Lyla

is author Bob Fields 11 month old great granddaughter. Inspired by her

birth, he set out to introduce himself to her through stories, not of

his successes in the military or the business worlds, but rather, in his

own childhood where the foundations of his character were formulated.

At age 12, Lyla, when presented with this unique legacy, will come to

know the boy and understand the man he became.

The author has transformed his letters to his great granddaughter into

chapters and takes readers on a guided tour of his early life. His

stories describe family life, playing with friends, sports, unusual

adventures, and aspects of the town of Houlton where he grew up in

northern Maine. Readers will come to know the boy as a risk-taking,

fun-loving, carefree, imaginative youngster. They will also discover

major differences between their culture and my old friend's way of life.

In spite of generational and societal differences, readers will

understand that the things that really matter in life endure forever.

Life in any generation is no mere accident; it has patterns, purposes,

and meanings.

Readers will appreciate the author's straight forward and homespun

approach as he interjects emotions and humor into his dialogue. Written

as an expression of love and affection, this novel will encourage

readers to embrace the past and qualities that are essential to living

successfully in any age.

Enjoy the ride as you read this intensely human, heart-warming, loving

account and journey back in time with Lyla.