SAINT CLOUD, Fla., March 19, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- He was an Irish blue terrier and his name was Jumper. Brave and loyal, Jumper is the inspiration for author Hazel McCalla-Parks' new novel Dog Soldier (now available through 1stBooks Library). Fictionalized, but based on fact, Parks' book follows the spirited dog from Ireland to Scotland, from England to Africa and through the ravaging days of World War II.
Narrated by Jumper himself, the novel trails the adventures of the 109th engineers battalion, of which the author's husband was a member. Throughout his life, Jumper has had four owners and multiple escapades. The author follows Jumper from owner to owner, as the very special dog lives out his life.
As reviewers have stated, "Dog Soldier is a history lesson and literary entertainment rolled into one finely-tuned package... The book is a must for fact finding veterans and history buffs, yet carries a tale of a dog and his owner that appeals to all."
A native of Louisiana and an "adopted Texan," Parks currently resides in Saint Cloud, Fla., with her husband. Her writing experiences include the position of assistant editor of the PennShip Log in Beaumont, Texas during World War II and as a staff journalist for The Beaumont Enterprise. In addition, Parks has freelanced articles in several magazines and newspapers throughout the years. Prior to retirement, Parks worked in Pan Am's Aerospace Services Division in Florida during the era before and during man's first moon landing.
Dog Soldier is Parks' first published work.
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