This true love story, Steps of Courage by Bettina Hoerlin, revolves around two extraordinary individuals,and plays out against some of the most profound markers of the 20th century: Hitler's Germany, the American immigrant experience and growing threats of the nuclear age. Hermann Hoerlin and Kate Tietz Schmid meet in 1934; he, a handsome world record-holding mountaineer and aspiring physicist, is a staunch anti-fascist and she, part of Munich's intellectual and musical elite, is a stunning widow whose husband was murdered by the Nazis.

To have a future together, Hoerlin (as she called him) and Kate must flee Germany. Standing in their way is a major obstacle, the Nuremberg Laws, prohibiting relationships between Aryans and Jews. Against formidable odds and with the direct assistance of a few 'good' Nazis, Kate and Hoerlin manage to marry and immigrate to the United States. However, as "enemy aliens" during World War II, they face new adversities. Life finally returns to normal with the help of influential friends, including a connection with Eleanor Roosevelt. And, in a strange twist, Hoerlin contributes to the war effort with his extensive European mountaineering maps that help guide Allied reconnaissance missions.

In 1953, Hoerlin and Kate pull up stakes again, moving to the Atomic City of Los Alamos where Hoerlin works at the forefront of the first nuclear test ban treaty. Again, he is brought under scrutiny, this time because of McCarthyism and Hoerlin's links with the American left-wing. The book spans an era from the rise of Nazism, when a diabolic dictator sets out to annihilate Jews, to the depths of the Cold War, when weapons of mass destruction threaten to annihilate humankind. Join us for a wonderful meeting with this talented author.

Otowi Station Bookstore is delighted to invite you and your favorite little person (infants to 5 years old) to story time here in the store every Wednesday at 10 a.m. beginning September 21.  Each story time lasts 20-30 minutes.

Story time is one of the best ways to use books: it promotes communication, taking turns, active participation, shared attention, and genuine love of reading! 

Parents and caregivers, please help us maintain the positive story time atmosphere by participating and being attentive. 

Please attend with your preschoolers, because we know that these little folks may need special help to be successful. You are their best role models. 

And remember to reinforce the story-time experience by sharing books at home with your child! 

We look forward to seeing you!