Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty (Paperback)

~ (Author), Debra Copeland (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this book you will find many heart-warming stories, sentiments, and recollections from people who loved Billy Barty. He was not only founder of the organization "The Little People of America," but was in entertainment for more than seventy years. You will read excerpts from George Lucas, A.C. Lyles, Ed Asner, Pat Boone, Peter Marshall, Willie Aames, Florence Henderson, Ruta Lee, and Betty White, among a host of other well-known celebrities.

You will reminisce with some of the cast from the series Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons, and will laugh at memories from comedians and impressionists John Byner, Bob Einstein, Fred Travalena, Ruth Buzzi, and Norm Crosby.

You will have compassion as you read a touching sentimental account of a young cancer victim, Erik, who was sparked by Billy Barty’s unique voice, and will get insight from members of the organization "The Little People of America."

Lastly, you will be inspired from fans and family alike in this wonderful tribute to their friend, co-worker, brother, uncle, dad, and hero—Billy Barty.

- Here's a partial list of those who are in the book WITHIN REACH -

George Lucas Pat Boone Betty White Art Linkletter

Dick Van Patten Bob Barker Peter Marshall Dede Barty-Morse Michael & Debra Copeland Dick Clark Ed Asner

Florence Henderson Peter Falk Tom Cruise Mark Evanier

Robert Ahmanson Johnny Whitaker John Philpott Bill Ung

Supervisor Mike Antonovich Paul Petersen Buck Wolf (ABC News) Leah Smith Robert & Angela Van Etten Pat Lang Stan Ivar Kent & Susan McCray Allison Balson Kevin Hagen

Ken Berry Patrick Loubatiere Judy Norton Earl Hamner

A.C. Lyles Lew Hunter Al Yankovic Norm Crosby Jack Narz

Mickey & Jan Rooney Tom Bosley Pat Morita Don Knotts Robert Pine Ted Lange Ruta Lee Ron Masak Norman Lloyd Shirley Jean Measures John Byner Bob Einstein

Fred Travalena Marty Ingels/Shirley Jones Ruth Buzzi

Gary Owens Tommy Lasorda Willie Aames Shirley Pena

Gil & Dee Stratton Rick Copeland David Narz Christine Piper Rodney Bardin Marty Halperin Alan Copeland Catherine Parkins T.J. Figment Wendy Blair

Joe Martinez James Giofreda

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Pat Boone

I had a long happy friendship with Billy, competing and partnering with him in many athletic events, always amazed at the physical abilities of this little giant.

The fondest and most unique memory I have, though, is when

he joined me on stage in Vienna !

I was doing a concert there with full orchestra and sold out opera house,

and had a high temperature.

Billy came back stage to see me (he was there for some other reason) and I asked him if he would help me with the song, "Speedy Gonzalez."

He immediately of course, said he would. As I sang this world-wide rock hit, at two crucial places, Billy ran on stage with a sombrero that was almost covering him completely and a serape wrapped around his diminutive body.

It generally brought the house down!

It was all impromptu as he had never seen me do it before, yet he blended perfectly into my rendition of the song and provided the entertainment highlight of the evening. And by the way, when the show was over, my fever was gone!

It was so typical of Billy…anything to help out a friend. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Xulon Press (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591603919
• ISBN-13: 978-1591603917
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #658,717 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Within Reach, March 3, 2003

By	Leah Smith (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

Knowing how much of an impact Billy Barty had on my life, it was amazing to see how many other peoples lives had experienced the same thing. Billy Barty touched the world in a way that not many are able to. I don't see how anyone could read this book and not find themselves walking away with more than they came with!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Within Reach - inspirational book about actor Billy Barty, January 11, 2003

By	Debra Copeland (Florida USA) - See all my reviews

In this book you will find many heartwarming stories, sentiments and recollections from people who were touched by Billy Barty. Billy Barty was considered to be the most recognized little person of his time at 3'9" tall and worked with many well known celebrites including Elvis. He was the Founder of the organization the Little People of America, and his entertainment career spanned over seventy years. December 12, 2002 Billy's Biography was featured on A/E and he is also highlighted in the documentary "Dwarf Standing Tall" produced by the Discovery Channel which airs frequently. Not only does this book include excerpts from George Lucas, Tom Cruise, Dick Clark, Peter Marshall, Ed Asner, Florence Henderson, Betty White, Peter Falk and many others from the entertainment business, it also has over 100 photo's. You will reminisce with some of the cast from the series Little House on the Prairie and the Waltons and will laugh at memories from comedians and impressionists John Byner, Bob Einstein, Fred Travalena, Ruth Buzzi, Marty Ingles and Norm Crosby. You will have compassion as you read a touching sentimental account of a young cancer victim Erik Parkins who was sparked by Billy's unique voice as the original Figment in Journey to the Imagination at Disney World, and you will get insight from members from the organization the Little People of America. Lastly you will be inspired from friends, fans and family alike in this wonderful inspirational and family tribute to their friend, co-worker, brother, uncle, dad, and hero Billy Barty. This book is unique as it was produced by one of Billy's nephews Michael Copeland and his wife Debra. ...

3.0 out of 5 stars Billy Barty remembered, September 13, 2008

By	deannaot (SLC, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty (Hardcover)

When we got this book, we thought it was a biography, and since we are related to him, we wanted to hear more about his family. It was a collection of remembrances of Billy Barty by famous people who knew him. It was different than we expected, but still interesting.