I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Yael Yannay shares the story of higher pilot Avi Lanir, who never returned from Syrian capture during the Yom Kippur War in the book “Avi Lanir – A Short Life Story: The Courage and Capture of an Israeli Fighter Pilot.”
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The Synopsis
This is the story of the life and death of Lt. Col. Avi Lanir (1940-1974)—the most senior Israeli pilot to fall into Syrian captivity during the Yom Kippur War, and the only one who did not return alive.
Lanir died after brutal torture, without betraying the critical secret the Israeli Air Force had entrusted to his care. The body was defeated, yet the human spirit soared and triumphed. In these stormy and turbulent times, here is the story of a man whose brief spring touched the seasons of a nascent Israel.
Israeli author and editor Yael Yannay has woven a moving, inspiring biographical tapestry from the memories of family members, soul mates, and comrades-in-arms, and from the reflections of those who led Israel then—in body and in spirit. A profound, complex story: one of beauty and a vibrant life attuned to awareness— full of orders and briefings; question marks and family; love and yearning; wounds and hopes.
The Review
What immediately struck me was how honest and heartfelt the author’s writing was. While a national hero who withstood some of the worst torture a person could endure during war before passing, the author could have easily written a biography that was pure hero worship. Still, instead the author delved into the complex humanity that was Avi Lanir’s life growing up and during his time as a fighter pilot, captured best in the author’s opening chapters that showcased the stress Avi was under during his last meeting with his wife, and his reaction to not seeing his child leading to a disagreement and later reflection on the words not said between them.
The honesty was balanced well with the detail and immersive writing experience the author brought to this book. The way the author conveyed the historical events that Avi’s father and grandfather experienced and how these impacted Israel as a whole, while also balancing this with Avi’s personal struggles and experiences, was memorable. The sheer volume of courage that Avi displayed during his career and short life, especially in those pivotal moments withstanding torture to keep his country’s military secrets, exuded a bravery that is inspiring and infectious all at once.
The Verdict
Honest, compelling, and engaging, author Yael Yannay’s “Avi Lanir – A Short Life Story” is a must-read book. The biography holds nothing back, is well-researched, and brings so much insight to life in Israel and in the Israel Air Force, both historically and through the life of Avi Lanir. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Yael Yannay, mother of four. Author, editor, lexicographer. Coaxes words into what they long to become: spring or autumn, iron or silk, minor or major.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Siblings discover their late father was famous and had an infamous life before their birth in the book “The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton” by Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo with Philip Mershon.
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The Synopsis
Imagine losing a parent and discovering he had a secret life you’d never known about. You and your siblings embark on a quest to uncover what it all meant, becoming enmeshed in a series of images and anecdotes found in newspapers, magazines, books, and documents. Ultimately, you realize your parent was not just famous, but VERY famous! Walter Thornton was famous during a time when it was easy to be forgotten (1920s to the 1950s), making the discoveries about his life all the more engaging due to the involved process of uncovering them.
Through alternating perspectives presented by two sisters, the Thornton saga unfolds in a whirlwind of surprising revelations, thrilling with unexpected drama, adventure, and glamour. Just imagine beautiful models, pin-up girls, Hollywood royalty—Thornton was a true trendsetter. This book unveils the captivating story of Thornton’s rise from an orphan to a charismatic male model to a visionary who transformed advertising by founding the first-ever agency for advertising models. But hold onto your hats because there’s more! Get ready for dramatic twists, encounters with models who transformed into Hollywood legends such as Lauren Bacall, Susan Hayward, and Grace Kelly, and a hint of McCarthy-era intrigue—it’s a gripping tale worthy of the silver screen itself!
The Review
What an insightful and heartfelt biography! The authors’ personal connection to Walter Thornton is immediately felt, and the emotional core of bringing his whole story to life, both the history they knew and the history they didn’t, will form a deep connection with readers as they delve into this story. The atmosphere the authors create for readers helps capture the old Hollywood meets classic American dream vibes that were so prevalent in that time period.
One of the things that made this biography stand out was how it explored what it means for people to have an impact on history. The revelation of the author’s father and his exploits as a young man, from small roles in early films to modeling and starting the first major modeling agency, allowed readers to see how even the people we love most can have other sides to them, and sometimes those sides can impact the world in a whole new way.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and memorable, authors Nancy Thornton Navarro, Adriana Thornton-Cornejo, and Philip Mershon’s “The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton” is a must-read nonfiction biography. The detail and love that went into this biography and the insight that the subject’s life provided into not only this era of history but this industry as well will keep readers engaged and invested in the life of this illustrious man. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Walter Thornton’s daughters have devoted countless years to researching, writing, and archiving their father’s extensive collection of photos and documents, discovered in the attic of their childhood home. Drawing upon the invaluable insights collected from their father’s documents and aided by the assistance of numerous librarians from esteemed institutions such as the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, and others across the country, as well as historians, they have fully immersed themselves in the quest to unveil their father’s narrative.
Nancy Thornton Navarro is a former trademark and copyright attorney who has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Irving, Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Nancy currently lives near Dallas with her husband and is a proud mother of three.
Adriana Thornton-Cornejo (R) is a Programmer, 2D Artist, and CAD Drafter at Focus 360, a company serving the Home Building Industry. Adriana hopes that, with renewed public interest in her father’s life and career, she can one day open a Walter Thornton Museum. She lives near Los Angeles with her husband and their two sons.
Philip Mershon is an entertainment industry historian and storyteller who loves going down a good rabbit hole in search of the truth. He lives in Palm Springs, California.
Join us at The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton. We’ll interview the authors and give away a copy of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Lucia McCreery shares detailed journals that document the life of surveyors in the late 19th century in the book “William A. Richards Diaries of a Frontier Surveyor: In Nebraska and Wyoming”.
The Synopsis
These unique diaries give a vivid, you-are-there view of what surveyors went through during the westward expansion. Richards, who eventually becomes governor of Wyoming and commissioner of the U.S. General Land Office, tells his story, one day at a time.
The 1869 diary covers his life in rural Wisconsin and frustration with teaching – Going west to the growing frontier town of Omaha – His surveying apprenticeship laying out townships for settlement
The 1884 and 1885 diaries cover his exploration of Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin and his return to establish a homestead and begin the large-scale irrigation project that would finance the move.
Through all the uncertainty, dangers and hardships, Richards keeps his sly sense of humor as he reveals a sometimes enchanting, sometimes harrowing tale of adventure, guts, and accomplishment.
The occasional surveying terms are explained by Wyoming’s Dr. Herbert W. Stoughton and others, in footnotes and in essays in the appendix. Dr. Stoughton has overseen surveying and mapping projects throughout the world, and frequently consulted throughout the U.S. on 17th through 20th century historical surveying matters.
Enhancing the work are biographical articles, stories about surveyors’ returns to the remote boundaries, among them the 1990s remonumentation campaign that included the state boundary “corners” established by William and his brother Alonzo, plus relevant letters and Richards’s dramatic hunting stories.
The appendix features an essay and maps of Richards’s Nebraska surveys by Gene A. Thomsen, a Nebraska deputy state surveyor and historian.
55 illustrations and photos, 22 in full color – 30 maps and diagrams
This was a powerful and informative read. The author’s ability to edit and bring to life the writings of the author’s ancestors as they worked to survey the wilds of the frontier. The attention to detail the author paid to the notes and experiences the author’s ancestors wrote down and the history of these experiences made this such an intriguing story.
The heart of this story rests in the balance between informative and personal writing. The ability of the author to lay out the events of the book in a professional matter and yet relate to the journey that the author’s relatives experienced added a depth of personal history that made the journal entries feel more profound. Surveyors’ impact on our history and the expertise brought to the surveyor field made this a much more informed book than ever.
The Verdict
Gripping, thought-provoking, and engaging author Lucia McCreery’s “William A. Richards Diaries of a Frontier Surveyor: In Nebraska and Wyoming” is a must-read nonfiction, history, and biography. The history and knowledge readers will gain from this book will keep them enthralled as they delve deeper into this informative read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Lucia McCreery holds B. A. in history and is a retired journalist. She is a great-granddaughter of W.A. Richards.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author S.A. Sterling shares the powerful and inspiring story of Dame Sarah Storey in the book “Ride On!”.
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The Synopsis
From surmounting a career-ending injury to thriving in a male-dominated sport, ‘Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph’ offers a story that goes beyond athletic accomplishment—it’s a masterclass in resilience and personal growth.
Feel stuck in life, burdened by challenges and self-doubt?
This book is your roadmap to breaking free.
Reading ‘Ride On!’ you’ll gain:
• Self-Belief: Harness confidence as your driving force.
• Resilience: Equip yourself with tools to face life’s challenges head-on.
• Adaptability: Learn to pivot your way to success, just like Sarah.
S.A. Sterling captures the indomitable spirit of Dame Sarah Storey, making ‘Ride On!’ a must-read for sports aficionados and anyone inspired by human resilience.
Penned by S.A. Sterling, an author committed to narratives of triumph over adversity, ‘Ride On!’ isn’t just a biography—it’s a guide to unlocking your untapped potential.
As you turn the pages, you won’t just find a compelling story, but actionable insights to elevate you from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Are you ready to complete your picture?
The Review
This was a truly inspiring and memorable read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the life of this compelling athlete and showcasing the struggles that became hurdles to jump over in life. The balance of straightforward information with the subtlety of the inspirational themes inspires the reader throughout this book.
The heart of this book rests in the book’s subject, Dame Sarah Storey. The emotional weight of the athlete’s journey, as well as the way the author was able to frame the life of Dame Sarah Storey from both her inspirational tale and the everyday life experiences she carried as both a mother and a wife, made this feel relatable and engaging from a reader’s perspective. The imagery and atmosphere that the author provides allow the reader to feel transported to these pivotal moments in the reader’s life.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and inspiring, author S.A. Sterling’s “Ride On!” is a must-read biography and nonfiction book. The way the author showcases the strength to overcome diversity and the success that a woman can find in a male-dominated field makes this a gripping true story that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Meet S. A. Sterling, a storyteller on a mission to inspire hearts and minds across the globe. With a Master’s Degree in Foreign Language and a passion for storytelling, S. A. Sterling embraces the beauty of communication through her multilingual skills, effortlessly connecting with people from diverse cultures.
Beyond her academic achievements lies a genuine passion for making a difference. As a devoted language teacher, S. A. Sterling empowers her students to explore new horizons and appreciate the power of words. Sterling weaves together a tapestry of inspiration which transcends language barriers and touches the hearts of many across the globe.
S. A. Sterling’s thirst for knowledge and passion for personal growth extends beyond her writing desk. She is an avid reader who constantly seeks out inspiring stories that fuel her imagination and ignite her own desire to make a difference in the world. Inspired by the extraordinary journey of Dame Sarah Storey, S. A. Sterling began writing a transformative tale of triumph. Instead of simply recounting achievements, she sought to capture the essence of courage and resilience that defines Dame Sarah’s life.
Through Ride On! Dame Sarah Storey’s Extraordinary Journey of Triumph: How to Unleash the Power Within, Push Boundaries, and Champion Excellence, S. A. Sterling’s heartfelt goal is to uplift and empower readers. She wishes to guide them on a journey of self-discovery in hopes that every reader will find their own courage to break free from limitations and embrace their unique path to greatness. S. A. Sterling invites you to explore the awe-inspiring life of Dame Sarah Storey—a journey that transcends boundaries, redefines greatness, and celebrates the beauty of the human spirit.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Ann Taylor gives readers a personal look into the life of the foremost North American ammeter ornithologist and conservationist in the mid-twentieth century in the book “Joseph W. Taylor Born to Bird”.
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The Synopsis
Joseph W. Taylor BORN TO BIRD is a biography of the foremost North American amateur ornithologist and conservationist in the mid-twentieth century.
BORN TO BIRD examines Joe Taylor’s life path as a journey toward his true self. This transformation came slowly. He was born to economic and social privilege, yet an unanticipated destiny with birds awaited him.
Birdwatching began for Joe at age eight. Early on, he conformed to a traditional pattern of education and employment. Nevertheless, beneath this apparent comfort lay a developing obsession with birds. His skill with bird identification blossomed, as did his curiosity about birds and their habitats. By the time he was an adult, Joe had become a serious birder.
In the late 1940s, he began to visit wildlife refuges. Often in solitude away from the pressures of family and commercial obligations, he created plans for bolstering the national pursuit of birdwatching. At the same time, he began to compile a list of the numerous bird species which he had personally identified. He joined the life listing “600 Club,” an elite group dedicated to the identification of bird species. At the close of his life, he had seen over 729 individual species.
As his awareness about ecological problems grew, Joe made a pivotal decision to break with all traditional expectations and begin a new life. In his mid-fifties, he abruptly retired from business and began wholeheartedly to embrace naturalist pursuits. His significant contributions to the study of birds, his tenure on many conservation boards, twenty-six-years as president of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania and his collaborative formation of the American Birding Association are evidence of his dedication. The manifest transformation of his life was complete.
This monomythical journey is something we all have the potential to realize. Are we living out our dreams, choosing our true passion over safe decisions or expected demands? One’s life contains infinite choices, some planned, others circumstantial. A life transformed from expectation into passionate dedication is an inspiration, not only for birders but also for us all.
The Review
This was an inspiring and fascinating read. The author writes with a passion and admiration that reflects her close personal connection to her father’s legacy and the pursuit of his personal passion in life that so few people ever get the chance to experience. The imagery (both literal and figurative here), allowed the reader to feel a broader connection to Joseph as his life led him from the business world to the natural world in such an abrupt yet meaningful way, and allowed the serene nature of the outdoors and the wildlife itself (ornithologically speaking of course) to shine through expertly.
To me, the heart of this book rested in the author’s ability to balance out the biographical aspects of the book with the more enlightening nature of ornithology and the passion for bird-watching itself. The author does a wonderful job of connecting the reader emotionally to her father’s life and his experiences moving into his passion in life at the young age of 54, and yet as a bird pet parent and a bird enthusiast myself, I could feel the heart and love for this subject matter as it overtook the author’s father throughout his life and the almost serene beauty that comes from witnessing these majestic creatures in flight or in their everyday life.
The Verdict
Passionately written, captivating, and engaging, author Ann Taylor’s “Joseph W. Taylor Born to Bird” is a must-read biography meets nonfiction book on nature and birds in particular. The heart and driving force behind the subject’s need to immerse themselves in the life of ornithology while also conveying the emotional bond the author had with her father made this a meaningful and impactful read that the audience won’t soon forget.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab it when it hits shelves on March 20th, 2023!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ann Taylor, author, editor and designer has been creating public and private books for decades. Producing books is her passion. Joseph W. Taylor BORN TO BIRD, a biography of her father, combines all these skills. Joe Taylor was the foremost “life lister” of North American birds in the late twentieth century. Traveling with him on numerous birding expeditions schooled Ann in the art of birdwatching which compelled her to write and compile this personal narrative. Born in the East, Ann’s childhood was infused with birds – in conversations, on feeders, in Audubon engravings, even stuffed! Educated at Vassar College and the New School University, her book creation skills have been utilized by publishers such as Alfred A. Knopf and Paul S. Eriksson. Her books focus on biography, travel, art and genealogy. In her eighties, Ann writes at her desk in Scottsdale, Arizona and at her wilderness retreat in the Bradshaw Mountains. She has organized a book club for countless years, loves loom weaving and is devoted to Tai chi chuan. Her family and friends are often recruited to critique her imaginative concepts. Even her cat must listen to the latest pages!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Piers R. Blackett, along with Annah Otis, shares his mother’s artwork and the experiences and periods of time in which they were created in the book “Felicity, Art, War and Peace”.
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The Synopsis
Felicity, Art, War and Peace: This is the inspiring story of an English-born artist, who, born in 1911, lost her father in the first world war. Her school years were in Italy, where her Scottish mother owned a tearoom, and where she began her art education. She married a British army officer and accompanied him to India where she attended art school. But further education was cut short in 1939 by tumultuous war years followed by two years in Germany while her second husband, Rupert, a close friend of Tommy her first husband, served in the British Army of Occupation. Both men were wounded, Rupert severely and Tommy fatally. Then, a move to South Africa in 1948 resulted in relative peace, her style evolving from classic realism to include more impressionistic representation of her subjects. After moving back to England in 1972, her work was twice accepted for exhibition by the Royal West of England Academy. She remained intent on capturing movement, expression, and communication among domestic and wild animals, and birds. The Slimbridge Wetland Centre, as well as her own garden with her ducks and rabbits, provided an ideal environment for inspiration. Missing her 100th birthday by only a few months, her century-long story captures all that her life and commitment to art encompassed, making an enduring impression on children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who in many ways have contributed to preserving her memory.
The Review
Yet another amazing and well-written biography that captured both the emotional connection the authors had to the subject of the book and the lifetime of experiences that their lives comprised. The century of history that Felicity’s life experienced was so well documented and infused both hope and passion into events and experiences that were both inspiring yet terrifying at times. The authors did an incredible job of not only sharing a wealth of information but showcasing the importance of finding one’s community to thrive and grow, something that is so important to one’s mental and emotional health.
The heart of this book rests in both the personal experiences and lifetime of events the authors brought to life for Felicity and the beauty of the art from Felicity and the importance of the themes that each art piece and associated memory brought. The honesty and passion of the authors writing and the heart found in the amazing pieces of art that the writers featured from Felicity brought a depth of connection to Felicity as a subject and as a person that the reader is able to make.
The Verdict
Brilliantly written, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Piers Blackett and Annah Otis’s “Felicity, Art, War and Peace” is a must-read biography about a strong, inspiring, and artistically creative woman who impacted her family and the world around her. The heart and emotion that the authors emote in this book’s writing and the wealth of information were so inviting to read about as a reader, and those who come to learn about Felicity and her life will not want to put this book down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Piers Blackett, a retired professor of pediatrics, was born in England during World War II and grew up in South Africa where he graduated as a doctor at the University of Cape Town. Pediatric residency and specialty fellowship were completed in New York and Toronto. During a career of specialization in endocrinology including metabolism and genetics at at the University of Oklahoma, he authored and co-authored medical publications including book chapters. His first book outside the medical field, “Felicity. Art War and Peace”, a biography co-authored with Annah Otis, was published in 2023.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Paul E. Doutrich shares a thought-provoking and engaging look into the life of his uncle Don Malone as he lives and experiences the momentous events that shaped the American 20th century in the book “The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone”.
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The Synopsis
The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone takes readers into the events that helped shape the American twentieth century. They begin when sixteen-year-old Donnie gets caught up in the patriotic swirl of World War I. Enlisting in the U.S. Army, he becomes a pilot during the deadly days at the end of the fighting.
The stakes in Donnie’s life are just as high after the war. He wrestles with wealthy investors and powerful politicians who have designs on his air delivery business. He is hired to drive a cab for an ambitious mobster and works at assorted dead-end jobs until he bumps into the man who taught him to fly, American ace Eddie Rickenbacker, and it changes his course.
Later he befriends detainees in a Japanese internment camp, becomes enmeshed in labor struggles, and dodges McCarthy agents. During the Vietnam era, having seen enough war, Donnie helps several young men avoid the draft by flying them to Canada.
Woven throughout Donnie’s adventures are the threads of a rich family life, and contentment even in times of travail.
The Review
This was such a powerful and engaging read. The author did a remarkable job of making the tone and quality of the writing feel almost homey as if you were sitting in the room with Donnie and listening to him retell these stories with passion and heart that only a close relative could. The emotional connection the author made between his uncle and the events of his life was significantly felt throughout the book and elevated the storied life he led.
What struck me about this book was the amazing balance of personal storytelling the author found with the historical aspect of the setting and backstory behind the stories themselves. As a history buff, getting to see this firsthand account from the author’s uncle and how these pivotal and shocking moments from the 20th century occurred was incredible. The heart behind these stories and the personable way the story was told added depth to the experience and connection the author’s uncle had to the last century of American history.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Paul Doutrich’s “The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone” is a must-read biography and nonfiction read that blends biography storytelling with history at its finest. The passion and memorable way the author connected readers to his uncle’s stories and the relatability of the American narrative for many people will resonate with a large audience and make this one book you wouldn’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Paul Doutrich is a professor emeritus of American history at York College of Pennsylvania where he taught for thirty years. He now lives on Cape Cod in Brewster, Massachusetts.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The true story of a man blind from birth and the extraordinary bond between him and his guide dog that allowed them to survive one of American History’s most horrendous tragedies comes to life in authors Michael Hingson and Susy Flory’s “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero”.
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The Synopsis
Faith. Trust. Triumph.
I trust Roselle with my life, every day. She trusts me to direct her. And today is no different, except the stakes are higher. Michael Hingson
First came the boom the loud, deep, unapologetic bellow that seemed to erupt from the very core of the earth. Eerily, the majestic high-rise slowly leaned to the south. On the seventy-eighth floor of the World Trade Center’s north tower, no alarms sounded, and no one had information about what had happened at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001. What should have been a normal workday for thousands of people. All that was known to the people inside was what they could see out the windows: smoke and fire and millions of pieces of burning paper and other debris falling through the air.
Blind since birth, Michael couldn’t see a thing, but he could hear the sounds of shattering glass, falling debris, and terrified people flooding around him and his guide dog, Roselle. However, Roselle sat calmly beside him. In that moment, Michael chose to trust Roselle’s judgment and not to panic. They are a team.
Thunder Dog allows you entry into the isolated, fume-filled chamber of stairwell B to experience survival through the eyes of a blind man and his beloved guide dog. Live each moment from the second a Boeing 767 hits the north tower, to the harrowing stairwell escape, to dodging death a second time as both towers fold into the earth.
It’s the 9/11 story that will forever change your spirit and your perspective. Thunder Dog illuminates Hingson’s lifelong determination to achieve parity in a sighted world, and how the rare trust between a man and his guide dog can inspire an unshakable faith in each one of us.
The Review
The authors delivered a truly moving, compelling, and inspiring memoir. The visceral details of the harrowing experience both Michael and his guide dog Roselle had trying to navigate that stairwell and escape the towers that horrific day is chilling and haunting to read about, and is something that many readers around the world will be able to identify with as many experienced the fear and confusion that the news brought from that traumatic day.
The heart of the narrative lies in the bond between Michael and Roselle, as well as the emphasis the authors put on faith and trust as a whole. Whether it is the faith that Michael put into Roselle that day and throughout their lives as a whole or the faith in his belief system that gave him the confidence to face life’s struggles head-on, the theme of faith runs deeply through this book.
Now I will say I had the pleasure of reading another book on this man’s life story, and you can read my thoughts on that here, but what made this version of his story shine in a different light than the first one was the emphasis the authors put on showcasing blindness as a whole and trying to move readers to look beyond the “handicap” of those who are blind and see the people they are instead, which gave a nice balance to the rest of the events portrayed in this book.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, inspiring, and hopeful, authors Michael Hingson and Susy Flory’s “Thunder Dog” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction book on faith, trust, and loyalty like no other. The emotional connection between Michael and Roselle, as well as the importance of understanding blindness and the connection people make with either their pets or in this instance, their guide dogs, and the shocking details of an experience few could ever put into words made this one book you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9-11, it was as though the world stood still. It was a day that captured our full attention. Michael Hingson and his Guide Dog Roselle were on the 78th floor of Tower One that day, and were able to make their way to safety and survive the attack. The duo was immediately thrust into the international spotlight, becoming well-known representatives of the strength of the human/animal bond and a living example of the powerful partnership that exists between a blind person and their Guide Dog. In 2002 Michael joined the Guide Dogs for the Blind team as the National Public Affairs director, to share his story throughout the world on behalf of the school. In June of 2008 Michael left Guide Dogs to form The Michael Hingson Group to continue his speaking career as well as to serve as a consultent for corporations and organizations that need assistance with Inclusive and Diversity training as well as adaptive technology training.
Michael Hingson is available for speaking engagements, public appearances, consulting and training contract positions and media interviews.
In his own words:
I lived through the 9-11 tragedy and have much to say about my experiences leading up to and escaping from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Since that day, I’ve traveled the world with Roselle and her successors; at first to help people heal and hope, and now, to help them find meaning and purpose. As a blind person living in today’s world I want people to see that while there are many different kinds of people, each with their own different gifts, we all can live and work together if we choose to open our minds and hearts and become a more inclusive world. There are positive lessons to be learned from every tragedy, and 9-11 is certainly no exception.
Because I am blind, I have a unique perspective. Because I believe in the power of partnering with my Guide Dog, I can speak from the heart about teamwork and trust. I’ve been a guest numerous times on Larry King Live, have been interviewed on Regis and Kelly, and have appeared on the CBS Morning Show – but I’m looking forward to my next big engagement: as the featured speaker at your event.
I promise to bring my faithful friend and guide dog, Africa – she has her own fan club! If it weren’t for our ability to work together as a team just as I Roselle and I did on 9-11, my story would be much different and I probably would not have learned the lessons I now can pass on to audiences throughout the world.
The events of September 11th changed the world, and they certainly changed my life. There’s something about almost losing your life that makes what really matters in life crystal clear. I left my successful 27-year career in high tech computer sales and management to travel the world speaking about the importance of teamwork and trust in our professional and personal lives.
I would like to bring my story to your audience at your next event or meeting and help you make it a memorable and rewarding experience. And you will have the satisfaction that any dollars you spend will not only cover my speaking fees, but will help others like myself enjoy the independence and companionship that comes from a partnership with a Guide Dog.
Susy Flory is the New York Times bestselling author or co-author of fourteen books. A graduate of UCLA, she has a background in journalism, education, and communications. She loves reading and writing stories about unforgettable people who are living lives of adventure, courage, hope, redemption, and transformation.
She first started writing at the Newhall Signal with the legendary Scotty Newhall, an ex-editor of the San Francisco Chronicle and a one-legged cigar-smoking curmudgeon who ruled the newsroom from behind a dented metal desk where he pounded out stories on an Underwood Typewriter.
Susy’s first book, Fear Not Da Vinci, was co-written with Gini Monroe with contributions by Ward Gasque, and published in 2006. Other books include So Long Status Quo: What I Learned from Women Who Changed the World (Beacon Hill, 2009); Miracle on Voodoo Mountain (with Megan Boudreaux, Harper Collins, 2015); and The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God, with Jep and Jessica Robertson (Harper Collins, 2015).
Susy’s runaway bestseller, Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero written with Michael Hingson, hit the New York Times bestsellers list in both hardcover nonfiction and e-book nonfiction the first week of release. Thunder Dog has also been adapted for the stage, optioned for film, and translated into over 15 languages, including German, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, and Chinese.
Her most recent book. The Sky Below, is the story of astronaut Scott Parazynski, the only man every to fly in space and summit Mount Everest. She just finished up Desired By God, a book with Van Moody, pastor of the Worship Center in Birmingham, AL, about a God who yearns for a vital and passionate relationship with us.
Susy is a member of The Authors Guild, Inspire Christian Writers, and INK Creative Collective. She’s a 2017 recipient of the Pacesetter Award from Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and now directs the West Coast Christian Writers Conference in the San Francisco Bay Area and her startup, Everything Memoir.
A breast cancer survivor of four gnarly surgeries, Susy celebrates life by chasing great stories in places like Cuba, Haiti, Turkey, Israel, and her own backyard. She’s written with celebrities, heroes of the faith, athletes, explorers, and the girl (and boy) next door She loves riding a crazy ex-racehorse named Stetson, hiking in the High Sierras, and skiing black diamond runs whenever she can.
