The Siren's Call and Second Chances: A Story of Perseverance, Service, Heroic Courage and Love

by Tom Kelley, Joan Kelley (Contributor)

Tom nearly dies while saving his men in war, resulting in the loss of his eye. Although he's awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, he has to fight to stay in the navy. Joan overcomes childhood insecurities to reach her own navy career goals, and as a wife and mother. Later these two meet and, in a unique twist of fate, become soulmates. This book differs from the ordinary military memoir in that it gives a woman’s perspective on service, while sharing the journey these two make over their lives, traveling on separate but parallel paths in their quests for meaning outside themselves. The overarching theme guiding them toward their destiny is perseverance. Separately, then together, they learn how to overcome obstacles and move on from adversity while taking the high road. A unique aspect of this book is that while the authors give both points of view, the story is unified by common experiences of two similar individuals who become a strong team due to their bonds of service and faith. Told with humility, humor and honesty, the authors inspire readers to hold onto their hopes and dreams even in the darkest hours.

266 pages, Paperback

Published December 28, 2016

About the author

Thomas Kelley runs the marketing side of the hugely successful industrial product design firm IDEO. His brother, David, started the company in 1977 in Palo Alto, CA. One of his earliest projects was designing the first mouse for Steve Jobs at Apple Computers.

Reviews

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proceeds of this book go to veteran’s charities.

A true story of two people who are each embarking on separate military careers. Tom is in the Navy and while defending his ship, he loses an eye. He eventually gets out of the service and returns to Massachusetts where he was the secretary of veterans’ service for the Commonwealth. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by Richard Nixon in 1970. He was married to Gwen with whom he had 3 daughters and he has two grandsons.

Joan was in the Naval Reserve for twenty years and also an attorney for various government agencies. She was married before eventually getting divorced and she has one son. Joan ends up working in the same veterans’ service department and that is where they met. They are now married.

[Grace Mcmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have gotten to know Tom and Joan Kelley personally and their stories are compelling, very readable, and inspiring. It is more than a memoir and love story. It is a story of determination, hard work, and love of country as well as one another. I highly recommend this book.