Can you try using Dir. Getwd to get current working directory (note: current working dir does not mean your gem's directory. It is a directory that ruby executable was called from), which should be same what you would get from Rails.
Root (unless some gem changes working dir).
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.