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Private Cummings
“… an engaging portrait of two lives filled with human longing and the costs of being different.”—BlueInk ReviewA man and a boy whose lives unexpectedly connect are impacted in improbable ways.Private Hank Cummings didn’t ask for the fate that befell him during his service in WWII. Saving the lives of three men from the burning wreckage of a B-29 left him a hero, albeit scarred and disabled. But when his personal secret was revealed, he recoiled into a life of seclusion and solitude for much of his adulthood. Never losing his spirit and will to endure, he persevered through his hardships, finding the determination to live a full and prosperous life. His humility caused him to resist the hero’s legacy he so richly deserved and would posthumously receive. Thirty years after a chance meeting with an inquisitive thirteen-year-old boy, the two reunite in Hank’s final days, mending tragedy and suffering into self-discovery, peace, and purpose for both.“…an evolving friendship between a boy and a man… a sense of tragedy that morphs into heroism and love, at the end.”—Midwest Book Review
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2024
53 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Pete McGinty
2 books9 followersPete McGinty has seen life through the eyes of a roofer, bartender, bouncer, railroad track laborer, and auto racing photographer. As a writer, speaker, and brand consultant, he has had a vast career in marketing and advertising, observing and influencing how people think and behave. He is now putting his experiences of observation and curiosity to work through storytelling, creating characters beholden to deep flaws and abounding promises, and weaving tales rich with emotion.
Never straying from Ohio, Pete remains a Midwestern kid at heart. A graduate of The Ohio State University and a lifelong suffering Cleveland sports fan, fueled by caffeine and classic rock, he finds escape in love of family, travel, reading, furry creatures, and his home gym.
Pete can be found at www.petemcginty.com
Never straying from Ohio, Pete remains a Midwestern kid at heart. A graduate of The Ohio State University and a lifelong suffering Cleveland sports fan, fueled by caffeine and classic rock, he finds escape in love of family, travel, reading, furry creatures, and his home gym.
Pete can be found at www.petemcginty.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 11, 2024
Hank will forever be in my heart. This was such a compelling story. The second character, Jonny, was a little rough to get through all his young teenage boy shenanigans. I suppose you needed to know where Johnathan came from and how Hank shaped his life.
Even though I knew where the story was going to lead me, surprise, I cried.
4 1/2 stars
Even though I knew where the story was going to lead me, surprise, I cried.
4 1/2 stars
February 10, 2024
I can't remember the last time I read a whole book in one day. This story was so compelling that I could not put it down. It's a coming-of-age story coupled with a highly-decorated soldier and the profound effect the two men had on each other. Some might say that is more of a "guy" type book and I don't disagree; however, the emotions surrounding a severely disabled gay man and a young man who is trying to figure life out can certainly be felt and experienced by any reader with compassion. This book has a lot to teach us. I am glad to have been its student.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2024
The title drew me in as, my mother's maiden name was Cummings. And, I'm so glad it did!
Excellent read that traverses the many decades of Henry (Hank) E Cummings Jr's life as told by a young man of thirteen who he befriended.
You'll get glimpses into his childhood but, the story gains ground when as a young, newly married man is in the service during WW II. His life unfolds during his years in the service and is definitively altered by his friendship with Sam and his extensive injuries he incurred while saving the lives of three of his fellow servicemen.
His recovery and return to life in KY is difficult at best where he is considered a spectacle while still being lauded as a hero. All Hank wants is to be left alone and to write. Eventually, his secret is divulged and not only does the military discharge him for unfavorable behavior the town turns on him. Posting disparaging signs in his yard. This pushes Margaret to her limit and Hank moves to Mansfield, Ohio to live with his sister, Eliza and his mother. His father had died several years earlier. There again he becomes a recluse. He just wants his privacy!! But, boys being boys, their curiosity gets the best of them. At one point Jonny and his group of friends see Ed, the local market owner arrive with a man in a wheelchair. They struggle with the knowledge they gained that evening. But, it is two older brothers of Jonny's friends that cross the line. Hank warns them off his property and fired a shot into the air. He is arrested and placed on trial in a town divided. Though he is found innocent, he can no longer survive in Mansfield. On his last day in Mansfield, he meets Jonny and they develop a friendship that will span decades. His final words to Jonny are, "Don't Waste It!" Hank then moves to San Francisco where he reunited with Sam.
Three decades later, Jonny (now Jonathon) reunited in San Francisco where Hank is dying of Karposi Sarcoma a disease associated with HIV/AIDS. He emplores Jonny to write his story of the unjust treatment he received from military, his life as an author and a recluse who found his place in the Castro Street neighborhood of San Francisco.
A well written novel, in my opinion, that achieves Hank's dying wish.
Excellent read that traverses the many decades of Henry (Hank) E Cummings Jr's life as told by a young man of thirteen who he befriended.
You'll get glimpses into his childhood but, the story gains ground when as a young, newly married man is in the service during WW II. His life unfolds during his years in the service and is definitively altered by his friendship with Sam and his extensive injuries he incurred while saving the lives of three of his fellow servicemen.
His recovery and return to life in KY is difficult at best where he is considered a spectacle while still being lauded as a hero. All Hank wants is to be left alone and to write. Eventually, his secret is divulged and not only does the military discharge him for unfavorable behavior the town turns on him. Posting disparaging signs in his yard. This pushes Margaret to her limit and Hank moves to Mansfield, Ohio to live with his sister, Eliza and his mother. His father had died several years earlier. There again he becomes a recluse. He just wants his privacy!! But, boys being boys, their curiosity gets the best of them. At one point Jonny and his group of friends see Ed, the local market owner arrive with a man in a wheelchair. They struggle with the knowledge they gained that evening. But, it is two older brothers of Jonny's friends that cross the line. Hank warns them off his property and fired a shot into the air. He is arrested and placed on trial in a town divided. Though he is found innocent, he can no longer survive in Mansfield. On his last day in Mansfield, he meets Jonny and they develop a friendship that will span decades. His final words to Jonny are, "Don't Waste It!" Hank then moves to San Francisco where he reunited with Sam.
Three decades later, Jonny (now Jonathon) reunited in San Francisco where Hank is dying of Karposi Sarcoma a disease associated with HIV/AIDS. He emplores Jonny to write his story of the unjust treatment he received from military, his life as an author and a recluse who found his place in the Castro Street neighborhood of San Francisco.
A well written novel, in my opinion, that achieves Hank's dying wish.
February 10, 2024
I can't remember the last time I read a whole book in one day. This story was so compelling that I could not put it down. It's a coming-of-age story coupled with a highly-decorated soldier and the profound effect the two men had on each other. Some might say that is more of a "guy" type book and I don't disagree; however, the emotions surrounding a severely disabled gay man and a young man who is trying to figure life out can certainly be felt and experienced by any reader with compassion. This book has a lot to teach us. I am glad to have been its student.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2024
This story grabbed my interest from the beginning. The author moves back and forth between two major characters, building my interest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I liked the author's way of moving through time and developing the characters. Life comes with twists and turns, one life touching another. Sometimes in surprising ways. I would recommend this book, its a winner!
February 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the relationship between the 2 main characters and how their lives touched each others. I could not put it down.
March 16, 2024
What a beautiful story of what you can learn from others. How one person that you barely know and met once can impact your life so much. Such a beautiful read!
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April 25, 2024FREE today (April 25, 2024) on Amazon.
May 17, 2024
Amazing
It is not often that one comes across a treasure of a book that makes a big difference in one's life. This is one of those books.
It is not often that one comes across a treasure of a book that makes a big difference in one's life. This is one of those books.
June 6, 2024
Captivating
The will to survive and human nature are rarely expressed as eloquently as they are in this novel. It was hard to put down.
The will to survive and human nature are rarely expressed as eloquently as they are in this novel. It was hard to put down.
June 19, 2024
Couldn't put it down!
Fully captures the struggle to become who you are as a human. Characters are not flawless but very honest to their circumstances. Heartfelt
Fully captures the struggle to become who you are as a human. Characters are not flawless but very honest to their circumstances. Heartfelt
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews