Atlanta Launch of 'A Gathering of Men,' a WWII Novel at Bookmiser

The Atlanta launch of “A Gathering of Men: A WWII Novel,” the newest novel by author and historian Rona Simmons, will be Sunday, Feb. 20, from 4-5:30 p.m. at Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta.

A work of historical fiction, “A Gathering of Men” is based on the true story of one B-17 bomber pilot from the legendary 100th Bomb Group in England during World War II. It tells of the shattered dreams and enduring friendship, duty and honor among the pilots and their air and ground crews.

Simmons is an Atlanta-area author whose first published works were novels, and primarily works of historical fiction set in the first half of the last century, including “Postcards from Wonderland” and “The Quiet Room.”

In 2016 she met and befriended WWII veteran and artist Jack Smith. Together they produced the book “Images from World War II: The Art of Jack Smith,” celebrating the art of the nonagenarian. Simmons then followed with “The Other Veterans of World War II: Stories from Behind the Front Lines,” which was recently awarded a gold medal by the Military Writers Society of America.

For her new book, “A Gathering of Men,” Simmons combined her interest in the WWII era and her passion for history and research to tell another story with another unique perspective on the war. This time, the tale is historical fiction, but based on a true story and countless hours spent in the library, online, in interviews, and at our nation’s WWII museum archives.

Simmons is a frequent speaker on WWII and veterans’ stories. Her stories, articles and interviews have been published in literary journals and online magazines, as well as in local newspapers. On a pro bono basis, she has given her time and expertise to the Georgia Council for the Arts and The Gilmer Arts Council and served as co-director for the Milton Literary Festival.

Simmons currently acts as a contributing writer for two military-related organizations supporting reading and lifelong learning and preserving veterans’ stories.

For more information, go to bookmiser.net or RonaSimmons.com.