This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
He’s Alive! by Živojin Petrović is a biography of Joko Mestrovitch, later known as James, from his childhood in Đuraševići to his passage through Ellis Island and his work among immigrant communities in Fresno and Pittsburgh. His enlistment in the Pennsylvania National Guard takes him to the Western Front, where his actions at Fismes place him at the center of shifting fronts, hazardous rescues, and the rapid movements of the 28th Division. Reports of his death, later reversed by unexpected news, expand his story across camps, hospitals, and towns in France as he attempts to return to his unit. When his end did come, his remains were transported from France to Montenegro, carried by soldiers who retrace a route linking battle sites, immigrant journeys, and family origins.
He’s Alive! Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch (1243675) by Živojin Petrović impressed me with its unique perspective that almost feels like an autobiography from the level of near first-person recollections, which are depicted through scenes that feel grounded in place and time. There are some real highlights, particularly in the very American experience of James choosing a new name during roll call, and others like his goosebumps-inducing return to the unit after being reported dead. The writing is simple and straightforward, and Petrović presents James well as he infuses textured settings like crossing oceans and fighting in France, all in a tone that leans into practical action. The conclusion is perfectly honorable and heartbreaking. Overall, this book is a real account of the immigrant experience and the Americanization of a man with a strong sense of purpose, anchored in clear moments that stay with the reader.
