We all have a story to tell, but rarely take the time to tell it. Adrian Zaiontz has taken that time, recording almost a century of recollections for his descendants and relatives. Follow him through the amazing and frequently humorous stories of his expanding universe as he grew and faced new horizons. Many things made his life enjoyable and some heart-breaking tragedies made him stronger. His experiences in World War II are documented through the eyes of an 18-year-old soldier. Lose yourself in these stories about a Polish-American who impacted lives around him and made a difference, even though he was ... Only One Polack.
Review :
In Only One Polack, Adrian Zaiontz tells the story of a life well-lived, capturing the essence of a bygone era and a family that embraced and lived the American Dream.Born in the small central Texas town of Panna Maria Zaiontz was immersed in the heritage of the Polish immigrants who had founded the town in the 1850s after fleeing Prussian oppression. Life in Panna Maria revolved around extended family, church, and school, where Polish remained the language of choice. Zaiontz describes a bygone era of quilting parties, Saturday night dances, baseball games, and occasional traveling medicine shows.
The Great Depression compelled his family - like so many others - to relocate in search of work. Despite those moves, they maintained strong ties to Panna Maria. From boyhood adventures through harrowing experiences fighting the Japanese in the Philipines, to marriage, family, and career in the Postal Service, Zaiontz describes his life, friendships, and the inviolable bonds of family.
This is a memoir that will resonate with readers well beyond the Zaiontz family. This account of refugees and their descendants making a home in the broad expanse of central Texas, boys reaching manhood during the tumultuous years of World War II, the booming mid-century growth of America's middle class, and the realization of dreams and aspirations through a lifetime of hard work and dedication is the quintessential American story. --Beth Green
Our own personal histories may seem small and insignificant, but those histories are a foundation for those who come after us. Telling our story is the keystone to future generations' understanding and appreciation of reality before them. Adrian Zaiontz's Only One Pollack is a detailed, candid telling of his own life, feelings and experiences. He proudly shows us his Polish ancestry, and shares dear childhood memories of family, friends and school. He takes us through his experiences as a soldier during World War II, meeting his wife and building a life that included his career and children. Zaiontz's recollections are not only valuable to his family, friends and community members, but also the rest of us. It's important for us to remember the way life was and the sacrifices made on our behalf. Great or small, the lives lived before, bring us to where we are today. --Lisa Snider
