BORDER CROSSINGS: Coming of Age in the Czech Resistance
A memoir by Charles Novacek
Published and presented by Sandra Novacek A book signing by Sandra will follow the presentation, Part of the NCSML’s Author Series Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. Hemphill Theater at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Charles Novacek was 11 years old when his father and uncle recruited him into the Czech Resistance during WWII. Antonin Novacek not only taught his son to survive in the wild, but also prepared him for wartime: how to resist pain, hunger, and fear – and to trust no one. His assignments included delivering messages to soldiers parachuting behind enemy lines and hiding them in caves equipped for their shelter.
As a young man, Charles was captured and jailed by the Communists and rescued by and underground resistance network. In too much danger to remain in Czechoslovakia, he staged a daring escape, only to land in a miserable camp for displaced persons. His will to live prevailed once again, and Charles eventually married and built a life in America.
Filled with heroic adventures and bravery, Border Crossings is one man’s remarkable tale of his incredible life and a testament to the human capacity to survive. Born in Ozdany, Czechoslovakia in 1928, Charles Novacek immigrated to the United States in 1956 and became a successful engineer. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Charles was an artist and lifelong learner. He died in Detroit, Michigan in 2007. His memoir was published by his wife, Sandra Novacek.
Border Crossings has been a finalist or winner of 14 book awards, including a Midwest Book Awards Gold Medal for Autobiography/Memoir, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards, First Place for Life Stories, and an Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Award for World History.
The Great Stories Author Series is generously sponsored by CRST.
