Clearwater, FL— Phil Ferrazano’s new novel, “Alamo Joe,” weaves two war stories into a single intriguing tale: one-half in the lush jungles of Cambodia; the other along the dusty trails in and around the Alamo, each story unfolding with its own drama and characters.
During his military service, Ferrazano served in Vietnam in the 9th Infantry Division and was involved with the Cambodian offensive in 1970. For his efforts, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for valor.
What inspired the novel?
“I thought of a story that told something about the soldiers who fought in Cambodia,” Ferrazano explained. “I didn’t want to do a story about me, but a story, in a roundabout way, based on true events.”
How does a fateful, historic battle in 1836 mesh with Cambodia in 1970?
“I figured the main character, Joe, needed an escape mechanism to cope with his stress because he was feeling himself slipping away, losing control,” Ferrazano explains. “That escape turned out to be the Alamo.”
Ferrazano said he thinks men and women who have served in the military will especially like his book.
“I think it will capture the imagination of veterans and others who’ve been affected by war as well as history buffs who like action-packed adventures,” he said. “I also feel many young adults will like ‘Alamo Joe’ because it’s fast-paced, with twists and turns.”
Ferrazano’s new novel “Alamo Joe” is available on Amazon (ISBN-10: 1719452156, ISBN-13: 978-1719452151, ASIN: B07DMRG396).
Ferrazano also wrote a book titled “Facing the Wall, An Infantryman’s Post-Vietnam Memoir” (www.facingthewall.com). The book chronicles Ferrazano’s heart-wrenching 10-year journey of courage and redemption, triggered when he visited the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in 1988.
Here’s what Joseph B. Adcock, USMC Vietnam Readjustment Counseling Therapist, said: “This book (‘Facing the Wall’) should be required reading for every American—every congressman who has ever voted on legislation affecting veterans, every VA employee who has ever been frustrated by their inability to help a veteran.”
In addition to being an author, Ferrazano, who was born in New York but lives in Florida, had his own construction company until he retired because of service-related injuries. He is a talented songwriter and singer who performs in the Tampa Bay area. He says his greatest accomplishments are his daughter (a teacher) and his two beautiful granddaughters.
For more information about Phil Ferrazano, his books, and music, visit www.facingthewall.com.