Michael Thompson, WindRiver Reader
[Peter] does a good job of showing that even a seemingly unimportant act of kindness has long-term consequences and blessings.

Jim Parisi / Coastal News
The American St. Nick should be required reading, to remind us that real people are fighting wars, not just "soldiers."

Bob Ley / ESPN's Outside the Lines
[This] is a stirring account of how [we] can rise to the moment in the worst of times.

Carol Ferguson / Greenville Herald-Banner
This is a must-read for [WWII history buffs] and a moving tale of the GIs who fought for our freedom.

Cheryl McCann, Review Books
It ... renews your faith in humanity and showcases our soldiers as brave and kind representatives of America.

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
[The book] will help you understand that good things really can happen during sad times.

Review Books
It showcases our soldiers as brave and kind representatives of America.

Alex's Book Reviews
Lion's book shows the benefits and blessings that come from charitable service. Grade: A

Book Description
Amidst the dark and painful days of WWII Europe there shown a bright and joyous light—the courage and compassion of the 28th Infantry Division Signal Corps and its Christmas gift to the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg. The American St. Nick is based on the true story of soldiers who donated their gifts from home, military cooks who baked sweets, and Corporal Richard Brookins, who borrowed clothes from the local priest then rode through town as St. Nicolas to the delight of children and parents alike. Thus begins a story soon clouded by the trials of war and the distance of time--clouded, but not forgotten. For the story of that day touched the hearts of generations who reached out across the oceans to the surprise of those living with us today and in honor of the memory of those who stayed behind.

From the Publisher
The American St. Nick is a wonderful story of the good that can happen amidst the terrible times of war. Men and women often rise to the challenges of both honor and humanity, but rarely with such consequences as those surrounding the restoration of Christmas celebrations in the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg. December, 2004 marks the 60th anniversary of this remarkable moment in time--a moment not only remembered, but celebrated each year in Wiltz. We invite everyone who enjoys the honor of the military and the joy of Christmas to read this remarkable story.

About the Author
Peter Lion grew-up in Connecticut, and discovered a yearning to write at an early age. He often wrote poetry and short stories and when he entered Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Ct immediately began contributing articles to the school newspaper. His journalistic interests followed him to Southern Connecticut State University where he honed his writing skills while again writing for the student newspaper and studying Journalism. In his senior year he had his first magazine article published in Hartford Magazine, before graduating with a BA in Journalism and minors in Communications and English. Peter began his 20-year career in television a few months before graduating from college at WTNH-TV, the ABC affiliate in New Haven, CT as a part-time graphics operator. "Coming right out of school I had no clue at what I was doing. I just knew that I needed to get a foot in the door, so when they asked me if I knew how to operate the graphics equipment, I told them yes, and learned as fast as I could." Peter stayed with WTNH for more than two years learning the technical workings of television news before eventually moving on to Boston and WSBK. There he began work as a Technical Director on various projects including Boston Red Sox Baseball and Boston Bruins Hockey, but never lost his desire for television news and writing. After a year at WSBK, Peter was offered a position as a Director at a start-up station back in his home state. "They called and said they wanted someone who could be a director and technical director for what was to be the state's first 10pm newscast. Although I'd never directed before, I was working with some of the best directors in Boston and learned quite a bit from them, so I jumped at the chance. Plus it was a great opportunity because this station was starting from scratch, so the whole newscast from a television production end, was in my hands. That was a pretty big nut for a 27 year old guy". Peter spent two years at that station before moving on and eventually landing in Pittsburgh at KDKA-TV. Throughout his six year stay at KDKA, he wore a multitude of hats as a director, news producer, writer, feature producer and weather anchor. He also became fast friends with another staff director, Terry Brookins. "One day in 1994 Terry was telling me how I'd have to cover his shifts directing the 6 & 11 newscasts while he went on vacation to Europe with his family. When I asked about his travel plans he told me he was going to Luxembourg because his dad had to do this thing in a town called Wiltz. He then began telling me this amazing story about his father and WWII. Having several uncles and a father that also served in the war, I was especially fascinated by the story. I remember saying, "someone should write a book about this...the world should know this story"...and that's how the idea for The American St. Nick came to life". Peter eventually moved back to Connecticut in 1996 when ESPN came calling. He continues to work for them as a Director, working on shows such SportsCenter, the NFL Draft and his main show College Gameday. Although nominated many times, he won his first Emmy Award at ESPN in 1996 for his work on SportsCenter, and won a second Emmy Award in 1999 for his show Sunday NFL Countdown. Outside of working at ESPN, when he's not writing, he likes to stay busy by working on and around his house in the country, gardening, fishing and playing and writing music with his band "Cheaper Than Therapy" (he's the guitarist and sings). He's currently writing his second novel titled "Pressings".

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The American St. Nick is a wonderful story of the good that can happen amidst the terrible times of war. Men and women often rise to the challenges of both honor and humanity, but rarely with such consequences as those surrounding the restoration of Christmas celebrations in the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg.

December, 2004 marks the 60th anniversary of this remarkable moment in time--a moment not only remembered, but celebrated each year in Wiltz.

We invite everyone who enjoys the honor of the military and the joy of Christmas to read this remarkable story.About the Author:Peter Lion grew-up in Connecticut, and discovered a yearning to write at an early age. He often wrote poetry and short stories and when he entered Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Ct immediately began contributing articles to the school newspaper. His journalistic interests followed him to Southern Connecticut State University where he honed his writing skills while again writing for the student newspaper and studying Journalism. In his senior year he had his first magazine article published in Hartford Magazine, before graduating with a BA in Journalism and minors in Communications and English.

Peter began his 20-year career in television a few months before graduating from college at WTNH-TV, the ABC affiliate in New Haven, CT as a part-time graphics operator. "Coming right out of school I had no clue at what I was doing. I just knew that I needed to get a foot in the door, so when they asked me if I knew how to operate the graphics equipment, I told them yes, and learned as fast as I could."

Peter stayed with WTNH for more than two years learning the technical workings of television news before eventually moving on to Boston and WSBK. There he began work as a Technical Director on various projects including Boston Red Sox Baseball and Boston Bruins Hockey, but never lost his desire for television news and writing. After a year at WSBK, Peter was offered a position as a Director at a start-up station back in his home state. "They called and said they wanted someone who could be a director and technical director for what was to be the state's first 10pm newscast. Although I'd never directed before, I was working with some of the best directors in Boston and learned quite a bit from them, so I jumped at the chance. Plus it was a great opportunity because this station was starting from scratch, so the whole newscast from a television production end, was in my hands. That was a pretty big nut for a 27 year old guy".

Peter spent two years at that station before moving on and eventually landing in Pittsburgh at KDKA-TV. Throughout his six year stay at KDKA, he wore a multitude of hats as a director, news producer, writer, feature producer and weather anchor. He also became fast friends with another staff director, Terry Brookins. "One day in 1994 Terry was telling me how I'd have to cover his shifts directing the 6 & 11 newscasts while he went on vacation to Europe with his family. When I asked about his travel plans he told me he was going to Luxembourg because his dad had to do this thing in a town called Wiltz. He then began telling me this amazing story about his father and WWII. Having several uncles and a father that also served in the war, I was especially fascinated by the story. I remember saying, "someone should write a book about this...the world should know this story"...and that's how the idea for The American St. Nick came to life".

Peter eventually moved back to Connecticut in 1996 when ESPN came calling. He continues to work for them as a Director, working on shows such SportsCenter, the NFL Draft and his main show College Gameday. Although nominated many times, he won his first Emmy Award at ESPN in 1996 for his work on SportsCenter, and won a second Emmy Award in 1999 for his show Sunday NFL Countdown.

Outside of working at ESPN, when he's not writing, he likes to stay busy by working on and around his house in the country, gardening, fishing and playing and writing music with his band "Cheaper Than Therapy" (he's the guitarist and sings). He's currently writing his second novel titled "Pressings".

SYNOPSIS

Amidst the dark and painful days of WWII Europe there shown a bright and joyous light￯﾿ﾽthe courage and compassion of the 28th Infantry Division Signal Corps and its Christmas gift to the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg.

The American St. Nick is based on the true story of soldiers who donated their gifts from home, military cooks who baked sweets, and Corporal Richard Brookins, who borrowed clothes from the local priest then rode through town as St. Nicolas to the delight of children and parents alike.

Thus begins a story soon clouded by the trials of war and the distance of time--clouded, but not forgotten. For the story of that day touched the hearts of generations who reached out across the oceans to the surprise of those living with us today and in honor of the memory of those who stayed behind.

FROM THE CRITICS

Michael Thompson - WindRiver Reader