OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Achim's Story" by Bettina Spicer Owens.]

"The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish accomplishments, but with what we do for others." Unfortunately, wealth is often used as a yardstick to evaluate a person's accomplishments, especially after death. The ideal standard should be life quality rather than life quantity: quality in terms of how many people the person has assisted and how many times the less fortunate have truly felt happiness, love, and peace as a result of that assistance. When humans prioritize living by helping others grow and become useful rather than accumulating wealth, life becomes wonderful.
  
Achim's Story by Bettina Spicer Owens is a biography of Joachim from his childhood to his old age. Joachim Wedekind aspired to be a sailor. He pursued his dream with zeal and courage. He is the only child of Ernst and Gisela Wedekind and grew up in West Berlin, Germany. He is a curious and daring young man who chose to sail around the world instead of following the traditional path of becoming the heir to a family business. He nearly drowned in the Baltic Sea after being suspected of being a German spy. Was Joachim able to overcome all of these obstacles and become successful? Why did Joachim's stepdaughter, the author, decide to write about him? Read this incredible book to learn more.
 
The authenticity of this book, which is enthralling, amazing, and full of lessons, is among the factors that kept me captivated by it. I love how the author penned the biography of Joachim in a captivating manner. I respect Joachim's tenacity because he faced the challenge head-on when he decided to leave the safety of his father's home and forsake the chance to work in the family business in order to pursue his ambition of becoming a sailor. Joachim gave me the confidence to go after my dreams, despite how difficult they might seem. Joachim decided to live life to the fullest; he tried to help others and was thankful every day. He sets an example for everyone around him to follow in his way of living.
 
Joachim is my favorite character in this book because he refused to be reliant on his father's wealth. He decided to pursue his dream and was determined to succeed without the help of his father's wealth. The author's writing style is excellent. I found it difficult to put the book down as I followed Joachim's story. 

Unfortunately, I can't say I enjoyed everything in the book. This book overemphasizes the stories of World Wars I and II, Hitler, and the Nazi government. These took my attention away from the protagonist and dulled the plot. Though these are my personal observations, they are insufficient reasons to deduct a star. I'd like to thank the author for sharing this incredible story about her stepfather. I also want to thank the editor for a job well done because the book is flawlessly edited and contains no errors. For these reasons, I give the book five out of five stars. Fans of historical fiction and combat stories should read this book.

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Achim's Story
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I like when someone chooses to be different, when they choose to go a different from what everyone has chosen. It takes a courageous person to do that. Nice review!

I agree with you that the standard measurement of life should be based on quality and not quantity. People we blessed and impacted. The book seems like a book I would be blessed reading and I look forward to reading it. Well done.

I agreed with your opening quote. Many have failed to truly appreciate life without attaching wealth. I wish the author could stay with the plot without over emphasising WWI, WWII, Hitler and Nazi government.

It must have been a trying time for Achim in his journey to wade through all those difficult moments especially, to be accused of being a spy. I enjoyed your detailed review of this book.

I believe this would be a book full of life lessons as indicated by your opening quote. Achim's ordeal in navigating through life will be a handy lesson for young people who are just trying out life.

Joachim's deciding to leave the comfort of his family's reach and cover is commendable. It is amazing to see he achieved a lot notwithstanding what the turmoils along his life's journey. Well done reviewer.

I think I also agree with Joachim being a good character. Not relying on past wealth so desperately is something to be admired. I also believe that a lot could be learnt about the world wars here.

Life has different parts for different people, and Joachim chose his own part by not being his family's heir and becoming a sailor. I know he went through different challenges to become a sailor. Nice review.

I think this standard should be implemented in our day-to-day life, your wealth should not be measured with your accomplishments, rather it should be measured with the people you have helped. Your review is so captivating and interesting. Good job

I do like to read the life story of people who dares life. I hope Joachim is able to come out without been beaten too much by life'a obstacles.

I like how you've highlighted the different elements that make this book so intriguing, from the coming-of-age story to the thrilling plot twists. Your review has piqued my curiosity about the book's storyline, and I'm excited to read it for myself.

Your review has made me even more interested in reading this book and engaging with these important issues. I so much love every detail in this review