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Fastpitch: The Untold History of Softball and the Women Who Made the Game
by Erica WestlyIf you think softball is just a "women's version" of the great American pastime of baseball--well, think again.Fastpitch softball is one of the most widely played sports in the world, with tens of millions of active participants in various age groups. But the origins of this beloved sport and the charismatic athletes who helped it achieve prominence in the mid-twentieth century have been largely forgotten, until now. Fastpitch brings to life the eclectic mix of characters that make up softball's vibrant 129-year history. From its humble beginnings in 1887, when it was invented in a Chicago boat club and played with a broomstick, to the rise in the 1940s and 1950s of professional-caliber company-sponsored teams that toured the country in style, softball's history is as diverse as it is fascinating. Though it's thought of today as a woman's sport, fastpitch softball's early years featured several male stars, such as the vaudeville-esque Eddie Feigner, whose signature move was striking out batters while blindfolded. But because softball was one of the only team sports that women were allowed to play competitively, it took on added importance for female athletes. Top fastpitch teams of the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, such as the New Orleans Jax Maids and Connecticut's Raybestos Brakettes, gave women access to employment and travel opportunities that would have been unavailable to them otherwise. At a time when female athletes had almost no prospects, softball offered them a chance to flourish. Women put off marriage and moved across the country just for a shot at joining a strong team. Told from the perspective of such influential players as Bertha Ragan Tickey, who set strikeout records and taught Lana Turner to pitch, and Joan Joyce, who struck out baseball legend Ted Williams and helped found a professional softball league with Billie Jean King, Fastpitch chronicles softball's rich history and its uncertain future (as evidenced by its controversial elimination from the 2012 Olympics and the mounting efforts to have it reinstated). A celebration of this unique American sport and the role it plays in our culture today, Fastpitch is as entertaining as it is inspiring.
A River Trilogy: A Fly-Fishing Life
by W. D. WetherellFor the first time together, River Trilogy combines three classic works on fly fishing by W. D. Wetherell. Contained here are some of Wetherell’s most poetic pieces, a combination of spontaneous journal entries, reflections on contemplative excursions, and outright fishing tales. Each passage is filled with moving imagery describing the beauty of the river and the natural world that surrounds it. The first book in the collection, Vermont River, is an elegy to the author’s love of fly fishing in his native Vermont. Selected by Trout magazine as one of the thirty finest works on fly fishing, Vermont River will move readers with its radiant descriptions of Wetherell’s beloved sport and region. In Upland Streams, Wetherell explores the meandering streams and crooked creeks that dot New England’s landscape, the mighty rivers that flow through the Southwest, and the crags and lochs that fill the countryside of Scotland. Conveyed with characteristic humor and introspection, Upland Streams chronicles moments of life lived close to nature in all its majesty. One River More, the final volume in the collection, begins as a traditional chronicle of trout fishing in Vermont and Montana. It quickly, however, becomes a rich exploration of some of the most essential human experiences: love of nature and love of family.
Soccer Dad: A Father, a Son, and a Magic Season
by W. D. WetherellWriting with the same descriptive flair that has won his novels so much praise, Wetherell tells the true story of his teenage son's winning soccer season. "Soccer Dad" is simultaneously the candid reflections of a devoted father and die-hard soccer fan.
Epic Athletes: (stephen Curry, Alex Morgan, Serena Williams, Tom Brady, Lebron James, Lionel Messi) (Epic Athletes #6)
by Dan WetzelRenowned sports journalist Dan Wetzel shoots and scores with Epic Athletes: Lionel Messi, an inspiring young readers biography of a soccer great who rose from an underdog to a champion!Featuring comic-style illustrations by Jay Reed! Lionel Messi has taken the soccer world by storm. He scored the most goals in a season. He's racked up championships. There was even a statue built in his honor. Despite the accolades, he's still hungry for more goals, more championships, more opportunities to shine on the soccer pitch. Messi's drive to succeed has motivated him ever since he first stepped on his local, worn down field as a kid.Yet his success didn't come without bumps in the road. Diagnosed with a career-threatening medical condition at ten, Messi refused to give up on his dream, and went on to amass one of the greatest careers in sports history. Filled with sports action and bold illustrations, this thrilling biography details the rise of a living soccer legend.Praise for Epic Athletes* "An unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, starred review for Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry
Epic Athletes: Alex Morgan (Epic Athletes #2)
by Dan WetzelKicking off his new series of sports biographies for young readers, journalist Dan Wetzel tells the inspiring true life story of a US Women's Soccer star in Epic Athletes: Alex Morgan. Featuring graphic-style illustrations by Cory Thomas! Fierce competitor. World Cup winner. Role model. U.S. Women's Soccer star Alex Morgan has earned each of these impressive titles throughout her incredible career. As a young girl growing up in Southern California, she dreamed of being a professional soccer player, fighting to compete on the international stage against the world's greatest athletes. Flash forward to the present and Alex Morgan has emerged as the face of U.S. Women's soccer, famous for her clutch, late-game goals, and an inspiration to kids across the country. Bestselling author Dan Wetzel details the rise of an American champion in this uplifting biography for young readers, complete with dynamic comic-style illustrations.
Epic Athletes: Kevin Durant (Epic Athletes #8)
by Dan WetzelIn Epic Athletes: Kevin Durant, award-winning sports journalist Dan Wetzel tells the inspirational true-life story of an NBA superstar in this thrilling biography for young readers!Featuring comic-style illustrations by Marcelo Baez!In 2016, Kevin Durant shocked the basketball world when he decided to sign with the Golden State Warriors. Many questioned why one of the league's best players would join a team that was already stacked with talent—didn't he want to make a name for himself as the sole leader of a team? Kevin would have the last laugh, winning two championships and putting to rest any questions about his incredible legacy. In choosing to tune out the noise, he instead set his sights on success, maintaining the same winning attitude that has helped him achieve and overcome ever since he was kid. Even after his father abandoned the family when he was a young boy, when he was told he was too skinny to make an impact in the NBA, Kevin ignored the critics and forged his own path to victory. Filled with sports action and comic-style illustrations, this inspiring biography recaps the life of one of the most talented scorers in NBA history.Praise for Epic Athletes:* "Wetzel knows how to organize the facts and tell a good story. . . an unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, STARRED review of Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry
Epic Athletes: LeBron James (Epic Athletes #5)
by Dan WetzelEpic Athletes: LeBron James is an inspiring young readers biography of the best basketball player of the modern era from celebrated sports journalist Dan Wetzel! Featuring comic-style illustrations by Setor Fiadzigbey! Whether you call him King James or simply LeBron, one thing is certain: LeBron James is THE face of the NBA. At just eighteen, and facing sky-high expectations, LeBron headed straight from high school to the pros. Cool under pressure, he went on to shatter the record books and become the most popular athlete in America.Yet nothing was ever handed to LeBron. As a kid, he had to move homes constantly, even separating from his mother for a time. But through all the adversity, he took his natural talent and combined it with hard work to set himself on a path to greatness. Filled with sports action and bold illustrations, this exciting biography tells the story of a living NBA legend. Praise for Epic Athletes* "An unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, starred review for Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry
Epic Athletes: Patrick Mahomes (Epic Athletes #9)
by Dan WetzelIn this uplifting illustrated middle-grade biography, acclaimed sports journalist Dan Wetzel tackles the real-life story of the NFL's brightest rising star, quarterback Patrick Mahomes! In 2018, Patrick Mahomes stepped onto the gridiron as the new, inexperienced quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Just twenty-two-years old at the time, football fans wondered if this young man could live up to lofty expectations. Little did they know, a star was about to be born.By season's end, Patrick threw a whopping fifty touchdowns, the youngest to ever do so, and took his team nearly all the way to the Super Bowl. And the next season, he became the youngest quarterback ever to win Super Bowl MVP! With limitless potential, Patrick not only emerged as the NFL's most dynamic and exciting player, but he's also become a role model to kids across the country. Filled with sports action and comic-style illustrations by Marcelo Baez, this inspiring biography tells the story of the new king of pro football. Praise for Epic Athletes* "Wetzel knows how to organize the facts and tell a good story. [A]n unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, starred review“Dan Wetzel has a winning formula in his Epic Athletes series, sure to appeal to young sports fans.” —The Buffalo News
Epic Athletes: Serena Williams (Epic Athletes #3)
by Dan WetzelEpic Athletes: Serena Williams is an inspiring middle-grade biography of the most celebrated women's tennis player ever from acclaimed sports journalist Dan Wetzel! Featuring comic-style illustrations by Sloane Leong! Serena Williams is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. From growing up in a tough neighborhood to combatting racism to weathering severe health issues, there is no challenge she can't defeat, no hurdle that will get in the way of her unwavering desire to be the best tennis player in the world. As a little girl, Serena spent years training at her local court with her father and older sister, Venus, dreaming of one day winning Grand Slam titles and earning the number one ranking in the world. After more than twenty years of dominating the world of tennis, there's no doubt that Serena has made her dreams come true. In this inspiring biography, bestselling author Dan Wetzel brings to life the story of an athlete and trailblazer who broke records and racial barriers.Featuring action-packed comic-style interior art, this uplifting biography of the most celebrated women's tennis player of all time is sure to be a hit with young sports fans across the country.Praise for Epic Athletes* "An unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, starred review for Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry
Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry (Epic Athletes #1)
by Dan WetzelIn Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry, acclaimed journalist and bestselling author Dan Wetzel tells the inspiring, electrifying story of the NBA superstar, beginning a new series of sports biographies for young readers! Featuring comic-style illustrations by Zeke Peña!When you think of Stephen Curry, one word comes to mind: greatness. From shooting three-pointers with laser precision to his clutch ability to hit buzzer-beaters time and again, he has established himself as one of the best players in pro basketball.But greatness was never a guarantee for Steph. The son of a talented NBA player, he dreamed of one day playing professionally just like his dad. Yet Steph, who was always smaller and weaker than the competition, was told over and over that he would never be talented enough to be a college star or NBA player--let alone the MVP of the entire league. Through tenacity and hard work, he proved them all wrong and went on to dismantle the record books.With the high energy of a TV commentator, and featuring dynamic comic-style illustrations, this engaging biography tells the story of an NBA All-Star and the path he took to achieve his dreams. * "Wetzel knows how to organize the facts and tell a good story. . . an unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist (starred review) A Junior Library Guild selection!
Epic Athletes: Tom Brady (Epic Athletes #4)
by Dan WetzelBestselling author Dan Wetzel delivers an action-packed biography of the legendary quarterback and Super Bowl champ in Epic Athletes: Tom Brady.Featuring comic-style illustrations by Kazimir Lee Iskander!Throughout eighteen incredible seasons, Tom Brady has led his team to five Super Bowl championships and earned three Most Valuable Player Awards, cementing his status as one of the best quarterbacks ever. Only one question remains unanswered--is he THE greatest of all time? From the moment Tom Brady stepped on the gridiron wearing a New England Patriots jersey, the National Football League was forever changed. A star, a legend, a future hall-of-famer was born. Over the years, he's mounted comeback after comeback win, finding the open man for a touchdown just when victory seemed out of reach. In this inspirational biography of a living legend, acclaimed sports writer and bestselling author Dan Wetzel chronicles Tom Brady's rise from a backup quarterback at the University of Michigan to an MVP on the biggest stage in sports--the Super Bowl. This fantastic biography also includes vibrant comic-style interior illustrations.Praise for Epic Athletes* "An unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, starred review for Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry
Epic Athletes: Zion Williamson (Epic Athletes #10)
by Dan WetzelIn the illustrated sports biography, Epic Athletes: Zion Williamson, acclaimed journalist Dan Wetzel tells the inspirational story of the greatest basketball prospect of his generation.Following Zion Williamson's record-breaking season at Duke University and his electric NBA debut, basketball fans are already calling him the NBA's Crown Prince, drawing comparisons to all-time greats like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.Now a New Orleans Pelican, he's set out to prove that he truly deserves to be the new King of Basketball. But for all the expectations and accolades, Zion remains a humble, dedicated teammate, and a terrific role model for young basketball fans across the country. Filled with sports action and comic-style illustrations by David SanAngelo, this inspiring biography tells the story of a once-in-a-generation basketball superstar.
Death to the BCS: The Definitive Case Against the Bowl Championship Series
by Dan Wetzel Josh Peter Jeff PassanA team of award-winning sports reporters takes down the Great Satan of college sports: the Bowl Championship Series. -- Every college sport picks its champion by a postseason tournament, except for one: Division I-A football. Instead of a tournament, fans are subjected to the Bowl Championship Series, an arcane mix of polling and mathematical rankings that results in just two teams playing for the championship. It is, without a doubt, the most hated institution in all of sports. A recent Sports Illustrated poll found that more than 90 percent of sports fans oppose the BCS, yet this system has remained in place for more than a decade. Built upon top-notch investigative reporting, Death to the BCS at last reveals the truth about this monstrous entity and offers a simple solution for fixing it. Death to the BCS includes findings from interviews with power players, as well as research into federal tax records, Congressional testimony, and private contracts, revealing: *The truth behind the "Cartel"--the anonymous suits who run the BCS and who profit handsomely by protecting it *The flawed math and corruption that determine which teams participate in the national championship *How the system hurts competition by perpetuating "cupcake" schedules *How "mid-major" teams are systematically denied a chance to play for the championship *How a comprehensive sixteen-team playoff plan can solve the problem while enhancing profitability. The first book to lay out the unseemly inner workings of the BCS in full detail, Death to the BCS is a rousing manifesto for bringing fairness back to one of our most beloved sports.
Death to the BCS
by Wetzel Dan Peter Josh Passan JeffA team of award-winning sports reporters takes down the Great Satan of college sports: the Bowl Championship Series. Every college sport picks its champion by a postseason tournament, except for one: Division I-A football. Instead of a tournament, fans are subjected to the Bowl Championship Series, an arcane mix of polling and mathematical rankings that results in just two teams playing for the championship. It is, without a doubt, the most hated institution in all of sports. A recent Sports Illustrated poll found that more than 90 percent of sports fans oppose the BCS, yet this system has remained in place for more than a decade. Built upon top-notch investigative reporting, Death to the BCS at last reveals the truth about this monstrous entity and offers a simple solution for fixing it. Death to the BCS includes findings from interviews with power players, as well as research into federal tax records, Congressional testimony, and private contracts, revealing: ?The truth behind the "Cartel"-the anonymous suits who run the BCS and who profit handsomely by protecting it ?The flawed math and corruption that determine which teams participate in the national championship ?How the system hurts competition by perpetuating "cupcake" schedules ?How "mid-major" teams are systematically denied a chance to play for the championship ?How a comprehensive sixteen-team playoff plan can solve the problem while enhancing profitability The first book to lay out the unseemly inner workings of the BCS in full detail, Death to the BCS is a rousing manifesto for bringing fairness back to one of our most beloved sports. .
Death to the BCS: Totally Revised and Updated
by Wetzel Dan Peter Josh Passan JeffWith all-new reporting, a completely revised and updated second edition of the bestseller that takes down the Great Satan of college sports: the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Every college sport picks its champion by a postseason tournament, except for one: Divsiion I-A football. Instead of a tournament, fans are subjected to the Bowl Championship Series, an arcane mix of polling and mathematical rankings that results in just two teams playing for the championship. It is, without a doubt, the most hated institution in all of sports. A recent Sports Illustrated poll found that more than 90% of sports fans oppose the BCS, yet this system has remained in place for more than a decade. Building upon top-notch investigative reporting, Wetzel, Peter, and Passan at last reveal the truth about this monstrous entity and offer a simple solution for fixing it. Death to the BCS: Totally Revised and Updated is brought up to date to cover the 2010-2011 season, listing which teams were screwed by the BCS (such as TCU), how much money college football left on the table by not having a playoff (based on 2011 tax filings), and how the calls for the abolition of the BCS grew even louder this past year. The book also includes findings from interviews with power players, as well as research into federal tax records, congressional testimony, and private contracts. The first book to lay out the unseemly inner workings of the BCS in full detail, Death to the BCS is a rousing manifesto for bringing fairness back to one of our most beloved sports. .
Runnin' Rebel: Shark Tales of "Extra Benefits," Frank Sinatra, and Winning It All
by Dan Wetzel Jerry Tarkanian Bob Knight Greg AnthonyNo matter where his basketball travels took him during his 31 seasons in NCAA Division I college basketball, controversy was never been far behind Jerry Tarkanian. The legendary former coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels proved himself to be one of the greatest coaches in the game's history, however, amassing an incredible overall record of 778-202, more wins than all but a handful of other coaches. His 19 seasons of amazing success and breathtaking teams in Las Vegas are the foundation of Jerry Tarkanian's revealing and often hilarious autobiography, Runnin' Rebel, a book poised to reveal the skeletons in the closet of the NCAA and some of the biggest names and programs in college basketball over the past thirty-five years. Runnin' Rebel is Jerry Tarkanian unplugged, dishing his wildest, most ridiculous, and most hilarious recruiting stories, capers, and tales from a colorful career as college basketball's ultimate loveable rogue. "Tark the Shark," as fans affectionately called him, details dirty tricks, recruiting battles, and so much more in this one-of-a-kind memoir. A must-have for any college basketball fan.
Tales From Behind The Steel Curtain: The Best Stories of the '79 Steelers
by Jim WexellThe "Immaculate Reception" may have started it all, but the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers put the stamp on the modern era's greatest sports dynasty. It's not even a debate. No other National Football League team in the modern sports era-as defined by Nielson-won so much in so little time. The tag is sure to stay with the Steelers for a long, long time. Fans in Pittsburgh can thank NFL free agency, but only in part. They should really thank the '79 Steelers for winning a fourth title when, really, the team should not have done so. The 1979 Steelers were not supposed to win a championship. The Steel Curtain was in decline, and the Houston Oilers were pounding on the door of the AFC. By the end of the season, of course, the banged-up Oilers were not to be feared, not with the San Diego Chargers gathering steam. In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys could taste revenge, particularly after Steelers coach Chuck Noll had mocked them unmercifully following the previous year's Super Bowl. However, the Steelers persevered. "We probably won it more on desire, football intellect," said Steelers defensive superstar "Mean" Joe Greene. Greene admitted that the defense was in decline. He even admitted his great career was in decline, but he never thought the end of the dynasty was near. Star quarterback Terry Bradshaw, on the other hand, with his career just taking off, knew the end was at hand, and after his greatest season, after his second of back-to-back Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards, Bradshaw hinted at retirement. "I probably should have," he admits 25 years later. The 1979 season had exhausted Bradshaw, a topic he talks about in Tales from Behind the Steel Curtain. Greene also has plenty to say. So do their teammates and their coaches, not to mention the scouts, front office and support personnel, media, and fans. They all have tales to tell about the key season of one of the greatest dynasties the sports world has ever seen.
50 Guns That Changed America: An Illustrated Guide
by Bruce WexlerThe History of America—And Our Guns The history of the United States is, like it or not, interwoven with the history of firearms. The young colony needed technologically advanced arms to hunt for food for survival and to maintain a secure base in the face of Native American opposition to European settlers. As the Vikings discovered several centuries earlier, the Indians were tough opponents expert in the use of bladed weapons and bows. The advent of firearms gave European settlers an advantage, although it was only a matter of time until the Native Americans gained access to firearms themselves. Ironically, this was often through unscrupulous white traders. Because these superior weapons gained them their freedom, the principle of the right to bear arms remains etched into the American psyche to this day. Since then, the US has been through a terrible Civil War, at which time many different guns were invented and deployed against brother Americans, each one playing a part in the eventual outcome of the war. After the Civil War came a period of frontier establishment when the country consolidated itself from coast to coast. The outside world knows this best as the Wild West, and again guns played a big part in civilizing unruly parts of the nation. Two world wars also tested America's ingenuity in ensuring that its troops were competitively armed. The invention of automatic weapons by John M. Browning made this a reality. In the post Second World War period the country has had to fight its way through Korea, Vietnam, and numerous other conflicts in the Middle East and Asia. Gun development has not stood still at any time in United States history, and this book illustrates fifty examples that form essential parts of that story.50 Guns That Changed America will explore the most significant American weapons from the early days of firepower to the amazing modern guns in use today, including: Simeon North/Hall pistol Dimick plains rifle Spencer carbine rifle Winchester Model 1866 Smith & Wesson Army revolver Colt Peacemaker M60 machine gun ArmaLite AR-18 machine gun Each firearm is illustrated in full color with archive photography of the manufacturers and the guns in action where possible.
Full Impact (Surviving Southside)
by Suzanne WeynNorval and Arnie are two of the stars on the Southside High football team. They're best friends off the field, too, and they're both hoping to play college ball some day. When Coach Green asks Norval to watch Arnie for signs of a concussion, it sounds like spying. But is betraying Arnie the best way for Norval to help his friend?
Gracie
by Suzanne WeynThe only tie-in book to the summer family movie about a 16-year-old girl who fought for and won the right for girls everywhere to play competitive soccer, inspired by one family's real story. Set in 1978 in South Orange, New Jersey, Gracie tells the moving story of 16-year-old Gracie Bowen (Carly Schroeder of TV's Lizzie McGuire), whose middle-class family life revolves almost entirely around soccer. Tragedy unexpectedly strikes when Gracie's older brother, star of the high school varsity team and her closest confidant, is killed in a drunk-driving accident. Wracked with grief over her family's loss, Gracie decides to fill the void left on her brother's team by petitioning the local school board to allow her to play in the boys' soccer league. At first, no one can understand what Gracie is up to, not her mom (Elisabeth Shue), her former soccer star dad (Dermot Mulroney), the team or school officials. Everyone warns Gracie that pursuing her dream is a waste of time-that soccer is a sport for boys and boys only. Undeterred, Gracie finds reserves of strength she never knew existed, and persists in changing everyone's beliefs in what she is capable of, including her own. Based on true events in the lives of the Shue family (producer and co-star Andrew Shue, Academy Award®-nominated actress Elisabeth Shue and their family), Gracie is an exciting and emotional sports story that marks the dramatic feature debut of Academy Award®-winning director Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth). This young adult novel includes an eight-page color photo section and a Q&A with Andrew Shue and Elisabeth Shue about the real-life story behind the film. 8-page color photo insert.
Recruited
by Suzanne Weyn"Kadeem is destined for the NFL. Kadeem Jones is a star quarterback for Southside High. He is thrilled when college scouts seek him out. His visit to Teller College is amazing. College cheerleaders pay attention to him. The recruiter even gives him money to have a good time. But then NCAA officials accuse Teller's staff of illegally recruiting top talent. Will Kadeem decide to help their investigation, even though it means the end of the good times? What will it do to his chances of playing college football?"
Recruited (Surviving Southside)
by Suzanne WeynHe's destined for the NFL. Kadeem Jones is a star quarterback for Southside High. He is thrilled when college scouts seek him out. His visit to Teller College is amazing. College cheerleaders pay attention to him. The recruiter even gives him money to have a good time. But then NCAA officials accuse Teller's staff of illegally recruiting top talent. Will Kadeem decide to help their investigation, even though it means the end of the good times? What will it do to his chances of playing college football?
Snapstreak: How My Friends Saved My (Social) Life
by Suzanne WeynEighth-grader Vee is doomed to move to a new town, away from her BFFs Megan and Lulu. To get a jump on her new social life, she starts snapping with local Queen Bee, Gwynneth. Megan and Lulu have mixed feelings about G., but Vee's snapstreak with her is well under way when they get the biggest news EVER: The local radio station is hosting a Boys Being Dudes concert for the pair of students from different schools who can prove the longest running snapstreak! Vee could win this!The girls' BBD dreams are in reach when a gym class concussion lands Vee in bed, under a strict phone ban. It's up to Megan and Lulu to keep the streak going.
The Masked Saint: Husband, Pastor...Hero: Inspired by True Events
by Chris WhaleyThe Masked Saint revolves around the life of Chris Samuel, a professional wrestler and family man who realizes he needs something more. His calling to become a pastor prompts him to retire from wrestling and move with his wife and daughter to a small town. Yet the battles he faced in the ring are minor compared to the challenges he must overcome at his new church. From an overbearing congregant and failing attendance to mounting bills for church repairs, Chris has his hands full. Chris finds an ally in Miss Edna, an elderly woman from his church, who gives him sage advice and shares her wisdom in a book of writings. Unbeknownst to him, she is also a wrestling fan and encourages him to use his talents to take action, tricking him into reconnecting with his old colleagues—including a shady wrestling promoter. When Chris stumbles onto a fight on the seedy side of town, his wrestling skills take down the assailant and a masked vigilante is born. In order to raise some funds, Chris returns to the ring professionally, and things begin to seemingly improve for the church. His life as a pastor and wrestler soon take up most of his time though—not to mention Samuels’ shrouded crime-fighter is now being sought by the police. His talent, as well as his violent secret identity, begins to overshadow his calling as a Pastor, and it takes his faith, family and Miss Edna to remind him about grace, goodness and the truth.
Journey of a River Walker: Paddling the St. Johns River (Wild Florida)
by Ray WhaleyWhen Ray Whaley set out to accomplish his bucket-list goal of kayaking the length of the St. Johns River, it didn’t take long for him to realize he was in over his head. The longest river in Florida, stretching 310 miles between Vero Beach and Jacksonville, the St. Johns had been paddled in its entirety by only a handful of people. Whaley found himself blazing his own trail on an exciting and unexpected adventure. In Journey of a River Walker, Whaley tells the whole story of his experience, from his preparations beforehand to the techniques he learned along the way to his daily escapades and discoveries on the water. Learning from Whaley’s recommendations, along with his mistakes and close calls, readers will gain valuable knowledge that will help them in planning their own paddling trips. Whaley’s journey also highlights the delicate ecosystem of the river and the importance of conserving its environment, raising awareness of the fragile yet critical link between humans and nature. A volume in the series Wild Florida, edited by M. Timothy O’Keefe