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Author and former U.S. Marine Ron Godby poses with his published novel, "Mongoose in the Sand."

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Godby reads an excerpt from his book.

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Under the Sycamore Tree bookstore hosts a reception after the reading.

In January 1984, U.S. Marine Ron Godby was stationed in South Korea and snowbound, stuck inside a tent with his fellow Marines. During this time, he decided that one day he would write a book about his experience as a Marine.

Finding his notes from the training mission 21 years later, he set out only to write a short story, and initially that is what he did. But, after publishing the story “The Mongoose Mission,” he realized there was much more to tell and followed it up with a novel about his experience.

On Nov. 11, Godby, read from his novel, “Mongoose in the Sand” at Under the Sycamore Tree bookstore in Grayslake. The reading was held to commemorate Veterans Day and the store’s one year anniversary. Godby, a Mount Prospect resident, read excerpts from his book and signed copies for audience members.

A crowd of 12 people gathered in the back area of the store, some sitting on bean bags and others standing while Godby read an emotional excerpt from his book.

“Mongoose in the Sand” tells the story of a tight-knit group of six Marines fighting during the Cold War era. The book’s characters are based on people Godby knows and their experiences are similar to those Godby faced while serving in the Marines. Some of the experiences were also derived from his time as a police detective and lieutenant for the Northwestern University Police Department, where he has been employed for the past 18 years.

“Marines and people in the military work so hard and sacrifice even during peacetime,” Godby said. “A lot of people think you’re not serving your country if you’re not fighting.”

Jackie Harns, owner of Under the Sycamore Tree, met Godby through his publisher while attending a book trade show earlier this year.

“I knew we were going to have a reception for Veterans Day to celebrate the store’s first anniversary,” Harns said. “Meeting Ron was sort of serendipitous.”

Harns helped establish a fund with veterans' families and offered a 40 percent discount to those buying “Mongoose in the Sand” for U.S. troops serving overseas.

“I have such an appreciation for the men and women veterans that help to ensure our freedom every day,” Harns said.

By: Jessica Cantarelli | Staff Writer At 11/12/2007 - 5:18pm |  |  |