On March 27th, WHS had the pleasure of hosting author and WHS graduate, Dr. Peter Daniel Cook (class of 1979). Dr. Cook spoke to students from grades 9-12 about the importance of literacy while incorporating an excerpt of his novel Bootleg Heroes.
After graduating WHS, Dr. Cook went on to join the U.S. Marines. He recalls: “Ninth Grade I walk into the guidance counselor’s office and I see these book covers. Marines are looking for a few good men, they had men leaping, jumping and fighting and I thought, ‘I’m doing that’”. For Dr. Cook, this was the start of a five year long journey in the Marine Corp. Following the Marine Corp, Dr. Cook earned his Ph.D with his thesis being Master Teacher Values in Holocaust Education. This contributed to the greater goal of becoming a Holocaust Educator which has since been published by Columbia University’s Teacher’s College Press.
Currently, Dr. Cook is teaching economics at a high school in Los Angeles, California, while simultaneously presenting on literacy and advertising his new book, Bootleg Heroes. Bootleg Heroes is described as a “military comedy” that invites readers to explore the after-hours activities of Marines who are stationed at the American Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.
Dr. Cook’s main objective upon release of his novel is to make reading fun and accessible for teens that haven’t yet found their passion for literature and reading. The story is told in a light-hearted, comedic tone. “The last thing anyone wants to listen to is a lecture”, Dr. Cook explains in an interview with The Lobby O. “There is a lot of humor and a lot of pain in the human experience, so I feel like being able to write without resolutions that are part is a good way to try to capture authentic human behavior”.
Although Bootleg Heroes is fascinating, Dr. Cook’s presentation primarily focused on the value of literacy. “Literacy puts bread on the table”, Dr. Cook explains. He shares that with “an appreciation for reading— you’ll never be bored!” Literacy is a powerful tool to not only increase academic success but also to fulfill the pursuit. Since its release in March 2025, Bootleg Heroes has made astronomical differences in the lives of students who had little interest in reading. Dr. Cook hopes that for some, his book can be a gateway into the world of literature.
Be sure to check out Bootleg Heroes. It can be found at most bookstores, like Tatnuck Bookseller on Lyman Street, Barnes and Noble, or on Amazon!
