"Anyone who has an opportunity to read both Grandfather Stories and More Grandfather Stories is in for a real treat. This trip through the 20th Century as seen through the eyes of an 'average American man' is not to be missed, for it is as exciting and interesting a journey as one could take from the comfort of a favorite reading place. Hal Wilder is a living treasure, and knowing him personally is a tremendous joy." -- Eric Long
"I have almost finished your wonderful book, Grandfather Stories, but I couldn't wait to tell you how much I enjoyed it. It should sell easily once you market it." -- Jerry Whiting
"Grandfather Stories brought back so many happy memories of my own childhood. A thoroughly enjoyable book, easy to read, with many a hearty laugh." -- A.C. Nielsen, Jr.
On June 6, ’04, Jack Rambleu of Georgia wrote
“Mr Wilder, You don’t know me, but I feel that I know you. My Brother-in-Law got a copy of Grandfather Stories for his 65th birthday last winter, and let me read it when he finished’ If you come out with another, let me know. Or put me on your list for anything else you write. I’m already a fan. . . . “
On August 16 he ordered a copy of More Grandfather Stories.
Columnist Jannette Juaregui wrote:
Dear Hal,
Thank you for your very kind note regarding my last story. It means a lot to me to hear from those who actually lived through it- you are the ones who know it all best.
I treasure this one. It’s from FRIENDS OF THE CAMARILLO LIBRARY and signed by Mary Stumpf, Manager. “Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I loved your Grandfather Stories. It’s an apt title. I did feel that I was at grandfathers knee, listening. I read many parts to family and friends . . .”
Wonderful benefits are likely to come your way if you do as I did, and write your own memoirs. And it’s not only easy to do, it’s fun ! People tell me that my books hold their interest because I lived through interesting times. Well, that is true if you call Depression and War interesting. I was born in the middle of 1918, and retired in 1975. The years since I retired have given us all this computer technology, which is changing the World for everyone. That is truly interesting.
I found that as I wrote notes, memos and stories about my experiences, My mind cleared, my memory sharpened, and my friends took notice and marveled. My new passion has become “You, too, should write your memoirs, because look what it’s done for me.” You don’t need to be old to do so, but it need not be a hindrance if you are.
And you don’t need to be concerned that you are not a polished writer. There may be already too many people ready and willing to edit your work. The thing is to just sit down now and record what you did yesterday. Next record what you did last month, then last year. Read these over a few times., you will find doors open in your mind, memories will flow in, stories will appear. And you will also find that friends and contemporaries will call them interesting.
Recent press coverage and reader feedback
The Press
Ventura County Star article, "Old Soldiers' memories can live on"
A few reviews
"You are leading a life most would cherish to have. Rich, colorful, dangerous, lucky, honest, exciting, moral, courageous, generous, filled with friends. You've been the point of the spear, a leader always and someone who serves everyone as a mentor, still. Like a great restaurant that has so many good dishes, maybe you could offer up a sampler plate showcasing the pallet of experiences you've written about? This is no time to be too modest, not prideful of course, but proud certainly. Don't most fine restaurants have a dessert cart? Put together your dessert cart."
-- Jim Brown"I wanted you to know I just finished reading your book and I enjoyed it very much." -- Bob Hanson, Publisher of LWT
"Hal, thank you for writing this great story and... giving me a chance to read it. I am 78 years old, a Vet of WWII. I was one of those ground soldiers you flew over..."-- Greg Mazza"
There were moments while reading Grandfather Stories when I felt as though I was reading my own memories. I have never heard anyone describe the true horrors of FLAK with the same realistic intensity..." -- Bill Williams, 485th Bomb Group"
I am amazed at how you recall such detail. Keep writing. Write, write, write. You're good at it." -- Howie Keefe
"Through the words of Hal Wilder's book, Grandfather Stories, one is given a fascinating view of history and of a life well lived. We heartily recommend this look into the past." -- Allan & Nancy Berry
"Your book, Grandfather Stories... is appealing and has found a special place in our home." -- Al & Adry Ezcurra
" Here in Denmark, ... Some of the things that impresses me, is your fantastic memory. .. you have attention to details, that goes 70 years back. ..., as you master the abillity to tell (and make) a history interesting. " Thomas Zinck
These letters, and more are on file and available for any to see.
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Answers to WWII History questions
1. B .. 2 C .. 3 C .. 4 C .. 5 A .. 6 C .. 7 C
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About the Readers
Who are they, and what have they to say
Of course, some of them are my friends, old friends. But most of them I never heard of until I received an order for a copy in the mail. When I first decided to publish, I ordered 25 copies,, which I thought would cover interested family and friends, and that would be it.
Before I had distributed all of them I got letters and phone calls from friends of friends asking for copies. It was a real rush when someone I didn’t know wrote and asked what the price would be, and shipping charges to Connecticut. Believe me, that brought a real thrill.
Now that orders have run into the hundreds, I see I have a marketable product. MORE GRANDFATHER STORIES also has been well received, and I’m hoping this web site will bring more orders.
I imagine every new author dreams of a best seller. But publishers have no interest in unpublished authors, so I turn to you, visitors to my site.
When you find yourself enjoying these stories, and recommend them to your friends, that just may lead some stuffy publisher to give it a whirl.
