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

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

Excerpted from Within Reach by Michael Copeland, Debra Copeland. Copyright © 2002. 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.