News and Reviews
Grateful in January!
My Greek Books: Top picks Each year, I read about 50 books, most by authors of Greek descent or those I refer to as PhilHellenes—they write about Greeks, Greece, or set their books in Greece. Their love for our homeland really shines through. I typically don’t like to play favorites or say anything was “the best” of the year, because I know what it takes to write a book. I have great respect for those who take the time, effort, and energy to open their souls and let them bleed on the page. I’ve truly enjoyed all the books featured on My Greek Books and always recommend them. I’d love to list all of them here. Nonetheless, I’ve compiled a list of some that have really stayed with me, in no particular order, with my reviews. Click on the month name under the titles to read more about the authors and the books Click to see all 10 picks https://www.mariakaramitsos.com/2023/12/my-gr
The National Herald more
I was thrilled to see Taxi to America on the list for Holiday gift giving. Thank you to the National Herald and to Eleni Sakellis for choosing it. c
Thankful in November!
Wow, it’s December 14 already! Before I go into the Christmas mode I will reflect back on November. It was such a busy, wonderful rewarding month for me as an author. November is associated with Thanksgiving but before I could even think about the holiday, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, November 4. Thank you to Frances Economos Levas and the members of the Philoptohos Society who hosted the event. I appreciate the warm welcome by the group and Father Athanasios. Their warmth, praise, compassion, and discussion about my memoir, Taxi to America, filled the room with love. During the Q&A we explored the different immigration experiences we shared. Although each experience is unique, the fundamental challenges inherent with immigration are the same. Sharing the stories of how each one of us faced and overcame those challenges was further proof of the common threads that connect...
Incredibly Powerful Memoir
Cathy Brown An incredibly powerful memoir of a young girl whose family is torn apart by tragedy and almost unbearable heartache. Stella’s convoluted journey from Greece to America had continued challenges, yet she perseveres. She was one brave little girl and became a brave woman.
Would be a Great Movie
August 14, 2023 Gail This autobiography brings readers closer to learning about immigration and its influence on family generations. There is a great deal to learn about life in Greece - historical, geographical, and political as well as the influences of family separation from youth to grand parenting…….…….. ………………. it would be a great movie.
Φθινοπωρινό πρόγραμμα για το Taxi to America
Το Taxi to America βρίσκεται σε ιδιωτική περιοδεία τον Σεπτέμβριο και τον Οκτώβριο. Ωστόσο, τον Νοέμβριο, εκτός από ιδιωτικές δεσμεύσεις, υπάρχουν τρεις εκδηλώσεις ανοιχτές στο κοινό. Θα ήθελα πολύ να σας δω σε μία ή περισσότερες από αυτές τις εκδηλώσεις. Το Σάββατο 4 Νοεμβρίου στην Ελληνορθόδοξη Εκκλησία των Ταξιαρχών. https://www.hawcnet.org/
Fall schedule for Taxi to America
Taxi to America is on a private tour in September and October. However, in November, besides private engagements, there are three events open to the public. I would love to see you at one or more of these events. On Saturday November 4 at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church. https://www.hawcnet.org/
Now that you read the book,
Thank you for reading my book. Please take a few minutes to leave a review. It doesn’t have to be long. A sentence or two. Just tell potential readers what you think, how you feel about Taxi to America. How did it resonate with you? Could you identify with it? Was It a page turner? Did it touch your heart? Did you find it inspirational? Riveting? A page turner? Couldn’t put it down! Something that would help other readers to pick up a copy. Thank you in advance. Post your review: AMAZON GOODREADS BARNES&NOBLE
Compelling
A touching story of a child torn from all she knew and how she overcame this trauma with persistence and courage. Stella tells the story of hardships that she met with determination and grit. She shows us that her solid foundation of love and support from her family in her early years gave her the vision to seek the life she wanted and the resoluteness to overcome so many struggles to get there. Anne Saurman
Incredible journey
From start to finish, “Taxi to America” takes you on an incredible journey, not only to destinations, but also on a personal introspective of the author’s awe-inspiring life. A must read. Reader7777
Enthralled
Taxi to America is a true story about two sisters who were orphaned and separated at a very early age. Though separated, the love Stella and her sister had, lead to a reunion later on in life. The book will keep you enthralled from start to finish. Dorothea Demakes
Loved it
I just finished the book and LOVED it! …I cried …..You are one powerhouse of a woman! Congratulations,! Cathy White Brown
Hard to put down
It was hard to put down - it was riveting and so well written - you really made your story come alive! Gail Thompson
Compelling
Such a compelling story of two young and brave girls. I could not put the book down. Finished it in two days. Highly recommend. Wendy Brown
Highly recommend
The reader travels along an orphan’s journey from Greece to America. Starting as a young girl Stella’s life was filled with tremendous struggles and roadblocks. Her strength and determination in dealing with life’s biggest challenges is nothing short of remarkable. The story is nicely told, and throughout you can feel the deep-rooted bond she has with her sister and her family. It’s Intense and heartwarming at the same time. I was hooked from the very first page. Highly recommend this book. lynne Bianchini
Wonderful
Just finished reading Stella’s book and it’s just wonderful. … such memories and I admire her dedication to recall and describe with such eloquence. It caused me to appreciate what we have today and how each day is a blessing. Niko
Highly recommend
Wow! What a journey and a story of courage and perseverance. I highly recommend this book. Nancy McFadden
A must read
I read Taxi to America in two nights. I give it 5 stars. Stella now I know where your strength comes from. A heart wrenching journey and an amazing woman. A must read. Bravo Stella
Truly inspirational
I just finished reading your book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Your determination to move forward and overcome the difficulties you faced, and your ability to maintain a positive attitude throughout, is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you much happiness and long life. Thad
Grateful
I received an email which included the following. “First off, congratulations! What an undertaking. It must be the most unimaginable experience to share your story with the world. But what an extraordinary journey, a life less ordinary for sure. I'm sure the feedback has been pouring in, and that must be so incredibly gratifying. In my daily yoga practice, our teacher often instructs the mantra for us to choose "the Universe is working for you, not against you." It is a choice, right? To believe that, even when life hands you the most difficult and unexpected circumstances? I'm so struck by your conscious choices - to oppose that first adoption, to assimilate and accept your new life in the US, to go after your dream job against the odds, to commit to a loving and close relationship with your sister no matter what, to believe that you can create the life you dream of. Even as a very young person, you had a fortitude and "inner knowing" that seems to have served you well...