Some people face extraordinary and daunting challenges. Ted Blum's grandparents were forced to embark on a journey that would shape them and their future generations' lives. With the backdrop of Europe and World War II on their doorstep, Blum's family became outstanding examples of courage and determination as they sought out a new life in America. This story puts a human face to the countless masses who immigrated to the United States as the threat of war and persecution loomed. Dr. David Abraham, Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Professor of Urban Environmental Planning and Policy, Rice University "I thoroughly enjoyed reading Calculated Risks. First of all it was a learning experience for me with regards to: the fluidity of Central European country boundaries; the precious nature of cultural political identity differences among people, and how that can devolve into wars; and lastly the separate but endemic position that the Jews adopted in Central Europe. This historical book reads well and would be suitable for general as well as academic discourse."