FORECASTS HARVEST IN THE SNOW: Ellen Blackman, Brassey’s, 24.95 (320p) ISBN 1-57488-085-3 (paperback, 2003- ISBN 1-57488-599-5)

In 1993, freelance journalist Blackman was so moved by TV footage showing the killings of Bosnian civilians that she flew to Bosnia to offer her help. A ten day trip turned into an eight month long rescue operation during which time the author ducked bullets to travel across the border to smuggle food and medicine to the besieged population and overcame many obstacles to arrange for the evacuation of seriously ill children to the US. Although Serb war atrocities have been documented elsewhere, Blackman’s eye witness description of brutal living conditions and the everyday threat of sniper fire makes for very effective reading. The author condemns the U.N.’s ineffective peacekeeping force and questions why so many had to doie before the U.S. sent troops. An inspiring account of a courageous humanitarian. Photos. (July)