Quick Updates - WAKE and The Last Living WWI Soldier

WAKE -
Lisa McMann's book WAKE hit the shelves on March 5th. I went right out and bought my copy and bragged to the clerk at Border's Book Store that I was friends with the author. I don't know if he was impressed but it was certainly fun for me to say it.

I read WAKE in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This is a rarity for me. I'm an avid reader but the context of my life makes it nearly impossible to sit for long stretches of time and read. The needs of a large family take first priority. But for WAKE everything stopped. It's a real page turner totally deserving of awards. Lisa has already received her first. WAKE was nominated for the Borders Original Voices Award for the month of May 08. I'm proud of my friend. If you are interested in dreams, mystery, romance, and the paranormal then go get her amazing book.

FRANK BUCKLES, WWI VETERAN -

I am happy to say that President Bush met yesterday with Frank Buckles, the last surviving WWI US soldier. He was brought to the White House to honor his service to our country and to commemorate a series of event highlighting World War I.

Mr. Buckles memory is sharp and at 107 he is in relatively good health. During an interview with a television crew from the Veterans Affairs Administration, Buckles reeled off his military serial number and noted that he's still got his dog tags to remind him. He served before there were Social Security numbers.

I'm still hoping to hear the State Department announce that upon Mr. Buckles death he will be given a State funeral and be buried with the highest honors.

Wake by Lisa McMann

I want to introduce you to a great new author. Lisa McMann is a personal friend and on her way to author/stardom if there is such a thing.

She is a devoted mother and has worked so hard to perfect her craft. The result is WAKE, a young adult novel about a young woman who falls in and out of other people dreams.

I can't wait to read it. If you have a teen in your house, age 14 and up, get them a copy of WAKE. It just hit the stores. If they love it tell them not to worry, a sequel is on the way, titled FADE.

Lisa is an inspiration and deserves all the recognition coming her way. Writers, we should support each other in our efforts to reach the reading public. No one else understands how hard this career/life choice can be. Celebrate those who have made it and visualize when your turn will come...because with hard work and determination it will come.

Visit Lisa's website to learn more about the awesome writer and her work. I tried to post her book trailer from YouTube but it's not working. I'll keep trying.