Welcome to The World of
Bob Simmons
About the Author
Robert Harrison
Robert Harrison is a U.S. Army veteran and memoirist born and raised in Hazel Park, Michigan. His journey reflects a profound and often painful return to
civilian life, marked by a relentless fight against chronic pain and a broken healthcare system. A man of quiet determination and raw honesty, Robert’s writing is a testament to the
resilience and quiet strength of survival. He served with pride and, after years of silence, turned his personal battle into a powerful voice for countless
veterans still fighting long after the battlefield is left behind. Robert writes not to seek sympathy, but to spark
understanding and change for those who feel forgotten or unseen.
Listen in Silence is his powerful first book.
Why You Should Read This Book
- Veterans’ Advocacy: It offers an unflinching, raw look at the bureaucratic indifference of the VA and the ongoing battle for adequate veteran healthcare.
- The Power of Connection: It highlights the sacred bond of brotherhood among veterans and the profound healing found in shared vulnerability and silent presence.
- A Journey of Resilience: Robert’s story is a testament to the quiet strength of rebuilding a life, one difficult step at a time, after deep personal and physical trauma.
- Emotional Honesty: It provides the rare perspective of a veteran grappling with a lack of emotional expression, offering a roadmap for breaking the painful cycle of silence.
About the Book
Listen in Silence
Listen in Silence is the unflinching memoir of Robert Harrison’s life after service, a stark confrontation with the promises made and the help denied. From the camaraderie forged in
boot camp to the devastating indifference of the VA system, Robert navigates a world that is “aimless, soft, and strange”. His story is one of painful self-reliance, chronic physical and emotional wounds, and the ultimate
betrayal of a country he fought to protect. It is a narrative of personal transformation—the journey to move past the anger, embrace a quieter purpose, and finally break the haunting
silence that greets so many returning soldiers. This book is a gut-punch of
truth and a powerful call for change.
Why Choose us
Interesting Facts About the Book
-
- The author, Robert, dedicates his memoir to “the brothers-in-arms we lost long after the war ended” and “those still waiting for the system to care,” underscoring its advocacy mission.
- The author’s full name is
Robert Harrison, though the manuscript is credited to Bob Simmons.
• The military experience described begins when Robert is eighteen, with the catalyst being his father's brief comment about his own time in the Air Force
• The initial rejection Robert faced when seeking help from the VA was from a doctor who dismissed his severe chronic pain as "a little muscular tension" and recommended only stretching and ibuprofen.
• Robert's sister, Kate, played a crucial, supportive role in his life, offering silent solidarity and emotional presence, which he recognized as a profound form of love.
Book Genre & Themes
Key Topics Covered:
Post-Traumatic Stress and Trauma
Veteran Isolation and Re-entry to Civilian Life
Chronic Pain and the VA Healthcare System
Military Brotherhood and Loyalty
Personal Resilience and Finding Purpose
Betrayal and Accountability
Social Media
Testimonial
Readers' Reviews
A necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the true cost of service. Robert’s honest fight against the VA bureaucracy is heart-wrenching and infuriating.
This book is a masterclass in quiet resilience. It taught me that courage isn't always loud; sometimes it looks like showing up and sitting in the silence
Reader and Mental Health Advocate.
"Their team exceeded our expectations. From strategy to execution, everything was seamless and highly professional. We saw measurable improvements within weeks."
Founder NovaTech
"Their team exceeded our expectations. From strategy to execution, everything was seamless and highly professional. We saw measurable improvements within weeks."
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