The Good Bits

Bob Hall served as a Marine volunteering for what he calls an easy tour in Vietnam. At age 26 he graduated from college and was elected to the Massachusetts senate defeating a powerful Democratic incumbent by nine votes out of 60000 in a seat not won by a Republican since 1938. He was re-elected four times by wide margins retiring undefeated in 1982 to become an association executive. Along the way he found time to earn a masters degree in history and to serve six more years in the Marine reserves. In addition to 23 years managing non-profits he's been frequently published in newspapers and magazines as a freelance writer. This book began as an attempt to capture stories from Hall's life as a Marine as a Massachusetts state senator and as an association manager for his granddaughter Britnye. When it grew to over 600 anecdotes Hall says Many people (okay my wife) urged me to put it in print. I promise this book will not change your life you will be able to put it down and it will not soon be a major motion picture. Plus you'll have to turn the pages yourself. Included are stories that will delight and amuse you as well as lessons learned about leadership integrity and human relations. They range from Hall's interactions with prominent Massachusetts politicians like Mike Dukakis Bill Bulger Kevin Harrington John Kerry Frank Sargent John Olver and Barney Frank to the everyday stresses of a Marine enlisted man during a difficult time. Readers looking for a blood and guts combat memoir or a slashing political exposé should keep looking. But those interested in politics and political campaigns the Marines during Vietnam or the challenges of managing non-profit associations will find it both educational and entertaining.