When author Michael Schoenholtz began researching his family tree, he had no idea the journey would lead to such an astonishing discovery. His great-grandfather’s first name was actually John—a fact hidden for decades by a clerical error in his birth certificate. Armed with this new information and clues from long-lost relatives, Schoenholtz launches a full-scale investigation into his heritage, uncovering dark secrets that force him to question everything he thought he knew about himself and his forebears. Told through multiple points of view including newspaper articles, personal correspondence, and archival records, Call Me John is a riveting genealogical mystery based on a true story. As Schoenholtz tracks down old acquaintances and digs deeper into family history, the web of lies and deception begins to unravel, leading him to some shocking revelations about what happened generations ago. Gripping and suspenseful from beginning to end, it’s an absorbing read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for those who enjoy a good mystery, genealogy buffs and anyone interested in family history. Schoenholtz does an excellent job of weaving together the different strands of his story, creating a suspenseful tale that will keep readers engaged until the end.
Pros :
- The author does a great job of weaving the different points of view together to create a suspenseful and intriguing story.
- The book is based on a true story, which makes it all the more fascinating.
- It’s an absorbing read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Cons :
- The book is too long
- The author could have organized the story better
- It’s slow in parts
Learn more about the author
Michael Schoenholtz is the author of Call Me John, a genealogical mystery based on a true story. He has worked as an editor at several magazines and newspapers, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and Reader’s Digest.
Reader Reviews
“A riveting family saga that had me captivated from beginning to end! I couldn’t put it down and raced through the pages to see what would happen next. The author does an amazing job of pulling you into the story and creating believable characters with rich backstories. This is a must-read for anyone interested in genealogy or just a good mystery!”
“Call Me John is a compelling and well-written family saga that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its intricate web of characters and multiple storylines, it’s hard to put down once you start reading. A truly fascinating read.”
“This is a really good book. I couldn’t put it down.”
“A riveting family saga that will keep you turning the pages! This well-written book had me hooked from beginning to end.”