At just eighteen years old, Sudhir Suchak made a daring escape from the island of Zanzibar in East Africa.
Fleeing a repressive regime, political violence, and the trauma of a genocide that tore apart the fabric of his family; he trusted his father's belief that boarding a ship with the ultimate goal of reaching America, would lead to a b
At just eighteen years old, Sudhir Suchak made a daring escape from the island of Zanzibar in East Africa.
Fleeing a repressive regime, political violence, and the trauma of a genocide that tore apart the fabric of his family; he trusted his father's belief that boarding a ship with the ultimate goal of reaching America, would lead to a better life.
Hidden aboard a steamship, escaping with nothing but hope in his heart, he risked everything for a chance at
freedom.
His journey from stowaway to survivor unfolded not just across continents, but through dislocation,
discovery, and the long and onerous work to start anew in a country he had never seen.
Told with unflinching honesty and in vivid detail; Last Boat to Freedom traces the cost of survival - from the trauma left behind on the island, the perilous journey as a stowaway, brutal violence, and the first bewildering year in
America. He learned firsthand what it means to belong in a land that promised freedom but didn't always offer acceptance.
Decades later, he returned to Zanzibar with his family, walking through the streets of his childhood, now transformed
by time and memory. What he found was both familiar and foreign, a powerful reminder of what was lost - and what
was gained.
Last Boat to Freedom is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, identity and the enduring power of a single
choice.
Chat with Sudhir and get your own signed copy of Last Boat to Freedom this Saturday June 28th from 1-3pm
Born on the island of Zanzibar off the coast of East Africa and coming-of-age through the bloody Zanzibar revolution and genocide of the 1960s. As a teenager, he fled his homeland under the cover of darkness as a stowaway with only 300
Chat with Sudhir and get your own signed copy of Last Boat to Freedom this Saturday June 28th from 1-3pm
Born on the island of Zanzibar off the coast of East Africa and coming-of-age through the bloody Zanzibar revolution and genocide of the 1960s. As a teenager, he fled his homeland under the cover of darkness as a stowaway with only 300 shillings and a passport and began a daring journey of perseverance and survival.He spent many of his formative years writing his thoughts on what had transpired during that journey that would eventually make their way into his story.More than fifty years later, Last Boat to Freedom, his debut book, provides readers with a passionate and inspiring first person look into a childhood among the clove plantations of Zanzibar, the island's descent into darkness during the little-known Zanzibar revolution and the eighteen months of unforeseen events that followed his escape. It culminates with his personal journey full of obstacles, tragedy and perseverance to find freedom and opportunity.Now living in the United States, he teaches at the University at Buffalo.
When best friends Molly and Lukas have a falling out over a simple mix-up, their hurt feelings threaten to ruin their fun. But with the help of Molly’s mother, they learn that misunderstandings happen—and that talking things through and forgiving each other can bring them closer than ever. • This is a heartfelt story that teaches children
When best friends Molly and Lukas have a falling out over a simple mix-up, their hurt feelings threaten to ruin their fun. But with the help of Molly’s mother, they learn that misunderstandings happen—and that talking things through and forgiving each other can bring them closer than ever. • This is a heartfelt story that teaches children the importance of communication, empathy, and forgiveness. • Perfect for parents, educators, and librarians, this book empowers young readers to navigate conflicts in a healthy way, fostering emotional growth and stronger friendships. • Appropriate for ages 7-11.
MOLLY’S BIG RED KITE is a heartwarming story about resilience, emotions, and the power of forgiveness. When Molly’s beloved red kite is broken her frustration quickly turns to sadness. But with the guidance of the wise Mr. Oslo, she learns that it’s okay to feel upset—and that letting go of anger can lead to something even more beautiful
MOLLY’S BIG RED KITE is a heartwarming story about resilience, emotions, and the power of forgiveness. When Molly’s beloved red kite is broken her frustration quickly turns to sadness. But with the guidance of the wise Mr. Oslo, she learns that it’s okay to feel upset—and that letting go of anger can lead to something even more beautiful. • This beautifully illustrated book helps young readers navigate their emotions while introducing the foundational concept of forgiveness in a gentle, accessible way. • Perfect for parents, educators, and librarians seeking meaningful, diverse stories that nurture emotional intelligence and empathy. • Appropriate for ages 3-7.
Meet & Greet with Robert on Saturday July 12th from 11am-1pm
ROBERT P. GRAVES is an author and corporate project manager living in New York. After struggling for decades with undiagnosed bipolar depression and the challenges of coming out, Robert found a path to self-discovery, healing, peace through writing his memoir, I, Rob Graves. It
Meet & Greet with Robert on Saturday July 12th from 11am-1pm
ROBERT P. GRAVES is an author and corporate project manager living in New York. After struggling for decades with undiagnosed bipolar depression and the challenges of coming out, Robert found a path to self-discovery, healing, peace through writing his memoir, I, Rob Graves. It was a turning point, helping him unlock the power of forgiveness. Robert is passionate about teaching children this vital life skill early, so they can grow up understanding how to navigate conflicts with empathy and grace, and ensuring they develop emotional resilience that will serve them throughout their lives. Robert now hopes to inspire a new generation to embrace understanding, kindness, and self-acceptance. w w w .ROBERTPGRAVES. c o m
What if you had the opportunity to unknowingly turn the tides of the war?
Josh Tabone, a forgotten FBI agent, makes a chance discovery at the Canadian border, one that will suddenly lead him into the depths of German espionage and covert operations. He finds himself immersed in a plot that will unexpectedly take him, through a series of
What if you had the opportunity to unknowingly turn the tides of the war?
Josh Tabone, a forgotten FBI agent, makes a chance discovery at the Canadian border, one that will suddenly lead him into the depths of German espionage and covert operations. He finds himself immersed in a plot that will unexpectedly take him, through a series of deceptions, to end in the Golden Isles of Georgia. From a journey through the American east coast during the early months of World War II, Josh Tabone’s investigation will unravel a devious plot from the depths of Berlin’s highest military echelon. Saboteur landings, fifth column spies, and misdirected clues all camouflage the true German mission. Something is in America that can help Germany build an atomic weapon of mass destruction. Can one man possibly shoulder such a burden to stop this plan?
Peter will be signing copies of his newest book Saturday Jul 26th from 11am-1pm
Peter Tonsoline has taught HS science for fifty-five years, and after his semi-retirement, continues as an adjunct professor at Daemen University in the Department of Natural Sciences. Along with his teaching career, he has been a varsity and JV coach in girls
Peter will be signing copies of his newest book Saturday Jul 26th from 11am-1pm
Peter Tonsoline has taught HS science for fifty-five years, and after his semi-retirement, continues as an adjunct professor at Daemen University in the Department of Natural Sciences. Along with his teaching career, he has been a varsity and JV coach in girls' and boys' ice hockey, field hockey, softball, football, and girls' lacrosse over a span of fifty-two years. He actively continues to coach three of the mentioned sports throughout the year. He was inducted into the 2021 class of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame for his coaching achievements. An active outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing, hiking and enjoying time at his lake house. He resides in the Buffalo, NY area with his wife and family.
Book summary: A native of North Java, NY, Ed Don George left the family farm to become one of the nation's most famous and successful professional wrestlers of the 1930s. In this first-of-its kind biography, Dan Murphy tells how Edward George represented his country in the Olympic Games, became a three-time pro wrestling world champion,
Book summary: A native of North Java, NY, Ed Don George left the family farm to become one of the nation's most famous and successful professional wrestlers of the 1930s. In this first-of-its kind biography, Dan Murphy tells how Edward George represented his country in the Olympic Games, became a three-time pro wrestling world champion, helped the U.S. Navy overhaul its hand-to-hand combat training techniques during World War II, and raised a family here in WNY. It is a fascinating look into the life of a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and one of the most accomplished athletes (and most colorful characters) in WNY history.
Dan Murphy will be in store to sign copies of his newest book Saturday July 26th from 1pm-3pm
Dan Murphy is a Buffalo native and graduate of Canisius College. He has written several books on WNY history, including "The Erie Canal: The Ditch That Opened a Nation," "WNY 101: The 101 Greatest Moments in Buffalo History," and "Nickel City Drafts: A Drinking History of Buffalo, NY."