Mark My Words! A Personal History [Paperback]

Mark Hasten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2004

Forced to flee the Nazi onslaught that devoured his Polish hometown and the world he knew, Mark Hasten started down a road that would eventually lead him to the heights of business success in America. On the way, his astounding odyssey—as faithfully recounted in these pages—led him through countless episodes that tested his courage and character.

From the ranks of the Free Polish Army during WW II to his remarkable experiences aboard the ill-fated Altalena during Israel’s first days of Independence, Mark’s story is one of determination, ingenuity, and abiding religious faith.

Through it all, you’ll discover Mark’s steadfast philosophy that has accounted for his success and that he abundantly shares in this poignant memoir. Join Mark as he invites you to read his testimony and to "Mark My Words!"

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Like most Americans, I consider myself to be a patriot. But unlike some, I don’t take the blessings that we enjoy in this country for granted. Because of my immigrant background— because I became an American by choice—my love of country is more tangible and possibly more passionate than most. I view myself, along with my parents and my brother, as being among Emma Lazarus’ "huddled masses, yearning to be free." I honestly believe that G-d has blessed our country and that those blessings have been extended to me and to my descendants. Looking back, it’s fair to say that there has never, in the history of the world, been another nation that has so been regarded by mankind as a beacon of liberty and a provider of opportunity than the United States. Looking ahead, I feel that despite the current rising tide of anti-American sentiment sweeping the Arab world and elsewhere, our country will, with the help of G-d, continue to endure in this role.

If my vision of tomorrow’s world turns out to be accurate, remember that you heard it here first. Whether you are a member of our family or not, I urge you to take my words to heart because they all came straight from my own.

Finally, I am indeed grateful to you for taking the time to read and consider my words. It is hoped that you will find them acceptable and of some value. By so doing—by agreeing to Mark My Words—you honor me and the memories of those who have gone before. For this, I am very grateful, and extend my most sincere thanks.

Shalom alechem, Mark Hasten April 2004

From the Inside Flap

Forced to flee the Nazi onslaught that devoured his Polish hometown and the world he knew, Mark Hasten started down a road that would eventually lead him to the heights of business success in America. On the way, his astounding odyssey—as faithfully recounted in these pages—led him through countless episodes that tested his courage and character.

From the ranks of the Free Polish Army during WW II to his remarkable experiences aboard the ill-fated Altalena during Israel’s first days of Independence, Mark’s story is one of determination, ingenuity, and abiding religious faith.

Through it all, you’ll discover Mark’s steadfast philosophy that has accounted for his success and that he abundantly shares in this poignant memoir. Join Mark as he invites you to read his testimony and to "Mark My Words!"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Brotchin Books (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974983802
• ISBN-13: 978-0974983806
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,091,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A profound success story and a testament to human resiliance, August 7, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mark My Words! A Personal History (Paperback)

Mark My Words! A Personal History is the memoir of Mark Hasten, a World War II survivor who became a successful businessman. Forced to flee the Nazis that overran his Polish hometown, author Mark Hasten's experiences among the ranks of the Free Polish Army during World War II, his eyewitness account of the first days of Israel's independence, his journeys to new homes in Canada and the United States, and his perseverance in the business world, Mark My Words! is a profound success story and a testament to human resiliance, determination, and faith.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic For Generations To Come, October 3, 2004

By 

Joel P. Loeffelholz (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mark My Words! A Personal History (Paperback)

"Mark My Words" is of truly epic proportions. It cuts across all genre's from historical reference, academic insight, man's eternal struggle with good and evil to what one can achieve with a good heart and hard work. The lessons learned from the Author and his remarkable life and soul are for all mankind. An absolute fascinating and must read. It is truly exceptional.

5.0 out of 5 stars Words of Praise, August 6, 2004

By 

Peter Weisz "Peter Weisz Publishing, LLC" (Carmel, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mark My Words! A Personal History (Paperback)

"Mark My Words! is a compelling 20th Century Jewish book.And it has an important added value. It exemplifies to the younger generation how human spirit can overcome difficulties and how human values can make success an educational resource."

- The Hon. Ze'ev Benjamin Begin, M.K.

* * *

"Mark Hasten's biography is a saga of a brilliant man whose life experiences reflect an epochal struggle of survival in the catastrophe which engulfed European Jewry. Mr. Hasten's success reflects a combination of genius, initiative,flexibility and the helping hand of the Almighty. His life is dedicated to the rebuilding of Israel and the continuity of our people through Jewish education."

- Dr. Bernard Lander, President
Touro University

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"Mark Hasten's story is one of the most remarkable I have ever read. From the idyllic childhood in pre-WW II Poland, through the trials of war, to helping found the modern state of Israel, through his hard work and success in America, his is the story of hope's triumph over despair. He has lived and seen enough history to encompass several lives. Throughout it all, he has never lost his sunny optimism, his love of family, faith in G-d and love of country- both Israel and the US. I admire Mark Hasten and all that he has accomplished. When many men would have given up, he kept going. I hope all who read his book will benefit from it as have I. We will all be well advised to `Mark My Words!' "

- The Hon. Evan Bayh, United States Senate

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"Mark Hasten has produced an outstanding memoir that recounts a notable saga of harsh adversity and stellar achievements. The book is definitely worth reading."

-Dr. Morton I. Teicher, founding dean,
The Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University

* * *


"The last words of Simon Dubnow, the world renowned Jewish historian, who before he was packed into the cattle cars for his final journey, were: `Jews, remember, and record everything!' Mark Hasten is fulfilling this legacy. He is to be saluted for recording and keeping these memories alive."

-Dr. Miles Lerman, Chairman Emeritus
The United States Memorial Holocaust Museum

* * *

"I found Mark My Words! to be an inspiring work. Beyond being a wonderful read, Mr. Hasten's book also contains remarkable information about life in Poland and the Polish resistance...it contains astounding and...until now unknown information about...the events surrounding the Altalena affair."

-Rabbi Menachem Genack, Rabbinic Administrator
Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union

* * *

"This book is a fascinating account not only of Mark Hasten's life but of the story of the Jewish people in the twentieth century. Even though the book is about an individual and his struggle to survive and prosper, the author has painted this story on the much broader canvas of Jewish life and history. It is a book well worth reading."

-Rabbi Berel Wein
Jewish historian, author and international lecturer