When I retired in 2009 after two wonderful careers, the first as a radio and television broadcast journalist for twenty-five years, and another eighteen years as Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s Media & Communications Director, at the top of my “bucket list” was to write a book.
After two years of intensive research, writing, re-writing and editing, the book: “Defining Moments: A True Story of War, Family Conflict & Reconciliation” finally went to press and is now available online and in selected retail outlets.
I will be discussing this memoir of my father’s fascinating journey through the swamps and jungles of the South Pacific during World II on Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Hills Public Library, 3400 East Seyburn Drive, Auburn Hills, MI. 48326. The library is located off of Squirrel Road, south of University Drive and right across from the entrance to Oakland University. Just follow the signs.
The book is based on the more than 300 descriptive letters my wrote to his family in rural Ohio and they are quite candid as to what he was experiencing, not only war-related, but psychologically and emotionally as he evolved from a boy to a man. “Defining Moments” offers a different perspective on war which you don’t often read about in other war books, because this memoir does not focus entirely on the battlefield aspects of war, but rather the interesting journey of a naive, impressionable country boy who was suddenly thrust into a world he did not know or understand.
In the pages of “Defining Moments” readers will discover humor, action, adventure, romance and tragedy. They will also meet colorful characters such as Flabby Fannie, the Black Satan of Suva, Arlo-the Big Samoan, the King of the Tribe and many more.
There is also a “back story” to the narrative which chronicles the disintegration of an American family that was so close and loving before and during the war, but changed dramatically due to unforeseen and catastrophic events that mushroomed out of control after Bill Dustman arrived home in June, 1945.
I will also talk about how the book came together and what I learned from self-publishing my first book.
Following the talk, I will have copies of “Defining Moments” available for sale, if you so desire. A portion of the evening’s proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Auburn Hills Public Library.
Let’s make a date to meet on Monday, May 21 at 7pm at the Auburn Hills Public Library.
I can be reached at bob.dustman@gmail.com or (248) 568-2925.
