Entertainment

"Sharon: The Life of a Leader" by Gilad Sharon

By Jeff Glor

October 28, 2011 / 9:07 AM EDT / CBS News

Jeff Glor talks to Gilad Sharon about, "Sharon: The Life of the Leader"

Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?

Gilad Sharon: I was lucky enough to be exposed to many of the events described in the book and to hear my father tell me about events that took place before I was born, but the most important thing is that I had the privilege and honor to enjoy my father's complete trust. Over the years, I collected so many memories along with all that I learned from going over documents from the archive, and I feel it is my duty to share that with others. It's amazing to see how relevant it all is today--the war against Islamic fundamentalist terror; Israel's foreign relationships with Arab leaders, with the UN, and especially with the US; and the relations between Israel's prime minister and the US president.

My father's life story can inspire many people and prove to them that nothing is unachievable, that despite all the difficulties, you can reach your goals. My father's life story is huge and a unique historical one, and a story like that by nature should be told.

JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?

GS: As I was researching the book, I was surprised by the depth of my father's archive. All of the letters from my grandfather to my father, family letters, letters from Moshe Dayan and David Ben Gurion. There are documents that even I hadn't seen before that I've been able to include in the book. These are notes and letters over sixty years old, some no one could ever remember seeing--love letters from my father's time as a soldier, and even during his time as prime minister. I was amazed and I am sure readers will be as well.

JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?

GS: I am a farmer, but I have been interested in writing all my life. I occasionally write pieces for Yedioth Aharanoth, an Israeli newspaper. So I am able to do both.

JG: What else are you reading right now?

GS: Right now I'm reading Agnon's Shira, written years ago. Actually, I have been so busy writing over the past 4 ½ years that I had very little time to read. But now that the book is finished, I'm looking forward to catching up.

JG: What's next for you?

GS: Well, I have an intensive book tour coming up. Then I return home to my family and the farm. I write editorials because I care about Israel--that's what motivates me.

For more on "Sharon: The Life of the Leader," visit the Harper Collins website.