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This is the story about one man's determination to survive against all odds. Born prematurely in 1964, Bill Whiting is laced with physical and neurological maladies. Amid his dysfunctional and impoverished environs from childhood through early adulthood, Bill is blessed for the first five years of his life with a mother who believes in him. Reminding Bill that he has the potential of becoming a great leader, she urges him never let go of that dream. While Bill's life is riddled with adversity, including a near-fatal boat accident, the miracles that outweigh his tribulations lead Bill to believe that angels protect him. That said, a strange set of circumstances connects Bill to Kalinke, and together, along with Bill's tenacity for life, the two friends forge ahead to achieve Bill's dream.
Narrated by multi-novelist Will Kalinke, Dreams Not Forgotten is a fictionalized account based on Bill's life and his friendship with Kalinke. Though Bill and Kalinke don't officially meet until several years later, Kalinke explains how he unwittingly became involved in Bill's childhood. Stigmatized as an underachieving student, Bill has no idea that his education will take a positive turn when Kalinke assists in the creation of the 1971 statewide special education programs and services for public school children with severe neurological learning disabilities. This is just one of many stories Kalinke relays that is nothing less than remarkable. Other examples include accruing free airfare and its uncanny connection to locate doctors who can properly diagnose Bill's aliments.
Bill's chronology may throw off readers since Kalinke vacillates between past events. Nonetheless, Kalinke's storytelling has a magical way of tying everything together. While the intention for this novel is to help seniors share their own life stories with others, this is an inspirational read for adults of all ages.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review