The Roads I Have Traveled by Juliana Field

This book is the story of a Jewish Hungarian girl who leads a normal carefree life, until her world begins to crumble as World War II erupts. She recounts how her life changes as the war comes closer and closer to her town, the anguish of her family as they try to escape and get visas to seek asylum in the United States, and the how the insecurity of travel and bureaucracy make this voyage impossible. Her mother is left alone to fend for the whole family. She helps her family the best that she was able to, for she was the oldest daughter. In the midst of these trials and tribulations, she continues to try to live a “normal” life and do what teenagers do. Trusting the leaders of her village, the Jews are ordered to gather at their Synagogue and were then led to trains- only to take a one way trip to what ultimately became the final day for thousands in Auchwitz. She miraculously survives Dr. Mengele and Auchwitz because of her inner strength and audacity to always follow her instinct. The Road I Have Traveled is a historical autobiography where her will to live surpasses any adversity.