Sara W. Berry, co-author of the book “Tapcode,” will visit Vicksburg Friday to sign copies of the bestselling non-fiction book. The book signing will take place at The Rose of Clay Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., along with appetizers and a wine tasting. Lorelei Books will provide copies of the book for purchase.

Berry co-authored the novel, printed in 2019, with Louise and Col. Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris.

“Tapcode” tells the story of Smitty, a pilot who was shot down in 1965 while flying a F-105 jet during the Vietnam War. He was held as a prisoner of war for eight years.

Smitty became famous for his development of a code shared among other POWs through tapping on the prison wall to communicate with each other.

The book also shares, in alternating chapters, the story of his wife Louise’s life at home with three small children.

“I met with (Louise and Smitty) for about a year and a half,” Berry said. “I decided to write both stories. It’s their story. Smitty wanted people to know her side of the story as well.”

Berry recalled the day she finished the book. 

“I just felt very compelled to take it to them that night,” she said. 

Although recovering from injuries from an accident, she took the book to the couple. It was their wedding anniversary. “I handed it off to them on their anniversary. This is their love story.”

Berry, who also writes educational curriculum, sent the text for “Tapcode” directly to Zondervan publishing. 

“We actually found out we had a book deal on Smitty’s 90th birthday,” she said.

The book became an instant bestseller for non-fiction and is currently for sale on Amazon’s website as an “editor’s pick.”

The paperback version of the book is set to be released in November.

Tickets for Friday’s event must be purchased ahead of time. Those interested in tickets may send emails to lori.fagan01@gmail.com. 

Berry is a resident of Tupelo. She is the sister of Nan Green, of Vicksburg. Nan and husband Stuart are the owners of The Open Market and DIMCO, Inc.