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Still Points
Philip Zumwalt is an accomplished musician, poet, and idealist—a dreamer. Fresh out of college in 1940, he takes a job as a music teacher in a small, rural Illinois town. His plan is to teach for a few years hoping to save enough money to finance his go to Chicago to become a professional musician and get his pilot’s license. These dreams dominate his thoughts until one summer night when he meets Elinor Robinson. Philip and Elinor’s forbidden romance—and the specter of war hanging over the country—put Philip’s dreams on hold. When he enlists in the Army Air Force, the gifted artist goes on an unpredictable journey of lost innocence. Life and death hang in the balance as he overcomes his fears and spiritual doubts in a desperate effort to survive aerial combat in the maelstrom of the Southwest Pacific Theater. In the end, a single dream remains for to return home to the woman he loves. Based upon the World War II diaries of the real Philip Zumwalt, this debut novel is a bittersweet tale of the transcendent power of love and reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by the men and women of that era.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
404 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2021
8 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 11, 2021
I am in love with this beautiful book... I am so thankful the author kept his promise by writing it, because it’s now one of my favorites ❤️
March 19, 2022
Wow
Amazing story. Once I started I couldn't put it down. Its beautiful and so well written. It'd so good I bought my mom her own copy because I know it will be read again
Amazing story. Once I started I couldn't put it down. Its beautiful and so well written. It'd so good I bought my mom her own copy because I know it will be read again
November 19, 2021
Riveting Book of a World War II Pilot in the Pacific
As a daughter of a soldier who fought in the Pacific WWII, I downloaded this book tomorrow try to understand what my father might have experienced. Although this is based on a diary of an actual pilot, every book I have read of the soldiers who served in the Pacific helps me understand a little more of the Pacific ba. ttles. My father locked away his pain of war and refused to talk to anyone about it. He and my mother had two sons under two years when he was drafted. The evident terror of the war and separation from his family was was his locked away secrets...never to be known!!!
This book was riveting. This 70- year old woman read it in two days. I had a hard time setting it aside when I had to prepare meals.
As a daughter of a soldier who fought in the Pacific WWII, I downloaded this book tomorrow try to understand what my father might have experienced. Although this is based on a diary of an actual pilot, every book I have read of the soldiers who served in the Pacific helps me understand a little more of the Pacific ba. ttles. My father locked away his pain of war and refused to talk to anyone about it. He and my mother had two sons under two years when he was drafted. The evident terror of the war and separation from his family was was his locked away secrets...never to be known!!!
This book was riveting. This 70- year old woman read it in two days. I had a hard time setting it aside when I had to prepare meals.
April 8, 2022
This is a wonderful historical novel about a musician and poet, Philip, whose life is quite peaceful and “normal”, then he meets a woman, Elinor, and everything seems to be running smoothly in a small, rural Illinois town. However, the war is hanging over the country threatening to destroy everything in its path, even their dreams. Can their love survive and be stronger than destruction and death?
The book is well researched and full of enjoyable characters, I could easily empathize with them and I strongly believe that this masterpiece is great to refresh our memory and think how many sacrifices people make during wars.
Without any doubt, I highly recommend “Still Points”
The book is well researched and full of enjoyable characters, I could easily empathize with them and I strongly believe that this masterpiece is great to refresh our memory and think how many sacrifices people make during wars.
Without any doubt, I highly recommend “Still Points”
April 8, 2022
“Still Points” is a moving story. Its author, Barry Lee Swanson, narrates in an excellent way every part and piece of this tale and it is noticeable he dedicated a great amount of time to the creation of the characters and scenes. It is a captivating and inspiring story.
The protagonist, a young musician who has just recently obtained his degree, accepts a job as a way to achieve his dreams. But when he least expects it love comes into his life and his dreams are put aside immediately. This is a charming and moving love story that develops in a hard reality, that of war. It definitely kept me hooked to its pages until I finished it.
The protagonist, a young musician who has just recently obtained his degree, accepts a job as a way to achieve his dreams. But when he least expects it love comes into his life and his dreams are put aside immediately. This is a charming and moving love story that develops in a hard reality, that of war. It definitely kept me hooked to its pages until I finished it.
May 12, 2022
A very nice debut book for the author, Barry Swanson. We meet Philip Zumwalt and follow him on his journey. He is an accomplished musician, a teacher and a dedicated American. He follows his heart to defend his country in WW II, despite all the choices that lay at his feet. He leaves behind the love of his life, but stays in touch. A very heartbreaking and compelling novel, based on the diaries and accounts left by Philip Zumwalt.
December 6, 2021
This is a love story that stays with you long after your turn the last page and wipe the last tear. The fact that it is a true love story affects the heart even more. Swanson has honored his family by memorializing the human side of war and the intense love, loss and regret that often accompany it.
April 28, 2022
What a beautifully written story…and what a touching sentiment behind the reason for Still Points coming to fruition ♥️♥️♥️
This is a book you don’t want to put down. I truly feel the love and dedication the author put into this heartwarming novel.
This is a book you don’t want to put down. I truly feel the love and dedication the author put into this heartwarming novel.
November 25, 2022
A WWII book. I was not in the mood to read. Seemed as if the author wanted to highlight different areas and parts of the war. Also, a love story which was somewhat interesting.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews