the book; even more at rereading it. As I progressed through the reading, the protagonists became very familiar to me. The experiences of war are heartbreaking, more so when they are narrated by a young boy as intelligent as he is daring. The figure of the father is unique, and when you get to the end of the narrative, I think that the feelings that stand out are those of admiration and respect for that man. I congratulate the author for the perseverance he has shown with the culmination of this well-written autobiographical work.” Josefina Valdés Rey, Cuba ________________________________________ “What an extraordinary tale. It was an easy read and kept me questioning “What is this man [Pascasio] all about?” I was nearing the end and frankly exasperated about this mysterious father of yours. Then finally the rest of the puzzle arrived. My feelings for your father changed, and I was deeply humbled. You and your brother had a challenging journey Beverly Abbot ________________________________________ “Finding Pascasio is a moving memoir which begins with the words, I always yearned for my father, and that yearning results in a lifetime of self discovery. The reader journeys with the son, author Herminio Schmidt, from pre-war Berlin, to wartime exile as a youth in Poland, back to Germany by foot, and on to Spain, Canada, Cuba, Central America, and the Canary Islands, as he discovers truths about his father and most importantly truths about himself. During the journey, the reader is captivated by the spirit and drive of Herminio as he faces life's challenges, joys and discoveries. This unusual and fascinating life impresses and inspires the reader.” Susan McEwen. ________________________________________ “A fascinating account of an incredibly full life! Mr. Schmidt relates his story of living through WW2 in Berlin, but he protects the reader from the true horror of what he experienced by telling his story through the eyes of an innocent child.” Gail Harper ________________________________________ “What a wonderful book! I was so taken by your book. I think, so many people would learn a lot and just really enjoy reading it. What a great read. I couldn't put it down. And what an interesting life you've had.” Marilyn Hill ________________________________________ “A great and beautiful story. You have configured a wonderfully inclusive and heartfelt personal literary journey into a great and beautiful story of success under the most arduous of circumstances. Rarely are books written about the personal tragedies of the losing side in a conflict. You have succeeded in doing this from so personal a viewpoint that is really heart rendering and totally consuming for the reader.” Brian Pilgrim ________________________________________ “It is truly a compelling read. Herminio's clear and honest style of writing invites the reader into his story. We accompany him over a lifetime, during his travels to many countries and historic happenings, as he seeks and nurture a deeper connection to his father, Pascasio. Vividly described characters help to guide us to a place of understanding- culturally, politically, emotionally and ultimately to find acceptance. It is a story that seems so much larger than just one person.” Donna Wills ________________________________________ “I am enthralled with the book. As someone who has always wanted to know more from my father's side of the family, but was afraid to ask, I can sincerely say thank you for sharing your story with me. What a journey! None of your history gets revealed to you had you not longed for the truth, had incredible courage and the strength for something more. Again I can't thank you enough for sharing your story with me.” Paco Sanches ________________________________________ “Your story is Fabulous! I'd like to tell you about my partner; seldom has he been so excited about a book as with “Finding Pascasio”. — Most certainly your work has created a connection to self, a healing component for others, a road map how to succeed and lastly a testimony to embrace what life gives us and make it better.” Gabriela Hartmann ________________________________________ “Finding Pascasio was a most enjoyable read as well as a page-turner. The paragraphs were short, but compelled the reader to read on to follow Herminio’s amazing adventure searching for his father. I was so impressed by Herminio’s survival skills through all the many challenges he faced, and yet he never gave up the search. The fact that this is a true story, had quite an impact on me.” Peggy Voll ________________________________________ “I enjoyed this book immensely. I am a history buff and hearing about the 2nd World War through the eyes of a child was fascinating. Although there were many sections of this book that I found extremely interesting, what I found most moving is how devastating it is for a child to be abandoned by one parent. I did not realize what a lifelong effect it has on someone. I will continue to recommend this book to my friends.” Vivian Powers ________________________________________ “A wonderful book! Schmidt immerses the reader in this incredible story into the mind of a four-year-old abandoned German child. We feel the intense yearning for his father, who left his two small children just hours before the outbreak of the terrifying Second World War. We experience the days before, during and after this event through the eyes and mind of a young German child. In this life-long search through several countries, the young man deals with breathtaking adventures and complication. Schmidt creates in this biography, written with an exquisite sense for detail and sensitivity, an excellent document of the power of love and perseverance. There are also plenty of little hilarious moments described in a cute and funny way. The book is written with much love and patience. The reader gets profoundly immersed. It keeps you reading. It is a splendid read!” Ton Schrijver / The Netherlands ________________________________________ “Finding Pascasio” is Fascinating What a great job Herminio Schmidt has done to describe the images, events and feelings as a very young child would perceive them! He draws clear pictures in the mind of his reader, and he helps that reader share the joys, fears, and sadness felt by such a young child. The reader can hardly wait for the next chapter to reveal what happens to Wolfi as he grows up. I recommend this product.” Gail Dunfield INDIGO/CHAPTERS ________________________________________ “A drama on more than one level I purchased and read Herminio's book, Finding Pascasio and I thought very highly of it – Herminio is a good writer and the story is a drama on more than one level.” Janice & Don McClelland. .________________________________________ “I was given your book as a gift & I learned so much more about the history of WWII as well as the history of Cuba. I read this story and was really fascinated by the life your father had & his history. It makes me even more interested in my family history, since so much of it has been lost.” Christa Lindsay ________________________________________ “I was amazed by the vivid details in “Wolfi's” early life at a particularly turbulent era in 20th century history. In his lifelong search for his father's abandonment, he established a strong family relationship of his own and continued to search for answers to the family conflict. In the end it culminated in a life worth living and his encouragement to others to see the positive side of life.” Anne Lowe ________________________________________ “Thank you for putting your story on paper. Karen and I enjoyed reading your book. We liked the way Finding Pascasio is organized into concise, aptly titled chapters, which make for an easy read of a complex subject and period in history. We found it to be a definite “page turner”. Bruce & Karen C. ________________________________________ “I'm enjoying Herminio's book very much - what a voyage of discovery! And I know our daughter Julia will be interested in Herminio's experiences as a child being sent to Poland. Her first research involved women and children being sent away from the war zone in both Germany and France and her name is: Dr.Julia S Torrie” Jim & Amelia Torrie ________________________________________ “I just did not want to put it down, what a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed your book!! I was disappointed that my employment was getting in the way of me being able to read it right through. I have recommended it to several other people already, and a few I know have already purchased it. The story is very intriguing, it gives your perspective on what the war was like. It provided many insights that I certainly did not learn about in school. Very interesting!!” Monica Reinhard. ________________________________________ “I love your book. A great read!” Wayne Sigurdson ________________________________________ “This very personal account of a very challenging life gives us a first-hand account of how families survived events brought about by evil forces in Europe for too many years. Herminio Schmidt weaves his way through a life of seemingly insurmountable odds - and he makes it so human, you just can't stop reading.” Amazon.ca __________________________________________ “What a beautiful history. With tears on many occasions as I read the many chapters and as I compared it to me. I read and re-read your book. And on nearly every chapter I could feel your energy through my tears as you shared your feelings so freshly. You enriched my life. The memories from your writings will go on as long as I shall live.” Joseph Stemmler ____________________________________________ “The book comes across as very authentic, as Herminio’s turn of phrase is at times very European and reveals his rich background. This man’s quiet but persistent search for his roots and the amazing experiences he relates in his book are indeed worth reading and absorbing. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Finding Pascasio by Herminio Schmidt.” Sylvia Dugan ___________________________________________ “Passionate story!” 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon.ca ___________________________________________ “FINDING PASCASIO by Herminio Schmidt is a most engaging story of Herminio’s quest to find his father’s whereabouts and background, after the latter disappeared from his life, when Herminio was only four. It is written from the point of view of the author at the age he was, as each of the events happened. What a thrill to be able to read a child’s view of Germany before, during and after the war or indeed a young man’s view of Castro and the whole Cuban question! It is hard to put the book down, as at the end of each short chapter, Herminio leaves us hanging and wanting to know what he will experience next. I enjoyed country and continent hopping with him and especially the personal stories of an era I had experienced myself, but only from afar. He seemed to get himself embroiled in political upheaval, without having intended to do so in any way.” _____________________________________________ “It is a “real page turner” as it keeps the reader anxious to find out more and more, hoping to find the answer to Pascasio's mysterious disappearance. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.” Joe Mueller _____________________________________________ I heartily recommend this book to anyone…most well done!” “You have, in your book, conveyed a point-of-view rarely seen in my experience of our public history…this is something that deserves the greatest airing, if only to awaken thinking in our current younger generation. Your revelations of this period in our history are truly remarkable to me – they predate me slightly, so are highly resonant… Your reminisces continually draw me further into your book, aided by the shortness of the chapters. They appear in my mind as cameos, and are highly reminiscent of the recent acclaimed movie, “Roma”. Tom Hamp, Alberta ___________________________________________ “Finding Pascasio taught me so much more than what I have shared. I have never written a letter like this before; to the author of a book, I so appreciated reading. I have read many books from the period of WW1 and WW2, but never from a German perspective. I found my thoughts drifting to my First Nations students that I am currently teaching and how their histories/stories/teachings are often not documented or taught from an F.N. perspective. The first part of the book is what struck me the hardest, imagining you as a young boy living through such war and destruction. I can’t relate personally, but I certainly can empathize and greatly appreciated you sharing it. Thank you for your book.” Maura Sullivan, Yukon Territory. _____________________________________________ “I truly got involved with your story and saw some parallels with my earlier years discovering my family roots; etc. … Thank you for your candidness & honesty. I want to congratulate you and become involved when I read a book. Thank you for sharing your story. … [My husband] has started your book and can't put is down.” Denise Tripp ______________________________________________ “A very intriguing story” Frans _______________________________________________ “You described your search for Pascasio from the heart and one can feel the determination that drove you to find and then trying to get to know him.” ______________________________________________ “I can’t congratulate you enough on it. The prose is simple and communicative, but often evokes a deeply complex emotional life. On the one hand, you’ve delivered a fresh, educational, and interesting slant on some major events of the second half of the twentieth century…and on the other, you tell a deeply personal family story that’s as fascinating as any great mystery thriller. “ ______________________________________________ “I just finished your book this minute and what a fabulous tale it is! VERY nice work! I’m grateful for this book and the great stories within in. You’ve had quite the life… Truly an inspiration.” ______________________________________________ “A truly amazing investigative account of recovering the real story. Sounds like Pascasio was a brave and decisive survivour while being hunted.” Ron Martin ______________________________________________ “A fabulous moving read – I am thoroughly enjoying it.” A great personal account of an amazing life. Written with a nice balance of fact and feeling. I like the way it unfolds in short chapters. ______________________________________________ |
