Title: A Son of Philly in His Own Word
Author: Susan Haney Cossitt
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 198454182X
Genre: Biography
Pages: 148
Reviewed by: Dan MacIntosh

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Susan Haney Cossitt’s biography of Tom Haney details a fascinating life story. More than that, however, it’s kind of a love letter for and about her father. Cossitt wrote this loving work utilizing a combination heart-to-heart, father-daughter conversations, as well as research about her father’s special life circumstances. The result is both personal and universal.

This book is personal because Cossitt is not just writing about a war hero, but also documenting the fascinating life of her very own father. She has been able to document the names, places and events of Haney’s life in ways most children never get the opportunity to discover about their parents. Many of us watch our parents go to their graves with lingering questions; we’ll go to our own graves never answering. In a way, then, many might feel a tinge of jealousy after reading this work. Some of us might wish we had this much documentation concerning their own parents.

The book is also universal in many ways. Haney was a World War II veteran, and part of what many have termed the greatest generation. Cossitt gives a lot of history about this significant conflict, including extensive quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt — notably his speech directly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. By providing a glimpse into Haney’s role in that conflict, we also get a unique view of the war. Haney performed many heroic acts during the war, some of which are included in the book, and was wounded severely, earning a Purple Heart. Haney also suffered the rest of his life with both physical and psychological wounds caused by the war. It’s a sacrifice that makes Cossitt proud, and should make all readers proud.

Religious faith also plays a big role in Haney’s life. Although he aborted his plans to join the Catholic priesthood, he never forgot the prayers he learned during his studies for the calling. One doesn’t get the impression Haney was all too vocal about his beliefs, though. Instead, these beliefs mostly came out in the integrity with which he lived his life.

This is a book that may help restore your faith in the goodness of mankind. Tom Haney was never famous (except to his friends and family, perhaps), but there were thousands like him then, just as there are many like him now. One can become disheartened while watching the news, which is driven by examples of bad human behavior. Tom Haney’s story is one of dedication, perseverance and sacrifice. We may be living in the age of the selfie, but Haney was a man that put others first. Thankfully, this life of otherness was never lost on his daughter. Susan Haney Cossitt has painted a loving portrait of a hero in her life, her father. This act also makes Cossitt an admirable character. Far too often, children are disrespectful and unappreciative when it comes to their relationships with their parents. In contrast, Cossitt has chosen to preserve the memory of her father and tell the world about him. Cossitt’s book is well written and flows quickly. A Son of Philly in His Own Words is a good book, on so many different levels.