The Reunion

A Novel

By: Dan Walsh

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

Aaron Miller knows a thing or two about loss. He’s lost love. Dignity. Second, and even third, chances. Once honored for his heroism, he now lives in near obscurity, working as a handyman in a humble trailer park. But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, someone is searching for him. With deep insight into the human heart, consummate storyteller Dan Walsh gently weaves a tale of a life spent in the shadows but meant for the light. Through tense scenes of war and tender moments of romance, The Reunion will make you believe that everyone can get a second chance at life and love.

©2012 Dan Walsh (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Worth TEN Stars . . . The BEST Military Story Ever

Where do I start? Dan Walsh is an excellent writer . . . The Vietnam war era was a blight on our country and the way the veterans who served so courageous in that unpopular conflict were treated upon their return home, well, to me it is one of the most shameful times in the history of our nation. This author, who has never served in the military, has somehow been able to capture the pure essence of what it is to serve, to give up one's dignity, one's honor, everything one has, including life itself for another human being. Having two son's who have served in Iraq, and one of them headed soon to Afghanistan, this book touched me in the deepest parts of my being . . . I started listening and couldn't stop. My husband and I grew up in the era of the draft and my husband joined the army at the end of the Vietnam war, when every young man was terrified of being drafted. Something that our young people have no concept of today. WWI and WWII had it's heroes. Vietnam was a disgrace supposedly, so those young men who came home disfigured and disillusioned, didn't come home as heroes. The humility, faith and care that Aaron's story is told will stay with me a long, long time.

Very meaningful story of Vietnam Vets!

Dan Walsh has written a very meaningful book that covers a full range of emotions and choices---courage, fear, pain, despair, forgiveness, love, and redemption. Aaron Miller is a Vietnam vet in his sixties, who works as a beloved handyman in a trailer park in Florida. His home is the storage shed within the park. Not fancy by any means, but so much better than the streets he had been living on previously. He hasn't seen his grown children since they were toddlers.

Dave Russo is a reporter, in his mid forties, who is writing a book about Vietnam vets in honor of his father who died in Vietnam, when Dave was just a baby. The one thing he especially wants to do is honor these war veterans who had returned home to hate and neglect because of the unpopular war in which they were fighting before returning home.

In the process of interviewing vets, Dave comes across a millionaire vet who wants him to find the man who saved his life and the lives of his two friends. The men have a reunion every year but have no idea where the Medal of Honor vet is who saved their lives.

This story runs parallel lines for a while before closing in a five hanky junction. I feel that this is the first book I've read that gives the truth of the Vietnam soldier without becoming maudlin, or falsely glorying the feelings of those who served our country honorably.

God also plays an important part for so many of the survivors who eventually got their shattered lives together In one form or another. Jesus said that "There is no greater love than one man should give his life for his friend". Walsh takes that one step further when Aaron risked his life saving soldiers who were not his friends. Also showing that the average man can also choose to risk his life for his fellow neighbors at home.

This is a tremendously meaningful story that everyone should enjoy, and many will find meaningful for lives that they may be passing by without ever noticing or caring about everyday.

Loved it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. I'd recommend it for someone who appreciates the sacrifices of our men and women serving in the military. Not that it's a "military" novel, it is about a group of men who carefully and proudly exhibited comradery.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The effects and aftermath of serving in the millitary.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

As a veteran, I can really identify to the closeness you develop with fellow military members. There are pieces in your mental and emotional psychy that civilians will never get. There were many parts where it brought me to tears and this is an absolute "must-read". If you want to understand the military member in your life, past or present, PLEASE read this.

Laughed and Cried...Cried and Laughed

Would you listen to The Reunion again? Why?

Oh my yes, I just finished it-and want to just listen to it again. It was just that good!

What did you like best about this story?

Aaron's surprise(s) at the reunion.

Which scene was your favorite?

When his family came up hugged him and poured out love and affection to him-and his emotional overload of sobbing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the crippled Vietnam Veteran hurled the painful truth to him having even more reason to hate God and his reply in turning the tables to show that he did in fact have reason to believe in God in his own life.

Any additional comments?

I don't know when I've enjoyed a story more than this one-it truly is now my 2nd favorite book! Holy Bible being my #1.

Get out the tissue!

Dick Hill, in my opinion, is one of the best narrators in the business. There isn't a single book he's read that isn't improved by his reading and acting the character's parts.
So, to top off an amazing narration is a book that will make you weep. "The Reunion" is so beautiful and so well written.
I highly recommend this!

beautifully written

I recommend this book to all who are willing to smile, cry, and fuss at the well developed characters

A Great Book

In order for me to really enjoy a book, it has to make me care about the characters. This one went so much farther. I am glad noone was around as I finished it to see the tears running down my face. And I am not normally a guy who crys.

remarkable story of a vietnam vet.

i loved this book. it was so heatwarming!! it is about one mans struggle with life after the war.

Touching

A poignant story of a forgotten VN vet that encompasses the stories of so many men of the era. A very satisfying read, or listen in this case.

Great Story

I love getting a book that you just can't put down. The Reunion kept my attention from the very beginning. I especially liked the ended when Dan Walsh discussed the Vietnam Veterans. A must read for all.