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Pam Jenoff

Sarah McCoy

Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion (Thorndike Press Large Print Historical Fiction) Hardcover – Large Print, October 22, 2014

by Karen White (Author)

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A New York Times Bestselling Author On any particular day, many thousands of people pass through New York City's Grand Central Terminal, through the whispering gallery, beneath the ceiling of stars, past the information booth and its four-faced clock, to whatever destination is calling them. 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 ― a time of hope, uncertainty, change, and renewal.

Print length

507 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Thorndike Press
Publication date

October 22, 2014
Dimensions

5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

1410473201
ISBN-13

978-1410473202
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Kristina Mcmorris
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thorndike Press; Large Print edition (October 22, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 507 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1410473201
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1410473202
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.32 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #3,693,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,445 in Religious Short Stories & Anthologies
- #1,881 in Christian Fiction Collections & Anthologies (Books)
- #14,170 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
282 ratings

About the authors

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Pam Jenoff
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Pam Jenoff is the author of several novels, including her most recent, The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan's Tale, both instant New York Times bestsellers, and The Kommandant's Girl, which received widespread acclaim, earned her a nomination for the Quill Awards and became an international bestseller. She previously served as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department in Europe, as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon and as a practicing attorney at a large firm and in-house. She received her juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania, her masters degree in history from Cambridge University and her bachelors degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. Pam Jenoff lives with her husband and three children near Philadelphia where, in addition to writing, she teaches law school at Rutgers.
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Sarah McCoy
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SARAH McCOY is the New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author of the novels MUSTIQUE ISLAND; MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES; THE MAPMAKER'S CHILDREN; THE BAKER'S DAUGHTER, a 2012 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee; THE TIME IT SNOWED IN PUERTO RICO (Random House); "The Branch of Hazel: a novella" in GRAND CENTRAL; and LE SOUFFLE DES FEUILLES ET DES PROMESSES, a French exclusive title.
Sarah's work has been featured in Real Simple, The Millions, Your Health Monthly, Huffington Post, Read It Forward, Writer Unboxed, and other publications. She hosted the NPR WSNC Radio monthly program “Bookmarked with Sarah McCoy” and is a Board Member for the literary nonprofit Bookmarks. She taught English writing at Old Dominion University and at the University of Texas at El Paso.
She lives with her husband, an orthopedic sports surgeon, and their fur children Gilly Pup and Tutu Cat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
You can find out more about her books at her website www.sarahmccoy.com or reach her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy.
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Top reviews from the United States

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Girl Friday Reader

A collection of poignant, uplifting stories of survival, love, and war

Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2014

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I read Grand Central out of order, beginning with the authors I knew, then moving to the stories with intriguing titles, and finally, the rest. It wasn't until I read them again, in order, that the resonant, emotional themes binding the stories together became apparent--so bravo to whomever arranged this anthology.

The setting of the Grand Central station is the physical tie between all ten tales, but the thematic tie is the resilience, honesty, and growth each narrator experiences in the wake of WWII. My favorite part of this anthology was its illumination of various facets of the era, from the use of German POWs on American farms, to the GI Brides, to women pilots. I could taste the cocktails at the Oyster Bar, feel the apprehension of a foreign bride awaiting her American husband, hear the click of cuban heels across the floor of the station.

The variety was also enjoyable, with some featuring a nice romantic element, while others were deft character studies. Some were written in first person, while others were in third. And the Easter egg: a few of the stories had characters cross paths with one another--the fun is identifying them!

All in all, Grand Central is engrossing and unique. Brava ladies for this fantastic anthology, which granted me the opportunity to while away a few hours in their worlds.

16 people found this helpful

Helpful

Interesting idea...

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2014

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"Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion", is compilation of ten short stories by ten noted authors. The theme is New York City's Grand Central Station on a day in September, 1945. WW2 is over, soldiers are returning home, and the four-sided clock, the "Kissing Room", and the Oyster Bar are scenes of reunion of lovers and family, and also for the disunion of some characters. Each story in some way relates to another story in the book.

I felt the problem with "Grand Central" - and the reason I'm giving it 3 stars - is that while a few of the stories really are quite good, many of the others are mediocre. I read "Grand Central" yesterday and I already can't remember most of the stories. Some of the stories - Jenna Blum's "The Lucky One", "Alyson Richman's "Going Home", and Karen White's "The Harvest Season" - could be expanded into book-length fiction; the others are merely okay.

Short stories are notoriously difficult to write because the author has to "miniaturize" plots and characters. I've read book-length fiction by most of the authors of "Grand Central" and quite enjoyed them. Perhaps the problem here is not mediocre writing - per se - but rather mediocre writing for the medium.

In any case, I enjoyed reading "Grand Central" and was intrigued how well some of the authors related one story to another. I think it will do nicely for a lazy afternoon read...and for keeping track of the authors for future work. Preferably, book-length.

5 people found this helpful

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marian grimm

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Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2021

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A great and thoughtful look at America at a time of trials and tribulations. A time when all the persons of this country and the world were discovering the more we change the more we stay the same. The era of war wether WW2, Vietnam, or the current conflicts in the Middle East , would change everyone in its brutality, and in its readiness to take in all affected ,no matter what their circumstances. We know that no lessons have been learned over these times, but people are still as giving and caring as always. For the most part anyway. Although this last year tends to leave a lot of doubt.

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B. Hart

Kudos to the Authors of this Short Story Collection!

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2016

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I don't usually gravitate to short stories. This book, though, reads like a novel. Each story, by a variety of gifted authors, is beautifully crafted.

Although the setting is the magnificent Grand Central railroad station in N.Y. at the end of WWII, each author captures pain in hearts, love, hope, longing and the results of war as crowds wait under the clock for a reunion. A reunion perhaps that could be both joyous, unhappy or take much time to heal.

This was an exceptional idea for a book--one that brought together talented writers who delved into one theme but with different stories and new perspectives. Some touch on faith, others on luck and others on guilt. But these writers managed to weave together a book where all characters meld.

Ultimately, a significant piece of our history unfolds-- a history that encompasses the hearts of both the returning soldiers and the ones remaining at home that loved deeply.

4 people found this helpful

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Babs W

I loved them all

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022

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All the stories are connected in some way to Grand Central Station in New York. They are all different reflecting each author's style and original ideas. I loved them all but in different ways. I recommend reading one story at a time rather than trying to read all of them one after the other. It takes longer but allows time to savor each one. Love the time period, the place and the concept.

Helpful

Brilliant concept, wonderful stories

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015

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I absolutely loved this anthology, a wonderful collection of short stories, each to be read and savored! First of all, what a brilliant concept: 10 of the best authors on the planet, each writing a story which takes place in part at Grand Central Station right after the end of WWII. Such an intriguing idea to begin with! Each story was a delight on its own, rich in characters and story. I loved reading how each author described the look, feel, and ambiance of Grand Central Station in their own unique way. Although each story was completely separate from the others, I enjoyed those snippets into the preceding story, when we'd catch a second glimpse at one of the characters as they continued their journey through Grand Central Station. I hope that in the future these authors will put together another anthology like this one. I'd be first in line to read it!

6 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Ruth F.

I bought this for my elderly mother-in-law but was disappointed to see how small the print was

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2016

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I bought this for my elderly mother-in-law but was disappointed to see how small the print was. I also felt that the rough edges to the pages would make it difficult for her to turn the pages. I am going to have to find an alternative present for her. I read this book on my Kindle and loved it. Wonderful stories beautifully written.

Tessa Keijzer

Four Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2014

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Great book, pageturner

Erin Michelle Ross

A must read for the WWII historical fiction fan

Reviewed in Canada on July 4, 2019

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Officially as of 4pm today, THIS teacher is on vacay! Goal #1 is to finally trim down my TBR shelf, some of these titles have been begging for me to read them for a long while. This short story collection features ten different works written by some of my favorite authors. As I always do when reading this type of collection, I will rate each short story and I do put quotes that are part of my KOBO edition.

World War II. Today, that's all it takes for me. Tell me it's a novel set during that war and you have a better than even chance of snagging my attention. Add that it's epic or a love story and you have me ordering the book in advance. ( Author Introduction by Kristin Hannah)

Oh yes, that is how it is for me but with the exception of the romance portion but definitely it is true of the time period.

Going Home Alyson Richman 4 stars

Your son has a gift. Sell what you must, but get him a violin and find a way to get him lessons. And do it as quickly as you can.

The first story in the collection features Zelik, a refugee of World War II now making a living in a tiny corner of Grand Central Station playing his violin. Zelik is haunted by the memories of what happened in his village and to his parents, but he hopes that his music can touch those around him. And one day it does as he notices a young woman pass his way at the apple strudel stand. That woman is Liesel, another refugee, a talented young dancer that was sponsored to come to New York City before the war closed the borders. Unfortunately, Liesel's parents could not come and were left behind in Czechoslovakia. Soon the violinist and the dancer connect and the beginning of a love story sweeps us away. It's classic AR and having read 5 of her novels, I was swept away by this post war romance.

The Lucky One by Jenna Blum 5 stars
No one throws a gut punch like Jenna Blum. I do believe I have never fully recovered from Those Who Save Us which I read in May 2014. A German refugee and Holocaust Survivor, Peter is living with his cousins in New York City. His American cousin, Sol, treats Peter's story as a little bit of a circus show, including having Peter revealing the physical evidence of his time in Auschwitz. As more of Peter's story is revealed, Jenna Blum explores the differences between the experience of the European Jews and the way other Jewish communities in the west viewed them. There is one scene in particular that is very heartbreaking and shows that in the immediate aftermath of the war, there was a real lack of understanding as to what exactly had occurred in Europe.

The Branch of Hazel by Sarah McCoy 3.5 stars

You cannot come home to Luxembourg, Cata's mother had penned when the war ended. It's too dangerous. Your brothers are young and still in school. Your father could lose his business.

Author Sarah McCoy and I have a very topsy-turvy relationship, but I enjoyed the exploration of a woman fleeing Europe to America because of her involvement in the Lebensborn program. As Cata takes the train from New York to Boston, she meets a blind man, Mr. Krupper, who offers insights into life that not only has her reflect on the choices of her past, but gives Cata an idea of what she can do with her future.

The Kissing Room by Melanie Benjamin 2 stars
Another author that I have a rollercoaster type relationship with s I loved The Avitator's Wife but wasn't entirely won over by Alice I have Been. In this short story, Marjorie, is an aspiring New York actress fresh from Philiadephia I get that the angle was a woman in post war America trying to make it in the world, but it didn't really intrigue me.

I'll Be Seeing You by Sarah Jio 2.5 stars

There may always be a man waiting for you, she says. But you can't hinge life's most important decisions on which man is waiting for you.... You have to do what your heart wants.
The first author in the collection that I have never read, Sarah Jio presents a melodramatic romance where the main female protagonist is forced to make a choice between the two men that she loves. Reminiscient of Hollywood films of the 30's and 40's, the overall story just didn't ring true for a cynical modern woman such as I have the habit of being.

I'll Walk Alone by Erika Robuck 3.5 stars
Now this is perhaps the short story that I will remember the most because it is reflective that not everyone waiting at Grand Central station was looking forward to a potential reunion. As Robuck's main protagonist, Mary Josephine and her young son, Timmy wait for the arrival of husband and father, Mitch, flashbacks reveal that this marriage was less than rosy.

The Reunion by Kristina McMorris 4 stars
How is it you two are best of friends or worst of enemies, and never in between?

Acknowledged by many of the other authors for bringing the idea of this collection to their attention, Mcmorris takes a look at the women who took to the skies as pilots during the war. Another author that I have never read, but is an author that I have had on my TBR for a long time, I enjoyed McMorris' exploration of the fierce competition between these pilots.

Tin Town by Amanda Hodgkinson 3. 5 stars
Another author that has captured my heart ( see and cry over 22 Britannia Road, if you dare) and I was so excited to see her name in this collection. Surrounding the story of the British GI Brides that emigrated to the US, Hodgkinson's youthful protagonist, Molly, accompanies her mother, Irene and another war bride, Mrs. Lewis to Grand Central Station to greet their returning soldiers. Molly, we soon learn aches for the family farm in England and is hesitant about her stepfather, Jack who she feels doesn't really want her. I think what struck me was how beautiful the ending of this story was.

Strand of Pearls by Pam Jenoff 3.5 stars
Each of us must find his or her own path.
Ella travels from Shanghai to New York City to find her father that came to America 5 years before. What she discovers is not exactly what she anticipates, but a chance encounter with a fellow new arrival, David, makes her think about what kind of future she wants for herself. The ending is a bit shaky and a bit open for interpretation.

The Harvest Season by Karen White 4 stars.
Some people break in a strong wind, while others learn to bend into it.
Another author that lingers on my TBR shelf as a "want to read", Karen White explores a returning GI and his discovery that his family has relied on German POW's to work in their cotton fields and that's not the only thing that has changed.

Overall, another great addition to the WWII historical fiction fan's library.

Goodreads Review 29/06/19

Barbara Cundari

A great collection of short stories by a group of very gifted writers !

Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2016

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This was a really good read......obviously some stories touched me more than others, but every one was well written and engaging. I also found that the way in which many of the stories 'linked up', was interesting and somewhat unexpected. A really good "summer read''

Andra xba

Sentimentalism at its peak

Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2015

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way too sappy.... why is it that most women writers who focus on WWII are too sappy or too melodramatic with poor character development and always, ALWAYS there has to be some misunderstood love story?! ugh... i found the whole collection pretty similar to Pam Jenoff's "The Things We Cherished", way too sentimental and unnecessary...

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Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion (Thorndike Press Large Print Historical Fiction) Hardcover – Large Print, October 22, 2014

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