No Arm Around My Shoulder

About the Book

Book review by Beverly Seaton Ingersoll

Author:  4 Months of God’s Mercy

“No Arm Around My Shoulder” is a story of life long ago when survival was an everyday occurrence.  A small child’s only desire to be wanted and loved by his family, but in return must endure hostility and scorn for the first 18 years of his life.  This story cannot help but touch the soul of everyone who reads it.  I was heart-stricken by the pain and adversity this author endured as a child, but also inspired, because I know he is a warm, caring, honorable man today.  The history Fred describes in Southern Idaho as he and his family moved from place to place just to put food on the table reminded me of times when life was much harder than today.  I felt as though I was right there with him.  The author is an inspiration to all of how strong a person’s character is and that they can successfully overcome extremely difficult obstacles.

About the Author

Walter Fred Hamelrath is a retired Navy Officer and resides with his wife, Rose Ann, in Hayden, Idaho.  He was born during the early post-World War One era and raised during the depression of the nineteen thirties.  In 1940 he left high school at the end of his junior year and enlisted in the United States Navy.  He is a survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  During his thirty years in the navy he continued his self-education, earning his commission as an Ensign in 1954, He retired in 1970 as a Commander.  His retired life has been filled with the pursuit of living the life he missed as a young boy.  This has included years of traveling the country in the family recreational vehicles.  His venture into writing this book was motivated by the desire to share the experiences of one person’s passage through the depression years.