MOULTRIE, Ga. — Ed Cooper, graduate of Moultrie Senior High School in 1962, as written two books published this year: “The Okinawa We Lost” and “Vietnam By The Light Of The Moon.” Both books are available on Amazon.

“The Okinawa We Lost,” published by Camphor Press Ltd, is a coming-of-age story that is partly love story and partly a Marine’s growing appreciation for Okinawa’s culture and the hardships faced by the island’s people. The novel is set in the early 1960s, and Cooper states that the book is written true-to-life based on his personal experiences while serving on the island.

Yukinori Tokuyami, an Okinawan literary researcher, compared Cooper’s novel with Vern Sneider’s “The Teahouse Of The August Moon,” citing similarities between the works despite different writing styles.

John Ross, publisher with Camphor Press, wrote: “‘The Okinawa We Lost’ is a lovely story, a wonderful period piece full of authentic color. The descriptions and dialogue are very good, and the characters realistic and sympathetic. The plot works well, and the subject is one that has not been written about. And, icing on the cake, though the story is set over 50 years ago, it’s still extremely relevant.”

“Vietnam By The Light Of The Moon” is Cooper’s memoir of his service days in South Vietnam with the Third Marine Division, 3rd Tank Battalion. According to Cooper, his book is written as a human interest tale rather than the typical “blood & guts” type war story. Thus far, reviews of the book have been very favorable, Cooper said. The book is published by Kindle Direct Press.

Both of Cooper’s books were recently featured in the U.S. Military newspaper, Stars & Stripes (Stripes-Okinawa and Stripes-Japan).

Cooper adds that he is currently working on a new book project with a medical doctor who was born and spent his early years in Afghanistan. The working title is “Prognoses: Afghanistan And Future Developments.” It’s a “what if” look at Central and Southeast Asia with Afghanistan as the hub of activity, Cooper stated.

Cooper retired from the Technical College System of Georgia in 2014, having served as dean of evening programs with Albany Technical College.