James Mikel Wilson writes historical fiction and narrative nonfiction. He is the author of five books. His most recent one, "The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me: A Quest for The Dawn of Peace" was published on October 31, 2024. It tells the compelling story of Japan's birth as a democracy, followed by its loss and restoration through the lens of a man who accepted the difficult task of restoring friendships between two former enemies.
As a 12-year-old Japanese immigrant living in the New York City YMCA at the turn of the 20th Century, Takashi Komatsu was among the least likely to eventually have such a profound impact on Japan's emergence after WW II as an enduring democracy and one of America's best trading partners and allies. This book is a Proud Supporter of Monmouth College (Illinois).
"Churchill and Roosevelt: The Big Sleepover at the White House" won the 2018 Author Academy Award in historical fiction. A London playwright has converted it into a stage play. It is about the three weeks these two great men spent at the White House from Christmas 1941 to early New Year 1942, creating a bond of friendship and plotting grand strategy to defeat their common enemies. The author created the work as a two-man monologue to make it read less like a history book. Although readers know the outcome of World War II, the characters in the book interact in the present tense and do not.
"The Big Sleepover" is a Proud Supporter of the Fallen Warriors Memorial in Houston, TX and the National Churchill Museum in Fulton, MO. Wilson was one of just five authors from around the world invited to sign books at the National Churchill's 50th Anniversary in 2019.
"Ghosts of Presidents Past-A Reckoning." Twenty-three past presidents respond to the siren call to confront the fictional incumbent President Daniel Hands. Hands violates almost all decorum associated with the world's most esteemed office. Each visitor shares relevant successes, confesses a few regrets, and leaves POTUS with a warning. This book combines historical fiction, political parody, and satire. It was written with a nod to Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." Dickens's and Wilson's books are statements of their times. The work is a Proud Supporter of NPR and Houston Public Media.
In addition to the above books, Wilson has authored two others "Paw Tracks Here and Abroad: A Dog's Tale" published in late 2014 and "Mr. Froggy's Dilemma" published in late summer 2018.
"Paw Tracks Here and Abroad" was originally written for Wilson's grandchildren but friends encouraged him to share it. Age appropriate from eight to adults, it is the true story of a stray dog who wanders into the Wilson's lives and brings them joy for another twenty years.
Snickers, the heroine of the story, tells of her adventures and observations in first person voice. Each of the eighteen chapters begins with a delightful illustration by Tod Gilpin. Along the way the reader gains useful information about animal training, playtime, travel with dogs, grooming, nutrition, animal behavior, and aging gracefully. Snicker's vet for almost twelve years contributed to the content and wept when she passed away.
Wilson's wisdom and insights were gained over the fifty plus years in which he owned five dogs. Those dogs and the many others he knew through his friends enabled him to write this story with sensitivity, humor, and appreciation for the unique role dogs play in the lives of humans. Wilson and his family are proud supporters of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals©. The ASPCA has blogged about the book and also included an interview with the author in their quarterly magazine. Also, the Peoria Journal Star did a feature article on Snickers in their spring special edition on pets.
"Mr. Froggy's Dilemma" is a true story about a frog badly in need of rescuing. Mr. Froggy gets into trouble over his head and too big for his flippers. The book invites the young reader to answer some questions and to conduct outside research to augment the tale. Interactive windows of opportunity emerge to explore and discuss nature, science, climate change, the environment, and fear of the unknown. One feature makes Mr. Froggy rare. He's a blue bull frog! For several months, Amazon books recorded Mr. Froggy's as #1 out of 29 Hot New Releases in its genre.
During Wilson's forty-three years with Caterpillar, Inc., he traveled throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Afterwards, he consulted for eight years in the field of top tier business practices for industrial distribution. His appreciation for geography, nature, history, cultures, international politics, and adventure are incorporated into all five books. He lives in Houston, TX and has been happily married for over fifty years to Kathy. They have a son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.
Wilson collects books signed by US Presidents and First Ladies, Lionel Trains, Indian artifacts, and old canes. As stated, he is a dog lover. Also, an inveterate gardener.
