Rina Z. Neiman’s
WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR
OF
Born Under Fire
Tour Begins May 20th
Book Summary
Born Under Fire is a historical novel that tells the story of a girl coming of age and her drive to excel despite the devastating effects of long-term war. Born in Jerusalem under British rule in 1928, Shula grows up in a world in turmoil as Hitler rises to power and nations enter into war. Amid a landscape of ancient stone ruins next to modern Bauhaus architecture, and desert scrub ending at newly verdant farmlands, Shula grows into her independence as the State of Israel is born. Based on historical documents and events, Born Under Fire is also about the context surrounding the founding of the State of Israel, as well as the horrors and dangers of growing up in a conflict zone. Shula battles grief and depression due to the shattering events affecting her, her family, and the entire world. Despite this struggle, her resilient spirit enables her to reach great heights as a concert pianist..
Born Under Fire is now available to purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Thrift Books.
Praise for Born Under Fire
Born of Fire by Rina Z. Neiman is a historical fiction coming-of-age story about a young Jewish girl named Shula growing up during the founding of the State of Israel. Jewish people are being targeted throughout the world, and soon her hometown of Jerusalem is not even safe. Shula just wants to be able to live peacefully with her family, especially her best friend and older brother Avraham, but he wants to go off to be in the first Jewish Air Force. When her town starts being bombed, her family realizes nowhere is safe. Shula tries to make the best of this horrible situation by continuing to pursue her dream of being a concert pianist.
I didn’t know anything about this war between Arabs and Jewish people in Jerusalem and Israel, and so I came into this book completely blind. This book can be a bit confusing when explaining events, as everything is told from the POV of Shula. When the adults hide things from the children in order to not scare them, the reader doesn’t know the complete story behind what is going on either. I wish that there had been at least one or two adult POVs in the story so that I could have learned the truth behind some of the events going on in that time of history.
I loved that Shula was not some lovesick young teenaged girl. There was a love interest in this story, but he was not the main focus at all. He wasn’t even involved in the story for quite a few chapters. This was Shula’s story about her family and her dreams, and it was not hijacked by any random love interests. I also loved Shula’s parents. They were so selfless in the name of their children. When Shula wanted to learn how to play piano, they made sure that she got a piano and piano lessons. They wanted to give their children their best lives even though they were quite literally living in a warzone.
Even though this novel was historical fiction, I felt as if the characters were real by the time I got to the end. I wanted to learn more about their lovies after the novel ended, I wish that there was a sequel to this book!
I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for an emotional and realistic historical fiction novel.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 books
“I went to high school in Israel in the late 50’s and heard many personal stories about the early years and the struggle for independence. Your book makes these years really come alive. Also, most of my relatives’ tales were set in Kibbutzim and rural Palestine. Your book describes life in Tel Aviv as just as heroic. Lastly, I share your mother’s love for Yemenite embroidery and am happy that your book calls attention to this beautiful art form.”
Vita Hollander
“This lovely coming of age story provides a view into the challenges, conflicts and dilemmas facing the European Jews fleeing Hitler’s reach and trying to make Palestine their home. It pulls no punches and honestly acknowledges the dilemmas posed by the creation of this new country, but as it tells the story from the eyes of a young girl, we see those intricacies as she would have seen them, allowing the reader an understanding not only of historical events that readers may not be aware of (the proposed partition, the ethical dilemma posed by Jewish terrorist groups, etc.) but also of the emotional journey of these refugees and their children. This story is an important reminder of the effects of war and provides a critical piece of history necessary for understanding the world today.”
Nima M. Vincent via Amazon.com, 5 out of 5 star review
“This story drew me in from the very first page. The vivid descriptions of smell, sights and taste, longing, disappointment and joy, evoked real emotion and made me wish I were sitting at the kitchen table with Shula and her aunts. I appreciated the many history lessons tucked into the adventures, and was relieved to discover details about this time period without being burdened by the author’s politics.”
Lisa Fliegel via Amazon.com, 5 out of 5 star review
About the Author, Rina Z. Neiman
Rina Z. Neiman is a writer, event producer and public relations professional. Born Under Fire is based on the true story of her mother, Shulamit Dubno Neiman, a Sabra, a musician and one of the first generation of modern-day Israelis. Rina lives in Marin County, California with her husband and son. This is her first novel.
You may find out more about the author and her book by visiting the website https://www.bornunderfire.com/. Also, you may find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
— Blog Tour Dates
May 20th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin! So, grab your coffee and join us today as we celebrate the launch of Rina Z. Neiman’s book BornUnder Fire. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
May 21st @ Karen Brown Tyson Blog
Make sure you stop by Karen’s blog today where you can read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about how to manage time and distractions during the book writing process. If you are writing a book – or thinking about writing one – this one is a post you don’t want to miss!
May 22nd @ Coffee with Lacey
Grab some coffee and visit Lacey’s blog today where you can read her review about Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
May 23rd @ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey’s blog again where you can read the author Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about why researching primary sources is so effective.
May 23rd @ Bri’s Book Nook
Looking for a new book? Make sure to stop by Bri’s Book Nook and find out why you need to add Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire to your reading list.
May 24th @ One Sister’s Journey
Today is a can’t miss review by Lisa over at One Sister’s Journey blog. She’s sharing her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
May 26th @ Reading Whale
You won’t want to miss today’s stop at the blog Reading Whale where you can read this Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about when you can finally start writing your book after all that research.
May 27th @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Fill your bookshelf with good books! Stop by Veronica’s blog and read author Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about writing biographical fiction and when to dramatize real events.
May 28th @ Helen Hollick’s World of Books
Join Helen Hollick’s Tuesday Talk over at her blog and read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about how videos can reinforce your historical novel.
May 28th @ Book Collab Blog
Make sure you stop by Morgan’s blog Book Collab where you can find out what she has to say about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
May 29th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
If you love historical fiction, make sure you visit Anthony Avina’s blog today where he features author Rina Z. Neiman’s blog post about how she researched her historical fiction novel Born Under Fire. You won’t want to miss this!
May 31st @ Jess Reading Blog
Are you interested in writing history for young adults? If you are, you will absolutely want to visit Jess’ blog today where author Rina Z. Neiman talks about writing history for young adults and what grabs them and what loses them.
June 1st @ The World of My Imagination
Come by Nicole’s blog today where you can read her review of Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire and enter to win a copy of the book.
June 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Can’t resist a good book? Visit author Anthony Avina’s blog today when he reviews Rina Z. Neiman’s incredible historical fiction book BornUnder Fire.
June 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Looking for your next great read? Make sure you stop by Bev’s blog today and catch her opinion on this fascinating historical fiction novel Born Under Fire.
June 4th @ Amanda Diaries
Today’s stop is at Amanda’s blog where you can read what she thinks about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
June 5th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn’s blog today where you can not only read her review of Born Under Fire but also enter to win a copy of the book!
June 7th @ Bookworm Blog
Feeling bookish today? Make sure you stop by Anjanette’s Bookworm blog where you can read her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s powerful historical fiction book Born Under Fire plus read an interview with the author.
June 8th @ Jessica’s Reading Room
Today’s tour stop is a fantastic guest post written by author Rina Z. Neiman about how to make stories interactive. A must-read for all the writers out there!
June 9th @ Jess Bookish Life
Need a new book in your life? Stop by Jess’ blog today where she shares her opinion about the historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
June 10th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Are you doing research for your novel? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today where author Rina Z. Neiman is talking about top 5 ways to research secondary sources.
June 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Get to know author Rina Z. Neiman at today’s stop over at author Anthony Avina’s blog where he interviews the author.
June 14th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog today and read a guest post by the author who talks about making your story interactive and why adding music is so effective.
June 15th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi’s blog at Strength 4 Spouses where you can read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about the importance of writing during deployment.
June 17th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog over at 12 Books and find out her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
June 21st @ Choices Blog
Interviewing someone for your book? Make sure you visit Madeline Sharples’ blog today where Rina Z. Neiman talks about how to conduct interviews with people who are (and who are not) willing to talk with you.
June 23rd @ Strength 4 Spouses Blog
Need a new book? Make sure you stop by Wendi’s blog where she reviews Born Under Fire by Rina Z. Neiman.