ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Groat gathered his formal education from the elementary and secondary public schools of DeSoto, Missouri, Jefferson College, the University of Missouri, and Southeast Missouri State University. His non-formal education was accumulated as a newspaper delivery boy, a grass cutter, a lunch ticket puncher, a factory laborer, a quality control technician, a hod carrier, a pool hall assistant manager, a plumber’s helper, a rock band manager, a bartender, a secondary math teacher, a furniture delivery man, a cross country coach, a shipping warehouse order filler, a consultant to an educational software company, a help desk person at an insurance company, a college math teacher, a seed merchandiser, a bank courier, and an author. His informal education was collected in group interactions pursuing interests he chose or interests that were chosen for him. The learning continues, intentional or not…
Dan Groat lives with his wife, Arlene, and their Russell Terrier (Shorty Jack), Zeke, near St. Louis. He is an avid sports fan and follows Mizzou football and basketball, St. Louis University basketball, the Cardinals, the Rams, the Blues, and the DeSoto Dragons. When he’s not writing, he enjoys shooting pool, reading, watching movies, and planting things and watching them grow (including trees, shrubs, flowers, and ideas).
FROM THE AUTHOR
The purpose of an author’s bio is to create a connection with the reader by telling them something about the person behind the title. Telling you what I believe may do that better than telling you who I am, since what I believe is what I write, and what I write is really who I am now, and who I hope to be in the future.
I believe in the uniqueness of each person and that, if given the equality of opportunity, the individual is the best architect of his own destiny. I believe that societal problems are best remedied by small groups, preferably starting with the family; that government should protect people without getting in the way of their lives; that Americans are not guaranteed happiness, but the right to pursue it; that society is both a benefit and a burden that requires giving as well as receiving; that acceptance of cultural diversity includes acceptance of a diversity of opinions; that change is not automatically good; that displaying a devotion to country is a virtue; that individual differences can be served without sacrificing excellence. I believe deeply in love, loyalty, individualism, self-reliance, liberty, ambition, hard work, competition without trophies for everyone, and that action is a form of expression as well as words. If you share these beliefs, you might enjoy crawling into the pages of one of my books.
Why do I write? I write to escape and be entertained. I write to communicate and connect. I write to better understand the world and the human condition. I write to strengthen my hope.
Why do you read?
<p>United Nations’ sanctions are crippling North Korea. China has turned her back on her malevolent partner. The North Korean military machine is crumbling, unable to function. Oil reserves are minimal and the government seeks new alliances.Cargo and tourist ships are disappearing along the Somali and Kenyan coastline at an alarming rate. Speeches abound, but inaction emboldens Al-Shabab to seek their next prize: Kenya. The terror organization controls land but requires weapons.Bedlam Bravo team leader Colonel Trevor Franklin (Ret.) leads the small international team into East Africa. Tempers flare as the team is embroiled in a political quagmire. The axis must be stopped to avert an international crisis but at what cost?Proudly published by Solstice Publishing</p>
<h2 style="font-style:italic;"><strong>Amazon Review Comments</strong></h2> <p> “If you only read one book this year, let this be the one!”<br /> “Amazing! From beginning to end.”<br /> “Beautiful---a journey you won’t ever forget.”<br /> “This is an incredible debut novel.”<br /> “The characters are unforgettable.”<br /> “Such a mesmerizing novel.”<br /> “An amazingly beautiful and sensitive book.”<br /> “Should be required reading in school.”<br /> “Touching and intriguing.”<br /> “This story is more than white and black differences. It’s about what it means to be a man, to earn and give respect, to stand tall against adversity, to be a role model.”<br /> “From the very first lines I was captivated by this book.”<br /> “Have you been searching for that book? The one that stays with you long after you have finished reading it. Look no further. You have found it.”<br /> “Puts me in mind of the great Edna Ferber.”<br /> “This book was breathtakingly beautiful.”<br /> “I have read many books in my fifty-five years. This is one of the best.”<br /> “A complicated story that grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go.”<br /> “The twists and turns of the mystery were spell-binding and kept me guessing with each event.”<br /> “I can clearly see this book being made into a blockbuster movie along the lines of Fried Green Tomatoes or Driving Miss Daisy.”<br /> “I was amazed the way the author grabs and holds your attention from the very first page.”<br /> “This book has some of the best dialogue I have seen.”<br /> “Fascinating story. Loved this book.”<br /> “The book was heartwarming, funny, sad, and true to the times. I did not want it to end.”<br /> “This book was a wonderful read.”<br /> “Loved the book. It is one of those you cannot put down.”<br /> “A great book and an unforgettable story.”<br /> “Entertaining and intelligent. I do hope that there are more books to come from this talented author who makes people, places, and even things come alive for all to enjoy.” </p>