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The Old Guys: Back to Baghdad

by Mike Ryan

272 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-1782; ISBN 1-4251-4274-5; US$19.85, C$19.85, EUR13.56, £10.25

A heartwarming, action-packed story that pits three unlikely heroes (disenfranchised Baby Boomers) and a retired Marine against terrorists in the Middle East. (2008 Indie Book Awards - National Top Ten Finalist)

About the Book

Terminated unexpectedly and desperate to again earn a six-figure income to have enough money saved for retirement, three Baby Boomers and a retired Marine drill instructor, the "old guys," take the risk of driving trucks in Iraq alongside men half their age. Their self-esteem, at an all time low, is driven still lower as they are belittled by several of the younger drivers. After all of the other truckers are kidnapped by terrorists and smuggled into Iran, it's up to the old guys to try and rescue them as the military cannot cross the border to go after them. Their existence, already a living hell, now gets even worse as they go through one harrowing experience after another. To succeed they must withstand hardship, face up to fears, and overcome almost insurmountable obstacles in an attempt to redeem themselves in society and prove their own self worth.

The book addresses major problems facing America today: Islam versus Christianity, age discrimination that forces Baby Boomers into early retirement before they have saved enough money to survive the rest of their life, and disappearing traditions that define our culture and heritage as a nation. It is a fact-filled novel, but the fast-paced story is entirely fictitious.

About the Author

Mike Ryan spent his entire career in the financial community; a stockbroker, founding officer of a life insurance company, and president of a marketing firm. Although Mike has written numerous brochures and magazine articles during his career, The Old Guys is his first novel. He currently lives in Southern California with his beloved wife Cherie. They have three children from previous marriages, Julie, Kevin and Laurie. Mike is a graduate of Long Beach State College; and the Naval Officer Candidate School, serving aboard a carrier during Vietnam. His favorite hobbies are golf, music and reading novels. Like several of his characters, Mike's company forced him out before he wanted to retire. Part of this novel is his story.