Customer Reviews

G.I. Joe & Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was simply blown away by this book. A street wise Kid from Philly making it on his own and then winds up in one of the nation's tragic wars only to meet up with a country girl from North Carolina and they both somehow seem to make it all work out and raise a family and grow old together and remained in love for many many years. This book truly runs the gammets of emotions from Pride to anger to sadness. You can really see what an American Love Story this is. Whether it be children's book or A simple love story if it has a story to be written Joesph S Bonsall can surely write about it.

I have never been a reader of war stories, nor did I know a lot about WWII. However, this book manages to overview the Second Great War and its effect on the U.S., while weaving in a story of love and faith.

Bonsall knows his characters well, because it's his parents' story. His writing is simple yet passionate. A quick read - that you will never forget. The book offers inspiration for the times we live in today.

Forget about this being a war book. It describes the war some, but this is a book dealing with relationships--& how it does! It's one of the best books I've read that does so, & I've given several copies away. This is a book that we all should read, as it's a terrific tale of The Greatest Generation, of whom we should all be proud.

It would make a terrific film, but only G.I. Joe & Lillie could play G.I. Joe & Lillie.

When it is dark and stormy, nothing is more comforting than to be cocooned in a homemade quilt. A tapestry rich in tradition and assembled with love, a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors, it is an American art form. Wrapped in its warm embrace, its fabric surrounds us and soothes our spirits. By extension, the spirit of America is a tapestry woven by the stories of its people. Each person; each man, woman and child, has a chance to mold this nation. Some become distinguished men and women and make monumental contributions to government, the arts, and business. Others become scourges of society. Most will fall somewhere in between, neither famous nor infamous. But they build lives and legacies for themselves and for the generations that follow them. They are ordinary people who sometimes do extraordinary things. They face adversity and challenges and find a way to overcome them. Their faith in God is the cornerstone of their existence. They raise their children to be honest and to reach for the stars. They are far from perfect, but they do the best they can with what they have been given. And they love each other, no matter what. They are the threads that form the fabrics that produce the patterns of our national tapestry. GI Joe and Lillie are two of those threads. They represent, even in their imperfections, all that is good and right about our country; faith, honor, strength, values, and dreams. Their story, so eloquently chronicled, mirrors many of our own narratives. The details may be different, the patterns and colors may not be the same, but the fabric of their lives, the values that brought them through the rough times, are universal to most of us. And in today's times, when it is dark and stormy, and we need to feel protected, or even just encouraged, we need only wrap ourselves tightly in the legacy they helped create. Their "quilt" warms the heart, and yes, soothes the spirit, for it is rich in tradition and assembled with love. You will laugh and you will cry, but mostly you will be inspired and grateful for this story.

Wow... not only is Joe Bonsall a great songwriter, and one of the most legendary and talented voices in American music (along with the rest of his group, The Oak Ridge Boys), AND a Philly boy, he has now emerged as one hell of a storyteller!

"G.I. Joe & Lillie" is not some sappy, patriotic whitewash written by an adoring son (even though it's obvious while reading this book that Joe rightfully does adore his parents). This is a very honest and straightforward account of the trials and tribulations of one W.W.II couple in their struggle to raise a family more functional than the ones they had both left behind whilst trying to stay one step ahead of the haunting ghosts of the war. I will not ruin it for you by revealing whether or not they emerge victorious. Read this warm and inspiring book to find out. You will be very glad you did. This isn't just the story of one man's parents. It's a window into the monumental sacrifice of a whole generation. It isn't just a love story, either. It's a testament to what steadfast love and faith can achieve for anyone willing to work and scratch for it. I'm sure that many of those born to this amazing generation will feel that they are reading about their own parents, I know that I sure did. Well done, Joe... Lillie must be even more proud of you than she already was!

Jack McTamney
www.jackmctamney.com

I have been a supporter of our veterans and a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys for as long as I can remember. When "G I Joe and Lillie" was presented to me to read, I could hardly wait. It turned out to be better than I ever expected! What a story of love and dedication to one's country and to each other! I admire and respect Joe and Lillie for their faith and commitment. Their story is one we should all learn from. Thanks "Joey" for sharing your parents with us. You must be so proud to have had them as your mom and dad.

Oak Ridge Boy Joe Bonsall is from very good people...and his
heart-warming account of his beloved parents,G.I. Joe & Lillie,
is ample proof of this.
Joseph S Bonsall has written one of the most inspiring books
that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.He provides the
moving story of their struggles and triumphs throughout their
lives.Read of their home life growing up,how they met and reared
their own children,their service to their country,and their unwavering
devotion to each other...
Joe and Lillie are the greatest of examples of those who lived the
American dream...they are the Greatest Generation.
I am proud to learn of the story of G.i. Joe and Lillie.I am proud to
be living in this great country.I am also proud of Joe Bonsall.....

Joseph Bonsall wrote G.I. Joe and Lillie as a tribute to his father and mother, both products of that "Greatest Generation" spoken of by Tom Brokaw. I first heard of G.I. Joe and Lillie through a song on YouTube. Joe Bonsall, one of the Oak Ridge Boys, wrote it for his parents. I was so touched that I wanted to read their story. The book was a gift from my son.

G.I. Joe was born to working-class parents in Philadelphia. It wasn't a happy home; his father drank, his mother whined and his grandmother screeched. Two brothers enlisted in the Army, so at age eighteen, Joe did as well. He moved from camp to camp, receiving training at each, all designed to make him a sharpshooter infantryman for the fighting 90th Infantry, part of General Patton's Third Army. The final destination: D-Day and Utah Beach. Omaha Beach saw more gunfire, but Utah Beach was awash in mines. 9,000 men died that day, but G.I. Joe was one of the survivors. On his next offensive, he wasn't as lucky. Bullets and shrapnel pummeled his body and he was left for dead. After months in hospitals and countless surgeries, he was discharged but insisted on re-enlisting, even though he was confined to a bed.

Lillie Collins grew up in a family of eleven children in North carolina. She left home at sixteen to work in an aircraft factory, eventually wanting to do more for the men and women in uniform, and so she joined the Women's Army Corp. She met G.I. Joe and instantly fell in love with the damaged war hero. They were married six days later and would remain in love for the next fifty-five years. This is their story and a tribute to Lillie Bonsall's love and devotion to a man who today would probably be diagnosed with PTSD, to her two children, Joey and Nancy, and especially to her God.

Bonsall's story is one of devotion and emotion, and of the faith shared by him and his mother. You'll feel sadness and pride for the American heroes who gave all for our freedom and you'll shed tears for G.I. Joe and Lillie who now lie together at Arlington. This is an easy read, taking perhaps an afternoon to finish. I urge you to get this book. You will be glad you did.
There's a lovely foreword by former First Lady Barbara Bush.

This book was more than I expected. Joe Bonsall's biography of his parents was beyond what I expected. I highly recommend this to anyone and especially to people who have parents that are veterans.

This book really hit home. It shows you what sacrafices were made to give all of us the Freedoms that we enjoy today in addition to being a beautifull love story. It brought tears to my eyes. Great Job Mr. Bonsall.