Platanides

“William Planes’ Book Recommendations”

This book follows the life, experiences, and Christian faith of a young boy born in Asia Minor in 1908; how he and his family managed to escape the Genocide of the Greek and Armenian Christians at the hands of Kamel Ataturk on September 13, 1922; their lives as refugees of genocide; how these events and events of World War II on the Island of Crete Greece affected them and their descendants; and the relationship between that boy, in his adult years, and his son, the author. The book deals with life’s storms that the boy and his son experience and how their faith, particularly as practiced in their everyday lives, affected, and straightened them so that they could move through the storms of life and emerge from the eye of those storms,remaining strong and committed in their Faith

William Planes' Book Recommendations

Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922

by Christos Papoutsky

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas

by William J. Bennett

Amazingly Abnormal Alphabet

Amazingly Abnormal Alphabet

James: Never Forgotten

by Don Ridder

Smyrna, September 1922: One American’s Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century’s First Genocide

by Lou Ureneck

Platanides: Through The Eye of The Storm

by William Planes

What Our Clients Say About Us

5/5
Bill planes has managed to write a book that not only gives you great insight into the Christian persecution through some dark times in history but also helps grow your faith with countless examples of the Good Book and how we should live our lives according to it! I am so blessed to have read this book!
Nancy Montgomery (High School Teacher)
5/5
Wow! I did not expect this book to hit as hard as it did. I questioned my history and wanted to know more about it after reading the ancestry and family history mentioned in “Platanides: through the eye of the storm”. Moreover, it has definitely set me on the right path, and I’ve already ordered another copy for my best friend. So, to all the Christians out there, this is the book you need to pick up!
Adrian Smith (A Veteran 1973 to 2001)
5/5
Your family's history made for some very interesting reading. I was not aware that the Turks genocide against the Armenians also included the Greek Christians. The courage and fortitude displayed by your ancestors was key to their survival, not only then, but during World War II as well. This is a story that should pique the interest of genealogy buffs and historians of that era, and the "Platanides" family worldwide. Congratulations!
Frank Burke, St. Petersburg, Florida
5/5
I had a chance to read your book over these last two days and I found it interesting and informative. You obviously spent a lot of time on this labor of love not only for your family but also for posterity and especially the plight of Fotis and his family in their escape from Smyrna. I was also touched by your description of my brother's injuries and flight for life. Let's call and talk about others like Corina and Cosmas Davoulas, family pictures and about the Sheridan Avenue address in the Bronx.
Peter Georgopulos, Associate Professor of Physics, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Delaware, Associate professor Physics Emeritus, Penn State University
5/5
Thank you for informing me about your book publication and I am glad for you that you have made true your dream about it. I have already ordered it and am looking forward to reading it. It was possible to read a part of the beginning of the story and I burst in tears about the hard fate in life of your father. A hard story among many, of every refugee person that cut violently out of his roots and find himself somewhere else. In 1922 it was the Christians, Greeks and Armenians from the Ottoman empire state, on 2015 the Syrians and, now 2022 the Ukrainians…and nobody knows what will come in Europe. The film “my beloved Smyrna”, that I referred to you, was premiered in the Berlin, Germany Film Festival. It shows in pictures what you describe in writing! Same story, one of many. If reading books is still an interest for you, then I recommend that you buy the book “ THE BLIGHT OF ASIA” by George Horton, who was the USA Ambassador in Smyrna 1922 and experience with own eye the events. Wish you all the best. Greetings from Crete.
Anna, (granddaughter of Konstantis Tsalikoglou)
5/5
I read the book, Platanides. I was impressed with the historic detail that you used to bring forth the story of your father and grandparents. What happened in Smyrna, not only to your family but also to those of Greek Heritage and the Greek Orthodox Christian community, was shocking. The world needs to know and remember, otherwise it will happen again. THE survivors and their descendants were left with unanswered questions about lost and/or deceased family members. What you’ve uncovered in your research is a memorial, not only to your family, but to all those families lost in this genocide. I hope others will read this book. It is an important commentary. These are actual stories of those who survived the Smyrna atrocities.
Gene Santella, Tarpon Springs, FL June 2022
5/5
I enjoyed the family stories all along this book. Events were confirmed by research, photographs and maps. A great success story of the American Dream for the Platanides family. Kudos to Bill, the author, for a comprehensive family history.
Satira Mekras, June 2022
5/5
Great Story and Great Cause! Kudos to Mr. William Platanides.
Paul Kotrotsios, Concordville, PA June 2022
5/5
Dear Mr. Planes, I really enjoyed your interview with David. Very moving story. A very upsetting time in history. I am very sorry your family had to endure something as treacherous as this in their lifetime but at the same time, I am very happy to see how the family line continued and your success. Hellenic News of America is honored to be part of the awareness campaign for your book, Platanides-Through The Eye of The Storm. Best regards,
Aphrodite Kotrotsios, MS Publisher | Hellenic News of America July 2022
5/5
The best books are those that make you feel. The best memoirs are those that make you remember your own experiences and, despite your differences, leaves you able to understand and empathize with the writer. William Planes does all of that. He is an excellent writer who clearly puts everything he has into his family history and memoir. This is a story of strength. It illustrates that even in darkness there is some light and good in even most evil situations. This leaves room for hope. This is an excellent book about a family tragedy that turns into a life of achievements.
Nick Farris, Rancher and Business Owner, Lampasas, Texas. August 2022
5/5
Greek Folk Dancing has been a part of my life for nearly 40 years. Through dancing, you learn culture, language, religion, AND history. Many of these beautiful dances come from Asia Minor with some representing the plight of the Greek experiences at the hands of the Ottoman Turks, and the destruction of Smyrna by Kemal Ataturk’s forces. Platanides Through the Eye of the Storm, gives the reader insight into the plight of a family that lived there during these tragic times in history. Mr. Planes’ book allows you to empathize with the Platanides’ family struggles and at the same time celebrate a strong commitment to survival and family achievements.The next time I hear a “Rembetiko”, this book will enhance my thoughts as I will hear it in the contexts of the story of the Platanides Family. For those that love and celebrate our Greek heritage and our Orthodox Christian Faith, I recommend that they read this book. It is totally enjoyable.
George M. Kouskoutis, Retired CEO and President of Anclote Insurance Agency, Tarpon Springs, FL. September 5, 2022
5/5
A fascinating story and very well told. I knew nothing about the genocide of 1922 perpetuated against the Christians by the Muslims and Kamel Ataturk. This is superbly researched. Mr. Planes uses great details and yet it is very readable. This book gave me great insight into the life of those who survived the genocide and became refugees coming to the US. It is an inspiring account of what perseverance, faith and hard work can achieve in life. What this family has accomplished in just a few generations to overcome hardships and create a better life for their future descendants. I highly recommend this book.
Nicholas Armstrong, Realtor, Lampasas, Texas August 2022
5/5
In today’s world, we need to stick firmly to our religious roots. People today have become so engrossed into the fast paced rat race of a life that they forget the basic essence of why a human lives: to praise God and his Son in every possible way, especially through their good actions. With the advent of digital media, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find accurate and verifiable information. This book alleviates that concern- I am so happy to know the history behind my Church!
Michael Kristos (Diversity Counselor)
5/5
This book is an interesting insight on the rich history behind Christianity. The fact that the writer has written extensively about his origin: and that origin is linked to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is the second largest Christian Church that has an outreach of almost 220 million members! Bill has studied his religious history with a keen eye: he uses terms like Theotokos, which means the one who gave birth to God. Christians today, whether from the Catholic Church or the Protestant Church, should read this book to understand the core meaning of what the Christian faith embodies. This book expands the meaning behind the most important doctrine for most of the major Christian Churches: the doctrine of the Trinity.
Sonia Anokhina (Secondary Teacher)

BOOK REVIEW

PLATANIDES: THROUGH THE EYE OF THE STORM William Planes, Author BY: ELLEN JAMES (History Teacher)

As I read this book, it captivated me to the point that I could not leave it down until I completed my read.

“Platanides: Through the Eye of The Storm” by William Planes is a captivating and poignant true story that sheds light on the struggles and resilience of the Greek Orthodox Christians at the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century in Asia Minor during what is now called the first genocides of the 20th Century. This book chronicles the life of a Christian boy and his family as they escape the horrors of the genocide and, as refugees, fleeing to Greece, some continuing as refugees to the United States and others eventually migrating to Crete.

The author, William Planes, masterfully weaves together his father’s experiences, personal anecdotes, and historical events to create a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving. Through vivid descriptions and a heartfelt writing style, he transports readers to the turbulent times of the early twentieth century, where his father with his parents and siblings faced immense challenges and danger, including death for being Faithful Orthodox Christians.

The strength of this book lies in its ability to convey the importance of Faith and the role of undoubting Faith Christ and the Theotokos (Holly Mother) in overcoming adversity. The author’s emphasis on the Christian Orthodox Faith, passed down through generations, highlights the profound impact it had on the survival and resilience of his father and his father’s family. This theme resonates throughout the story, inspiring readers to reflect on the power of Faith in their own lives.

“Platanides: Through the Eye of The Storm” not only provides a historical account of the genocides and the struggles faced by the author’s father in Asia Minor in the early 20th Century and later in the 1940’s in Crete Greece during WW II German occupation, but it also serves as a reminder of the precious freedoms enjoyed in the United States. The author’s warnings about the need to protect these freedoms serve as a timely and important message for today’s readers.

The author’s dedication to preserving Hellenic culture and history is evident throughout the book. His recognition as a nominee for the “2023 London Hellenic Award” is a testament to the authenticity and impact of his work. William Planes brings his own personal connection to the story, as the first generation born to a survivor of the genocide in Asia Minor, adding a powerful and intimate perspective to the narrative.

“Platanides: Through The Eye of The Storm” is a remarkable and inspiring account of survival, Faith, and the enduring human spirit. William Planes has crafted a narrative that will leave readers both educated and deeply moved. This book has the potential to not only enlighten and entertain, but also provide knowledge that will continue to inspire the generations to come.

I recommend this book to be read by young and old alike.  

Anna Tzani Ahlgren Owner and Operator Villa Natura 360 Kamilari, Crete, Greece

Anna’s grandfather, Konstantis Tsalikidou, and the author’s paternal grandmother, Kyriaki Tsalikidou Platanidis, were brother and sister. They also share great grandparents, Yoryos and Panayiota Tsalikidou.  She states as follows:

“Hello Bill,

Thank you for informing me about your book publication and I am glad for you that you have made true your dream about it.

I have already ordered it and am looking forward to read it.

It was possible to read a part of the beginning of the story and I burst in tears about the hard fate in life of your father.

 A hard story among many, of every refugee person that cut violently out of his roots and find himself somewhere else. 

On 1922 it was the Christians, Greeks and Armenians from the Ottoman empire state, on 2015 the Syrians and, now 2022 the Ukrainians…and nobody knows what will come in Europe.

The film “my beloved Smyrna”, that I referred to you, was premiered in the Berlin, Germany Film Festival.

It shows in pictures ,what you describe in writing!

Same story, one of many.

If reading books is still an interest for you, then I recommend that you buy the book 

“ THE BLIGHT OF ASIA”  by George Horton, who was the USA Ambassador in Smyrna 1922 and experience with own eye the events.

Wish you all the best.

Greetings from Crete.

Anna (granddaughter of Konstantis Tsalikoglou, brother of Kyriaki)”

Letter from Metropolitan Alexios