The Luckiest man in the World, stories from the life of Papa Jake

by Jake Larson, Rita Carlson

From growing up in the depression to surviving D-Day in WWII and continuing to be blessed daily. Stories from the life of Papa Jake.

Genres: Military Fiction

245 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Christine Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Papa Jake! He is now 101 years old and a D-day veteran who was there on beaches of Normandy in France! This is his autobiography complete with photos from his childhood back in 1923.

He’s also family so I may be a bit bias in my rating

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This should be mandatory reading in all high schools. Papa Jake is living history. May he live to be the oldest veteran in America. ❤❤❤
Let's make him a best seller!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful memoir! Jake is truly an American Hero.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Papa Jake on TikTok soon after losing my own grandfather. His stories and smile brightened some sad days. When he announced that his book was available on Amazon, I bought it that same day.

It’s obvious that this book wasn’t written by an author with an expensive editing team behind him, but that’s part of its charm. It feels like and reads like you’re sitting in Papa Jake’s living room listening to his memories. Thank you Papa Jake for your service and stories!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it so how can I not give it 5 stars!

[Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know both Jake and Rita. Rita did a wonderful job of documenting Jake's stories exactly as he tells them. I can hear Jake's voice in every word.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rec'd a copy of Luckiest Man in the World as a gift. Larson's stories are what you'd expect from the Greatest Generation. In his words, I can hear my grandfathers as they talked. These stories are wonderful. They will make you laugh one minute and cry the next.

[Sarah Wick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I have been a fan of Papa Jake for a few years now. I’ve sent him Birthday cards, and he would always send a thank you card back. His stories are so good, and he had such good humor. I had hoped to meet him, and shake his hand, since I’m from Minnesota too. Unfortunately he recently passed away. Rest easy Papa Jake.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake Larson ends many of his stories with a statement about how lucky he is. Indeed! Not only is he lucky, but he is also practical and positive. These traits have given him a long life which is filled with experiences all of which make for good stories. I was especially interested in his growing up years in Minnesota as my childhood home was not far from his. His seven years of military service during WWII are remarkable. He was then fortunate to attend anniversaries of D-Day and Battle of the Bulge. Plus, he traveled to Ireland to see a castle he once worked in during the war years. Jake had a variety of jobs but all of them had some aspect of fixing and repairing which truly is a talent. Most readers would probably like to join him for coffee at the Bagel Street Cafe but we have to settle for watching his TikTok videos.

[Bill Bitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Luckiest Man in the World" is the story of a farm boy from Minnesota who lies about his age and ends up on the beaches of Normandy. Jake Larson, known as Papa Jake, will tell you he’s not a hero as he tells life stories from his boy-hood to becoming a TikTok star. He’s been called a national treasure, and it’s a fitting moniker. The book is written in short bite-size chapters, and reads easily. Throughout it, he shares why he claims to be the luckiest man in the world. He can't explain it, but acknowledges it. Papa Jake is on TikTok and and also posts occasionally on Instagram. He has some older videos on YouTube. (Well, I be-lieve his granddaughter McKaela handles the editing and posting). Just a fasci-nating story told in a humble manner.

[Shannon Dillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first saw Papa Jake on Instagram and then followed him on Tik Tok. My husband got me this book after I learned of his passing. I specifically chose to read it for Veterans Day this year. Papa Jake’s story is more than just his service. His story is that of a simple life and he was very lucky. Reading it made me remember stories told in my own family of hard work and learning as you went. I hope that many younger people who may have watched him on social media find this book and realize how much the world has changed in such a short time. In one person’s lifetime. He was truly lucky and I can’t image what he would say about the announcement of the statue to honor him. Thanks for sharing your story, Papa Jake.

[Susan Stangebye · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh - a very, very nice read to get to know the life of Jake Larson. He was a WWII survivor, and he had so many stories to share and someone finally helped him capture the stories of his life. He was from Minnesota, which made the story even more relatable to me. He certainly survived many obstacles, from growing up on a farm during the depression to being in WWII. He maintained his positivity through most things, and also had a grateful sense that he was very lucky in how his life played out. As far as I can, he is still alive and is at least 101 years old. Amazing person to learn more about.

[Gina Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I have been getting into the history of World War II and I am glad I read Papa Jake's story to start learning more about the history of WWII.
I am a fan of Papa Jake from TikTok and after reading his story, it felt like a friend was sharing their life with me.
From his lifestyle growing up, to finding the love of his life (couple's goals), to the crazy ways this man has survived all sorts of predicaments, I do believe he is the luckiest man alive.

[Donielle Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but such a fun story of this man’s life! My grandfather led a similar life experience that I never got to talk with him about, so this felt like learning more about my own family history.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

TikTok sensation "Papa Jake" Larson is a 102-year-old WW2 Veteran and considers himself to be the luckiest man in the world. Papa Jake grew up on a farm outside of Owatonna, MN. His life story is chronicled in this warm and touching book. Worth the read!

[Shauna Volkening · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Papa Jake last year on tik tok. I love hearing his stories and am glad he wrote them down! What and interesting life!

[Elizabeth Lambrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible. What an amazing life. He’s apart of The Greatest Generation and truly is an American Hero.

[Kelly Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing man! Thank you for your service Papa Jake and for sharing your wonderful life!

[Audrey Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my Papa Jake- I've grown up hearing these stories from him, so actually reading through his book and hearing his voice in my head as I read, telling me these stories is so awesome. Like he says, he's not a fancy author and doesn't use big words- he just is telling the stories of his life. I love that he wrote this book and we will have this history forever.