Waking Walt
By Larry Pontius 

     What would happen if Walt Disney were not dead? What if he had been placed in cryonic suspension, waiting the day that a cure could be found for the disease that had threatened to kill him. Larry Pontius attempts to answer these questions in his entertaining novel, Waking Walt.

     Several old friends has kept a secret for forty years. Calling themselves The Circle, they are the only ones who know the truth about Walt Disney. When a corporate raider decides to take over the Disney Empire and sell off parts to various entities, The Circle realizes that the world built by Disney is set to crumble.

     A new drug holds the promise of curing the cancer that almost took the life of Walt Disney. After a botched attempt to steal the drug, a meeting takes place with the inventor. Upon hearing the truth, she agrees to help them bring back a legend. One of the members of The Circle passes the torch to his nephew, Harry Poole. At first, Harry is shocked by the plan but becomes determined to give Walt a chance to take back his creation. However, someone else knows about the plot to stop the takeover - and they intend to stop Walt Disney. Permanently this time.

     Every once in a while, a novel comes along that satisfies all your literary cravings. Waking Walt is suspenseful, funny, human, and most of all, incredibly touching. The last chapter is masterfully done and hard to forget. Larry Pontius brings Walt back to life with aching realism. He is imperfect, irascible, and endearing. Most of all - he is human.

     Some might feel that Waking Walt is too implausible, but I think Pontius has penned a masterpiece. After all…"A dream is a wish your heart makes."

     Highest recommendation.