A Reagan Forum "James Patterson"

In this week’s A Reagan Forum we bring you one of the world’s best selling authors and trusted storytellers – James Patterson - who joined us on February 17, 2021 for conversation on his latest book, Walk in My Combat Boots.  Joining us in the conversation was the book’s co-author, First Sergeant Matt Eversmann who’s story of survival during a combat in Mogadishu in 1993 is told in the epic film, Black Hawk Down. James Patterson’s writing career is characterized by a single mission: to prove that there is no such thing as a person who “doesn’t like to read,” only people who haven’t found the right book. He has given over three million books to schoolkids and the military, donated more than seventy million dollars to support education, and endowed over five thousand college scholarships for teachers. With over 150 millions copies of his book in print, and over 180 titles printed, James Patterson recently called Walk in My Combat Boots the most important book of his career.  The book is a powerful collection, crafted from hundreds of original interviews which are the brutally honest stories usually only shared amongst comrades in arms. Here, in the voices of the men and women who’ve fought overseas from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, is a rare eye-opening look into what wearing the uniform, fighting in combat, losing friends and coming home is really like. Readers who next thank a military member for their service will finally have a true understanding of what that thanks is for. During today’s conversation with Reagan Foundation and Institute Executive Director John Heubusch, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann discuss their book, which they say will change the way you view our military.  It’s the stories that your fathers and mothers, your sons and daughters, who have come back from battle have never been able to tell you.