Thomas Williamson
The First Book of Why
Book one of a trilogy
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Thomas Williamson
BOOK
THE FIRST BOOK OF WHY
Book one of a trilogy
“Everyone, as they grow older, whether they admit it or not, starts to reflect back on their life. Three pages of single-spaced typing I had written for my children, or perhaps for myself, is how this all started."
So begins a narrative that traces the path of a military brat who would grow up to be tapped for a position as an agency operative in addition to growing his skills in architecture, real estate, and more. After growing up in close proximity to the unfolding events of the Cold War, Williamson found himself operating on behalf of a clandestine agency while managing a growing career, a growing family, and aging parents.
The tale is woven in a way that is reminiscent of catching up with an old friend, the types of tales one might get one or two at a time over the course of years of dinner parties, social gatherings, and after hours cocktails. Pieced together in this fashion, the reader feels as though they’re listening to a friend or family member recounting life lessons and major world events with equal importance. Some tales will certainly leave readers wanting more, though with the variety of topics, that list of tales may vary from one reader to the next - the hubris of youth, sibling rivalries, clandestine missions, and the love of a family.
Altogether, this book tells the tale of a life well lived, circulating among people who cast long shadows (and casting a few himself) while living, loving, and mourning as time marches steadily onward for Williamson and those he knew and loved.
BOOK REVIEW
I found your book well-written and easy to read. It moved right along and I liked what I would call your "Essay" approach - meaning a series of essays locked together to produce a story. I'm looking forward to "The Second Book of Why" and the answers you have found. If I find out your answers regarding "Why ME" maybe I will be able to find out something more about my "Why".
NINA L.
This book had me at the first paragraph; I just had to know "why". Even though Mr. Williamson tells a very unique life story, it is in such a way that everyone who reads it can relate.
All reading levels will enjoy this fascinating memoir that reads like fiction yet all true. From the military achievements of his father, the dedication of his mother and extended family and then his growing up survival and successes. What an incredible feat putting to paper so many interesting stories, lessons, and celebrity run-ins.
This book has become an inspiration to me, and I predict to all who read it, to write my own book of why. I can only hope to achieve one as well written as Mr. Williamson
I found it to be a touching coming of age memoir with political context and the significant emotional events recounted by the author. The joy and ordeals experienced throughout his life ultimately lead us to the present, where he is at peace with his life. I wish my father had written something like this book for his family to better understand him.
Jan W.
Cathy W.
Just finished Why I Am Me in two days because I could not put it down! While I found the story of the author's youth,career and "Cold War" info interesting-----it was a very emotional experience reading about the heartache due to the losses of family members. I found the book a wonderful testament to what the human spirit can endure. Good read for anyone going thru difficult life experiences. Book truly is a wonderful legacy for the author's family. Very emotional experience reading Mr. Williamson's book----can't wait for the next one!
BIO
Thomas Williamson is a first time author with the second of his trilogy of "why books" on the way. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Design, a retired Architect, former real estate developer, school district administrator, S&L executive and one-time agency operative. He has lived a full life and has learned the lessons of that life. But, more importantly Thomas has learned from those whom he has come into contact: the brave, the courageous, the famous and even the infamous. He is a man dedicated to his Family and his Country who, to this day, proudly, describes himself as a Military Brat. Thomas and his wife, Barbara, live in the small Central Illinois town of Tremont.
*Courtesy of Blissful Images
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MORE FROM THE AUTHOR
A few days earlier, the plane and its crew had been declared missing. The Soviet Premier, Nikita Khruschev, had announced two of the US spy flight crew had been captured. The crewmen would stand trial as spies and, if convicted, executed. And the US base in England, from which the flight had originated, would be bombed. Within days, thousands of "Ban the Bomb" protesters were outside the base fences, being held back by the British Army. Inside the fences, US Air Force security guards, responsible for the protection of the nuclear armed and fueled Strategic Air Command Bombers, were betting on which of them would be the first. The first to kill a protester who cleared the inner fence. I remembered, while reflecting back on my life, that this wasn't an everyday occurrence. But it was one of the many life-changing events that potentially could have changed the world.
While searching through my memories to answer my own question, Why am I me? and to answer my grown children's many questions about our family, I decided to write down the answers. The result was this book —a book about the Cold War and the men who fought it, a story about the men and tangentially their families, who served on the front lines, protecting us from the threat of communism. But the book is about more than the Cold War and nuclear brinkmanship. It's a book about heroism, heartbreak, courage, spies, sacrifice, suicides, and murders. And it is a still a book that answers my questions, "Who am I?" and "Why am I me?" Now I know!