We have heard from many readers since Tilli's Story was published. Your comments have been wonderful to receive. It's gratifying to know that Tilli's Story has touched so many of your hearts!  We thought we would share some of the comments here (reprinted with permission).

I just finished the book and want you to know it was brilliant. Absolutely one of the best books I ever read and I have read a ton... I have encouraged others to buy the book as I just think that much of it.

~ Samantha Syoen, Executive Producer, NBC News, Florida

Our book club absolutely loved the book! It is very rare that we all like the monthly selection. We rate our books every month on a 1 to 5 scale. We have never had a book get the best rating overall until now.

~ Nancy Paulson, Menomonee Falls, Wis., Newcomers Club book club member


Your book, "Tilli's Story, My Thoughts Are Free," has to be THE best book I have read in years.  "Tilli's Story" kept me glued to the pages and at times on the edge of my seat.  I have never been that intrigued by a book before.  I have to also say that reading "Tilli's Story" has opened my eyes and heart to the people of Germany and the suffering that they endured before, during and after WWII.  I learned so many things from this book that was never taught in school.  So many things that I never knew. Please pass my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Schulze for telling her story and I thank you also for doing such a wonderful job writing it. I will recommend it to anyone who will listen.
 
Sincerely,

Lisa Harrolle, Davis Junction, IL

I could not put the book down. I felt as if I were standing beside Tilli in Germany 60 years ago. The book was so well written. What a riveting story...so intense and interesting. It is unbelievable that such horrible things happened to so many innocent people. I applaud Tilli's courage and convictions. Everyone should read this book. I also think it would be a magnificent educational tool for students learning about Europe during that time period. Congratulations on a wonderful work...I will be recommending Tilli's story to everyone!!!!

---Mary Johnson, Rockford, IL

What an amazing story.  I was crying with Tilli and her family, smiling when Tilli went to the dance, scared when Tilli was in the attic and walking alone to and from school, every emotion Tilli had is how I felt reading this book.  I could not put the book down until I was finished with it.  It took a few hours but I started the book and finished it yesterday.  Tilli is a remarkable person to share her experience like she did.  This had to be like reliving everything over and over.   This story ought to be in our school systems.  I think our kids could learn a lot from Tilli.  The book was written fantastic.   I  was so happy to read that Tilli had her surgery and is doing good.  Tilli and her family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.  Thank you for writing such a wonderful book.
 
---Sherry Christiansen, Machesney Park, IL


I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the excerpts from the book in the Rockford paper.  I can't wait to get a copy of the book to read from cover to cover.  This book moved me like I never imagined it would.  I plan to share it with the rest of my family after I finish, to share some history and to remember what others went through that we didn't.  I have German ancestory, but no one in my immediate family had to live through what Tilli did to be free.  May God bless you, Tilli, and Lorna for helping her get her story out!
 
---Teresa Kurzrock, Dixon, IL

Thank you so much for sharing your personal life story and for helping bring further realization to the present population that all people are basically the same. We all get hungry, need to rest and work, want to be loved and respected, feel secure and safe, especially within our own homes. Our lives here in the United States are far too often grossly taken for granted and disrespected. Your book is going to remind people to be thankful and to appreciate the many blessings we are privileged to experience in our wonderful nation. Regardless of who is in office, the shape of the economy, the lack of health care plans, or paying taxes, these issues are a drop in the bucket compared to countries who are controlled and dominated by fear and oppression. We enjoy so many daily freedoms and choices here in America.

I thank you for opening my eyes even wider to the truth that the majority of the German people honestly didn't even want the war or to support Hitler and his Nazi Party. I believe that some prejudicial attitudes were formed towards Germans during and after WWII. Your book is going to aid in shattering falsehoods believed about German nature, temperament, and personalities.

In sincere appreciation to you and Mrs. Collier,

---Dawn L. Rittmeyer, Winnebago, IL

I am so excited and honored to get your book. I am going through a difficult trial in my life and the excerpts from the paper help me to look at my circumstances differently and to count my blessings.

God bless you for all you have endured and for getting this out to us. May you prosper and may this book touch the hearts of those who try to say that the Holocaust and all that you have experienced is fabricated."

---Lori Keinz, Rockford, IL

I find the point of view of a child to be very unique. I could see my students relating to it.

---Mary Rabideau, 5th grade teacher, Belvidere, IL

I am enjoying reading Tilli's Story in the Rockford Register Star newspaper. Thank you both for writing the story; I think it is
important for people to know what happened and how it affected peoples' lives. The courage it took to live through what you did and
to recall the story are inspiring to me.  May your story inspire others to value the freedom we have in this country!
 
---Elaine Delfinado, Rochelle, IL

Your story needed to be told. We pray this will never happen again to others. We are thankful you did find freedom.

---Geneva Charnesky, Rockford, IL

 I have been reading the excerpts from the book in the Rockford Register Star and find the firsthand account compelling.  Thank you for sharing this story with the public. It definitely reminds us about the freedoms we take for granted.  

---Mary Lego, Rockford, IL

I can't wait to get your book in my hands!  The response to the words you & Tilli Schulze have put on paper so well is not something that can be expressed in words---it is something felt in your heart.
---Karen Tuttle, Marengo, IL


The book is very well-written and it gives one insight on how the war affected the German people who were caught up in the tragedy.

---Rosemarie Niedermann, Belvidere, IL

From the moment I opened this book, I could not put it down - a rarity in today's literary market. Ms Collier drew me into Tilli's life and recreated the places and experiences so vividly that these images remain fresh in my memory. This is a story that must be read by everyone - especially our young people! In a nation where we take our freedoms for granted, this is a fresh reminder that things can change in a heartbeat! This was truly a story of great faith in the face of horrific tragedies - and incredible sacrifice. Thank you, Tilli, for sharing your life with us! A truly inspirational read!! BRAVO!!
---Kris Foushee, Gastonia, NC

Please send comments for this page to: comments@mythoughtsarefree.com. Also please consider posting your comments in the review sections of Amazon.com and/or Barnesandnoble.com. Thank you!

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© Copyright Oct. 2005 by Tilli Schulze and Lorna Collier, My Thoughts Are Free, P.O. Box 861, Belvidere, IL 61008