The Press
Ventura County Star article, "Old Soldiers' memories can live on"
A few reviews

To Whom It May Concern:
Hal Wilder is a natural-born storyteller. He has an instinctive gift for
language that no amount of training, no fancy MFA degrees, can confer upon a
writer. Naturally gifted writers like Hal are few and far between in these
modern times, when short attention spans rule the day. But Hal is more than a
gifted writer. He is one whose type is even more rare these days - one who is
concerned with meaning. Hal's stories invite us to reflect on values,
character, and human relationship - all without being sanctimonious. He opens up
territory we often ignore, then leaves it to us to do the real work of
reflection and contemplation. In 25 years of working in the publishing business,
I have rarely come across writers who can combine these elements with such pith
and verve.
Lee Nichol
Editor, The Essential David Bohm
Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr.
Les Brownlee
"I met Hal Wilder nearly 23 years ago, and have worked for and with him in the Ventura
Power Squadron Public Boating Safety classes. Reading both of his
lively life story books Grandfather Stories and More Grandfather
Stories reveals a fuller appreciation of his exceptional life and his
personable communication talents. Flying and boating have been common,
yet separate pursuits. Hal is a wonderful true story teller who has
lived through some of America's most
momentous times. As one of the Greatest Generation serving overseas
flying in World war II he has documented the period in an honest and
attention holding manner. Hal has put down an extraordinary life seen
through the eyes of one who has lived it, fought to preserve it and
succeeded in telling it in a plain, folksy manner as if he were
speaking with you as a best friend. His memory is sharp, and truly
special in conveying to the reader what life was like and how he coped
with the hand he was dealt. There are spots of humor and personal
foibles revealed of a man who is not afraid to be direct with the
reader. Absorb these engrossing books-you will be a better person for
it to share the marvelous joys, the ups and the downs of a most
remarkably humane, human being.
Perhaps you can enter this review in your website. I look forward to
your third book. It has been a pleasure knowing you, personally and
through your books."
-- Doug Robertson
"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.
1. B .. 2 C .. 3 C .. 4 C .. 5 A .. 6 C .. 7 C
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.