Man's faith at center of biography
Name: Susan Phelps Harvey
Age: 73
City in which you reside: Hagerstown
Day job: Retired
Book title: “The Man with the Reversible Foot”
Genre: Biography
Quick synopsis of book: This is a biography of an everyday, living hero. Dick Stenbakken combines a pragmatic, disciplined attitude toward life with a compassionate love for his fellow man and a deep devotion to his faith. From his adoption, after his unwed mother gave him up, through his growing-up years, Army career and administrative careers, he has led an interesting, inspiring life. His career as an Army chaplain in particular is full of tales of danger, ingenuity, and believe it or not, fun.
Publisher: Review and Herald Publishing
Price: Cover price: $17.99, Amazon price: $12.99
How did you discover the story of Dick Stenbakken, “The Man with the Reversible Foot”?
I have known Dick professionally for years, and have always admired his quirky sense of humor and his ability to get things done. A few years ago, I was asked to write a profile of him for a magazine. Unfortunately, the story never got published, and about two years later, I rediscovered it, and the idea of a book was born. Then, when I heard about Dick’s late-in-life search for his birth family, I knew I wanted to tell the whole story.
What type of man is Stenbakken?
Curious, disciplined, direct and funny.
Because this is Stenbakken’s story and it is written in more of a narrative format, how much research was required? Tell us about your writing process.
The book was created out of a series of detailed interviews with Dick, spanning more than 100 hours, over the course of a year.
As a chaplain during the Vietnam War, Stenbakken used faith to get through his life, as well. He continued to lean on his faith throughout his life. What did his faith teach you?
It taught me that when you use the gifts God gave you to the best of your ability, and keep your faith, amazing things can happen.
Did you learn anything about yourself while writing this book?
That I enjoy writing biographies immensely, and hope to continue to do it.
What do you hope Stenbakken’s story will teach the readers?
That a real-life biography can be just as exciting as any fiction — while providing inspiration for living their own lives. And that this is how a man of faith lives his life.
What has his story taught you?
That life is full of challenges and rewards, and that if you meet the challenges with grace and gusto, your life will be its own reward.
Are you working on any upcoming projects?
I’m currently writing another biography.
Where can someone purchase your book?
The book is available through Amazon.com.
