Gosh, it’s hard to believe it, but my WWII book about my dad’s exploits, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse, has been out just over a year. What’s most surprising is that it’s still getting marvelous reviews, has won one international book award and another national book award, and has been nominated for another eight awards. This most recent review is one of my favorites.

I cannot muster enough superlatives to describe the treasure of this story about Phil Larimore. It is an inspired story and one that needed to be written for posterity.

There is something in this story for everyone:

• from nuggets of pre-war Americana, 
• a 20th century Huck Finn who needed some “civilizing,“ 
• equine lore,
• Bridge (my wife and I play), and unbelievable courage , heroism, and leadership.

All this from a very young man who has to deal with:

• a profound disability,
• the heartbreak of lost love,
• Faith found amid the horrors of war,
• the eternal and unshakable guidance of Pastoral wisdom. and
• on and on!

The research was meticulous but of course the authors filled in the gaps with beautiful and easily readable writing that made the reading fluid and seemingly effortless .

This is not just a war story, but a true American story !

This is a book that every high school student of American History should read! I will be buying some copies for the libraries of all my grandkids schools. I am so grateful to have read At First Light!

I’m also delighted that the book has received ~94% (406 of 431 reviews) 5-star ratings on:

• Amazon (169 ratings [158 are 5-star]),
• GoodReads (102 ratings [91 are 5-star]),
• Barnes & Noble (67 [66 5-star]),
• Walmart (51 ratings [49 are 5-star]), and
• Target (42 ratings [all 5-star]).

Here are the book awards either already received on in the process of consideration:

AWARDS:

• 2022 Silver Medal — Memoir/Biography — Military Writers Association of America
• 2022 Finalist (shortlist) Book Award — Non-Fiction — Page Turner Awards (London)
• 2023 Featured Author and Book — Louisiana Book Festival

NOMINATIONS OR SUBMISSIONS PENDING

• 2022 Kemper and Leila Williams Prize in Louisiana History
• 2023 Military History Matters Books of the Year
• 2023 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards
• 2023 Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History
• 2023 U.S. Military History Group Awards
• 2023 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Awards
• 2023 Louisiana Book Festival

If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can learn more about it or order it here.

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