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Fourth and Forever
Fourth and Forever - To escape the lingering sorrow of his wife's death, Josh Edwards, forty-four, a retired Army helicopter pilot, journeys with his son to Missoula, Montana to start life anew. Josh's son, Bobby, enrolls at The University of Montana, where he hopes to make the football team as a walk-on. Josh, a skilled football kicker and passer, is observed by the Grizzlies coach as he and Bobby work out on the practice field. When tryouts arrive, Josh finds himself being invited to join the team. Thus begins a season of trials and tribulation where Josh becomes mentor and father-figure to his teammates, as the University of Montana Grizzlies make a run for the Division I National Championship.
Fourth and Forever is about football, relationships, love, integrity, and honor.
Fourth and Forever is about football, relationships, love, integrity, and honor.
- GenresContemporary
Nook
First published January 17, 2011
4 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Bert Carson
8 books140 followersI was born in Birmingham, Alabama, 77 years ago. Currently I live in Huntsville, Alabama, which is a little over 100 miles north of Birmingham. I didn't get to Huntsville via Interstate 65. Rather, I arrived here after living in Trussville and Childersburg, Alabama; Palatka and Jacksonville, Florida; Georgia, South Carolina, Indiana, Texas, Vietnam, Mobile (Alabama), Laurel (Mississippi), Memphis, and Mentone, Alabama.
I've been a construction worker, soldier, corporate manager, car dealer, minister, professional speaker, small business owner, and writer.
I've been married four times, bankrupt twice, homeless once, and a millionaire once.
I live, very happily, with my wife, Christina, whose CV is as long (or longer) than mine. We love to read and write. We are self-published on Kindle, Barnes and Noble (Nook) and Smashwords.
I've been a construction worker, soldier, corporate manager, car dealer, minister, professional speaker, small business owner, and writer.
I've been married four times, bankrupt twice, homeless once, and a millionaire once.
I live, very happily, with my wife, Christina, whose CV is as long (or longer) than mine. We love to read and write. We are self-published on Kindle, Barnes and Noble (Nook) and Smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2011
I downloaded this book to my Kindle because I met Bert Carson on Twitter. I might not have found this lovely little gem otherwise. I'm not much of a football fan and I'd never heard the saying the author used for the title. However, because Bert and his sweet wife were so charming on line - and because they seem to be boomers like me, I thought I'd give his story a shot. What a blessing.
"Fourth and Forever" has sports in it--and Vietnam. But it's not about sports or Vietnam. It's an inspirational foray into resilience. It's an expose on human relationships and courage and vitality. It's all about getting up, dusting one's self off, and getting on with the business of life. Sure, the author uses the cultural construct of a small college campus, young football players eager to make their mark on the history of their school and "win" and the misty imagery of choppers swooping in to recover shot-up soldiers emerging from the jungles of Southeast Asia. However, you don't have to be a Vietnam Vet or a football player or a widower to relate to this book. The underlying messages are engaging for any audience.
Josh is a Vietnam Vet who retires from the Army intending to spend time with his long-suffering, supportive wife Kathy and their high school-aged son Bobby. Like many fathers, Josh enjoys tossing a football around with his boy. They share a vague goal of helping Bobby make his high school varsity team, but it's really about parent-child bonding. Bobby gets to play. Josh and Kathy are happy for Bobby's success and the family is looking forward to his graduation. Happily ever after is in the wind when Kathy dies in her sleep.
The real story of Josh and Bobby begins at that point. Knowing that all their shared hopes and plans died with Kathy, Josh rethinks his life and starts down a path that few would even consider at age 44. The execution of his decision is breathtaking in its simplicity. Josh will go to college. Okay, maybe that's not so surprising--lots of vets get university degrees after retirement. Josh and Bobby pick out a school and go together. Okay, so maybe some people do go to the same school their kids are attending. The real twist here is that Josh and Bobby end up playing college ball together--on the same team. Josh becomes the team's special leader--a place kicker and back-up quarterback named "Daddy."
In a beautiful dénouement, Daddy changes not only who these young men are, but who they will become by reaching back into his own past. Simple, easy-to-read, "Fourth and Forever" makes the reader think while still managing to entertain.
Joyce Faulkner
President, Military Writers Society of America
Award-winning author of "In the Shadow of Suribachi" & "Username"
"Fourth and Forever" has sports in it--and Vietnam. But it's not about sports or Vietnam. It's an inspirational foray into resilience. It's an expose on human relationships and courage and vitality. It's all about getting up, dusting one's self off, and getting on with the business of life. Sure, the author uses the cultural construct of a small college campus, young football players eager to make their mark on the history of their school and "win" and the misty imagery of choppers swooping in to recover shot-up soldiers emerging from the jungles of Southeast Asia. However, you don't have to be a Vietnam Vet or a football player or a widower to relate to this book. The underlying messages are engaging for any audience.
Josh is a Vietnam Vet who retires from the Army intending to spend time with his long-suffering, supportive wife Kathy and their high school-aged son Bobby. Like many fathers, Josh enjoys tossing a football around with his boy. They share a vague goal of helping Bobby make his high school varsity team, but it's really about parent-child bonding. Bobby gets to play. Josh and Kathy are happy for Bobby's success and the family is looking forward to his graduation. Happily ever after is in the wind when Kathy dies in her sleep.
The real story of Josh and Bobby begins at that point. Knowing that all their shared hopes and plans died with Kathy, Josh rethinks his life and starts down a path that few would even consider at age 44. The execution of his decision is breathtaking in its simplicity. Josh will go to college. Okay, maybe that's not so surprising--lots of vets get university degrees after retirement. Josh and Bobby pick out a school and go together. Okay, so maybe some people do go to the same school their kids are attending. The real twist here is that Josh and Bobby end up playing college ball together--on the same team. Josh becomes the team's special leader--a place kicker and back-up quarterback named "Daddy."
In a beautiful dénouement, Daddy changes not only who these young men are, but who they will become by reaching back into his own past. Simple, easy-to-read, "Fourth and Forever" makes the reader think while still managing to entertain.
Joyce Faulkner
President, Military Writers Society of America
Award-winning author of "In the Shadow of Suribachi" & "Username"
August 7, 2011
This was my first eBook. I wrote it in 1987, had my query letters rejected by 412 agents, and put it away. A year ago I got it out, dusted it off, and tweaked it, and discovered it could still make me cry.
In this novel there is more factual information about PTSD than I've ever found in another book. That probably because I live with PTSD, 365 days a year, and I have since I returned from Vietnam in 1968. In 1993, I founded a group called Vietnam Veterans - Southern Command. At the time I was a professional speaker and used the platform to discuss Vietnam, Vietnam Veterans, and PTSD. That way I was able to put my stuff around coming home to rest, finally.
You should know, as the title indicates, this is a book about football; specifically, it is about Josh Edwards, a 44 year old, retired Army helicopter pilot who enrolls at the University of Montana with Bobby, his son. Bobby makes the football team and so does Josh. Ultimately Josh becomes the starting quarterback. The team nicknames Josh, Daddy, and in many ways he becomes a father to many of the boys.
Fourth and Forever is also a love story, one that I'll bet you won't soon forget. The book was a joy to write and frankly, every time I read it, I love it more.
In this novel there is more factual information about PTSD than I've ever found in another book. That probably because I live with PTSD, 365 days a year, and I have since I returned from Vietnam in 1968. In 1993, I founded a group called Vietnam Veterans - Southern Command. At the time I was a professional speaker and used the platform to discuss Vietnam, Vietnam Veterans, and PTSD. That way I was able to put my stuff around coming home to rest, finally.
You should know, as the title indicates, this is a book about football; specifically, it is about Josh Edwards, a 44 year old, retired Army helicopter pilot who enrolls at the University of Montana with Bobby, his son. Bobby makes the football team and so does Josh. Ultimately Josh becomes the starting quarterback. The team nicknames Josh, Daddy, and in many ways he becomes a father to many of the boys.
Fourth and Forever is also a love story, one that I'll bet you won't soon forget. The book was a joy to write and frankly, every time I read it, I love it more.
May 31, 2012
Bert Carson captures the heart of a reader from the very first page. Josh "Daddy" Edwards is a man who displays a quiet strength and a level of kindness that's heroic, humble to a fault despite having lived much that any lesser man would happily brag about. The parallels drawn between football, Vietnam, and life itself, read like sage advice that we could all apply on our daily lives. On a personal level, the relationship between Daddy and his son Bobby, struck a chord in me, for I'm fortunate to have a similar relationship with my dad. I could go on and on about both men, but suffice to say that I connected with the story on so many levels that I found it to be an incredibly fulfilling read. It's one I'll be thinking about for a long time to come, and one that I will draw from for advice for myself, for a friend, for my kids.
Fourth and Forever is a work written from the heart and it leaves a lasting impression along with a new perspective, making the reader take note of what's truly important in life: living in the moment for the moment, so when life gives you fourth down and forever, you go for it!
It was a real privilege to read Bert's inspiring work.
Fourth and Forever is a work written from the heart and it leaves a lasting impression along with a new perspective, making the reader take note of what's truly important in life: living in the moment for the moment, so when life gives you fourth down and forever, you go for it!
It was a real privilege to read Bert's inspiring work.
March 5, 2012
I’m convinced Bert Carson wrote Fourth and Forever for every veteran who’s served in combat; a place where each and every day you have to be in the moment. Living that way day in and day out comes with a terrible price that most often manifests as PTSD; a term we still don’t completely understand and, in many circles, do not accept.
This is a story that reaches into the dark and lonely places of our souls and offers a path to understanding and healing through camaraderie – which is nothing more than a guy’s way of saying love – Bert Carson.
His main character, Josh Edwards, experienced love and loss while flying dangerous missions in the war-torn country of Vietnam. Josh is fortunate to return after three tours to a very close and loving family who help him find a level of peace.
The three share some amazing years as an Army family, but just as Josh begins the onerous process of retiring from active duty, and his son Bobby begins searching for a college to attend, tragedy strikes the family. They choose to chart a new path and along the way Josh and Bobby discover that the greatest healing gift is in giving of oneself.
This is more than a Vietnam story, a sports story, or even a love story. This is a testimonial that love borne of camaraderie can get you through the toughest spots, even if your objective feels like it’s forever away. Carson’s characters and smooth dialogue let you experience the conversations and heart-rending moments. The cast is a fully developed mix of everyday people and integrate seamlessly with the supporting elements and plot. Carson uses efficiency and emotional impact set a brisk pace.
This is a strong five-star novel for the quality of the writing and its ever important message. You will smile and likely shed tears, but in the end you will come away with a wisdom to help you through many of life’s darkest and most difficult challenges, whether for yourself or others you’ve tried to reach.
Simply sharing this story is the greatest gesture of friendship our Vietnam fathers could offer their sons and daughters of Iraq and Afghanistan. There aren’t words to describe my personal gratitude for this novel and the camaraderie great men like Bert Carson have offered us, as we try to find our way back from war.
Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)
This is a story that reaches into the dark and lonely places of our souls and offers a path to understanding and healing through camaraderie – which is nothing more than a guy’s way of saying love – Bert Carson.
His main character, Josh Edwards, experienced love and loss while flying dangerous missions in the war-torn country of Vietnam. Josh is fortunate to return after three tours to a very close and loving family who help him find a level of peace.
The three share some amazing years as an Army family, but just as Josh begins the onerous process of retiring from active duty, and his son Bobby begins searching for a college to attend, tragedy strikes the family. They choose to chart a new path and along the way Josh and Bobby discover that the greatest healing gift is in giving of oneself.
This is more than a Vietnam story, a sports story, or even a love story. This is a testimonial that love borne of camaraderie can get you through the toughest spots, even if your objective feels like it’s forever away. Carson’s characters and smooth dialogue let you experience the conversations and heart-rending moments. The cast is a fully developed mix of everyday people and integrate seamlessly with the supporting elements and plot. Carson uses efficiency and emotional impact set a brisk pace.
This is a strong five-star novel for the quality of the writing and its ever important message. You will smile and likely shed tears, but in the end you will come away with a wisdom to help you through many of life’s darkest and most difficult challenges, whether for yourself or others you’ve tried to reach.
Simply sharing this story is the greatest gesture of friendship our Vietnam fathers could offer their sons and daughters of Iraq and Afghanistan. There aren’t words to describe my personal gratitude for this novel and the camaraderie great men like Bert Carson have offered us, as we try to find our way back from war.
Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)
August 21, 2011
I finished Fourth and Forever yesterday and have been ruminating about it ever since. I loved this book! With its cast of positive and inspiring characters, I lapped it up from start to finish in just three sittings.
It was a pleasure for me to be brought back to Missoula, Montana, a place I lived for three years. Fourth and Forever tells the story of a man whose character is shaped, on the one hand, by his relationships to friends and loved ones, and on the other by his experiences in the U.S. military. The author weaves the themes of love, war and football together in a fresh and masterful way. I love the concept that "camaraderie is a guy-word for love." This book is full of nuggets like that. The title refers to an impossible, hail-mary situation on the football field, but fourth-and-forever situations obviously happen on the battlefield, too.
Fourth and Forever is filled with such convincing details, it almost has the feel of an autobiography. This is partly due to the use of first person narration. The characters really come alive on the page. The characters are buffeted by life and the trials that life brings, whether it's being under enemy fire in a Vietnam kill-zone, or being arrested at a Montana bar. These conflicts, and the bonds that form between people as a result of them, wonderfully illuminate the stuff these characters are made of.
This is an uplifting story which will appeal to a wide audience. I think everyone is still searching for answers about the Vietnam War as well as more recent ones, and the effects they have on us as individuals. This book will appeal to those people as well.
It was a pleasure for me to be brought back to Missoula, Montana, a place I lived for three years. Fourth and Forever tells the story of a man whose character is shaped, on the one hand, by his relationships to friends and loved ones, and on the other by his experiences in the U.S. military. The author weaves the themes of love, war and football together in a fresh and masterful way. I love the concept that "camaraderie is a guy-word for love." This book is full of nuggets like that. The title refers to an impossible, hail-mary situation on the football field, but fourth-and-forever situations obviously happen on the battlefield, too.
Fourth and Forever is filled with such convincing details, it almost has the feel of an autobiography. This is partly due to the use of first person narration. The characters really come alive on the page. The characters are buffeted by life and the trials that life brings, whether it's being under enemy fire in a Vietnam kill-zone, or being arrested at a Montana bar. These conflicts, and the bonds that form between people as a result of them, wonderfully illuminate the stuff these characters are made of.
This is an uplifting story which will appeal to a wide audience. I think everyone is still searching for answers about the Vietnam War as well as more recent ones, and the effects they have on us as individuals. This book will appeal to those people as well.
August 8, 2011
This is a marvelous story of a father and son who, having gone through the tragedy of losing their wife/mother, decide to start afresh and go off to university together. The father, a retired Vietnam vet and helicopter pilot and trainer, never had the opportunity to go to college so this looks like an ideal time. Not only that, they unpredictably end up playing football together as well.
If you want to see what a loving and respectful relationship could look like between father and son, this story will touch your heart. In fact,the father becomes father to all the players as each needs a bit of wisdom or belief in themselves, to get them through.
The real gem in this book, however, for me, was the amazingly candid and thoughtful explanations father, Josh Edwards, offers to the young team members as well as others, in response to their unmet needs to understand what happened to Vietnam vets - their own fathers in many cases. The author has a deep and unique grasp of what effect that experience had on the men of this country.
If you want to see what a loving and respectful relationship could look like between father and son, this story will touch your heart. In fact,the father becomes father to all the players as each needs a bit of wisdom or belief in themselves, to get them through.
The real gem in this book, however, for me, was the amazingly candid and thoughtful explanations father, Josh Edwards, offers to the young team members as well as others, in response to their unmet needs to understand what happened to Vietnam vets - their own fathers in many cases. The author has a deep and unique grasp of what effect that experience had on the men of this country.
February 5, 2012
What I love about the writings of Bert Carson is his core values are in every word, every scene. Honor, courage, deep love, struggle against all odds, loyalty - all of these are in this book, too. This story about the choices an aging Vietnam veteran makes in the name of supporting and loving his son will tear your heart out - in a good way. Bert had me cheering mentally and enjoying the game of football through the pages. That ain't easy.
I don't want to give much away, but this is a must read for all football fans (especially college football devotees), for all veterans of any era and for anyone who is perhaps facing a challenge and unsure how to come out on top. Read Bert's book and you'll know.
I don't want to give much away, but this is a must read for all football fans (especially college football devotees), for all veterans of any era and for anyone who is perhaps facing a challenge and unsure how to come out on top. Read Bert's book and you'll know.
November 13, 2013
This is a well written, soft-paced, touching book that l would classify as being similar to the ilk written by Mitch Albom (think Tuesdays with Morrie). Unfortunately l was after a book on the Vietnam war and bought this by mistake (after seeing its high rating on a list covering Vietnam war books). Still, a great read for those who like gentle books. I would have given it 4.5 stars if l could, but l can't (I feel that a 5* would be too generous).
April 25, 2014
This is a good "man" book - war, machines, football, love - Carson's got it all, including a wonderful relationship with his son. What impressed me most though was Carson's candor about what it is like to be a Vietnam vet. A rare view from one who knows. Very much appreciate his sharing about it.
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Want to Read
March 24, 2012Free today on Amazon 03/23/2012.
Read the reviews. This one sounds amazing.
Read the reviews. This one sounds amazing.
May 29, 2016
VedvevGood book .
It was a good book but seems like too perfect of a family. Loved it because I like football and war books. So keep up the good work.
It was a good book but seems like too perfect of a family. Loved it because I like football and war books. So keep up the good work.
June 10, 2012
Awesome! a heart breaking story, full of love and friendship, very inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews