Review Excerpts

Header image showing the titles of three books, "Advising Chiang's Army" and "Answering the Call", both by Stephen L. Wilson

South Dakota Crusader

“I rate this book five out of five stars for its amazing and exceptional writing style. The book was expertly edited. . . . I recommend . . . [i]t to individuals interested in learning about the life and works of South Dakota Congressman, Francis Case, and his contributions to the development of South Dakota.”
Bron Barkers for Online Book Club

“South Dakota has never had another member of Congress—possibly never another government representative—like Francis Case, and probably never will again . . . Author Stephen Wilson has done exhaustive research; . . . 100 pages of notes on his sources support his commentary and conclusions. . . . If you are a South Dakotan, don’t miss this book!”
Linda M. Hasselstrom, South Dakota writer and editor

“Author Stephen L. Wilson’s meticulous attention to detail and thorough exploration of Case’s upbringing, career, and political aspirations provide readers with a rich understanding of the man behind the political figure. . . . Overall, South Dakota Crusader is a compelling biography that sheds light on an often overlooked figure in American political history.”
K. C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite

“The author, Stephen L. Wilson, is a competent writer who knows his subject well, offering the reader not just the nuts and bolts of what happened, where it happened and when, but also WHY—and it is this aspect of the book that is its biggest strength.”
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

“This portrait offers an inspiring example of resilience, decency, and purposeful living in the expanding ideological and media landscapes of the 20th century. Exploring both personal and political nuance, this biography is a well-deserved tribute and a testament to honor in American governance.”
Self-Publishing Review

“Exceptionally well written, impressively detailed and informative, as well as thoroughly ‘reader friendly’ in organization and presentation, “South Dakota Crusader: Francis Case’s Road to Congress” is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library American Biography/Memoir collections.”
Midwest Book Review

Advising Chiang’s Army

“This book . . . is well researched, carefully documented and richly illustrated. . . . [It] is a vast treasure trove for anyone interested in World War II, Asian history, and in the career of an extra-ordinary American. It is a joy to recommend it[.]”
George Fry for Military magazine; review reprinted by Midwest Book Review in Reviewer’s Bookwatch

“I appreciated the way the writer portrayed the Chinese Army . . . and that [author] Wilson did not try to sugar coat anything at all. This is a fantastic book; it is amazing.”
Rabia Tanveer for Reader’s Favorite

“If you are a WWII enthusiast, or even just like to read stories with a great deal of human interest, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.”
Lei Momi

“[A]n unusual and fascinating war book. . . . [O]ne shivers with the cold weather and lack of shelter and blankets as described intimately in letters written at the time.”
J. Finder

“This book gives more than a glimpse of the work and hardships endured by American ‘advisors.’ A good book . . . [that is] worth the price of admission.”
Ron Morrison

“Very impressive. That’s what I thought about this book. Very well researched and written. . . . It was a great read. I felt as though I were there.”
Randy Tramp

“I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military history and Chinese history. . . . It sure gave me a unique perspective.”
Tim Drake

“I find this to be a unique book . . . . Loved the . . . story and am grateful I . . . could add it to my library. A great read!”
George Kugler

Answering the Call

“Answering the Call . . . is impressively informative, exceptionally well written, and an invaluable addition to the growing library of World War II memoirs and biographies.”
Midwest Book Review

“I found the book to be absolutely absorbing, indeed I read it within a single 48-hour period. It’s an interesting story, well-told. . . . I believe that a central strength of the book is the required scope limitation to the Italian campaign.”
John L. Peschel, Professor of Law Emeritus, New York University

“The book . . . is an excellent example of a firsthand account of activities at . . . [the junior officer] level, both during preparation and combat. It should appeal to those who shared somewhat similar experience or who have relatives who did.”
B. Gen. Curtis Hooper O’Sullivan (Ret.) for Military magazine

“[A]uthor Stephen L. Wilson has produced a highly readable and exceptional book about his family’s experience during the Second World War. . . . I highly recommend it.
A. L. Hanks

“Answering the Call is a must-read book for anyone interested in this time period and learning more about the Greatest Generation.”
John E. Nevola

“I really enjoyed this book. It is like reading someone’s diary and is fascinating! I learned what the . . . life of a soldier was like during World War Two.”
Jo Ann Schneider Farris

[T]his excellent book . . . makes the reader feel as though one is right there in the action. . . . It’s a gritty account of one man’s journey to serve till the campaigns . . . were over.”
Jim Spencer

This book has a wonderful advantage as it is written from information sent home in hundreds of letters! . . . It is a hidden gem of very outstanding human interest.”
Madlyn Fafard