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The Nine Devine of Chippewa Falls
“It will only be temporary.” This was the promise made to Erma Devine when her four-year old son, Dan, was sent away from his eight siblings in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to live with his aunt and uncle in Proctor, Minnesota. He never returned home.
Though Dan Devine would become a household name as the Hall of Fame Football coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish & Green Bay Packers, his upbringing remained carefully guarded even to those closest to him. The impact of Dan’s childhood separation and the fate of his brothers and sisters left behind was destined to be lost to silence.
While Dan is on his deathbed, however, his grandson Darius experiences a vision. Dismissive of the event at first, Darius is forced to confront the vision’s meaning when Dan’s brother, Jerry “Lefty” Devine, unexpectedly appears in his life. Together, they must decide how deep they will explore the Devines’ often difficult past so they may forge a new path for the future.
The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls is the true story of hope, perseverance, the unifying power of sport, & the unbreakable bonds of family.
Though Dan Devine would become a household name as the Hall of Fame Football coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish & Green Bay Packers, his upbringing remained carefully guarded even to those closest to him. The impact of Dan’s childhood separation and the fate of his brothers and sisters left behind was destined to be lost to silence.
While Dan is on his deathbed, however, his grandson Darius experiences a vision. Dismissive of the event at first, Darius is forced to confront the vision’s meaning when Dan’s brother, Jerry “Lefty” Devine, unexpectedly appears in his life. Together, they must decide how deep they will explore the Devines’ often difficult past so they may forge a new path for the future.
The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls is the true story of hope, perseverance, the unifying power of sport, & the unbreakable bonds of family.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2024
31 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
A. Darius Husain
2 books9 followersAs an Irish, German, Pakistani whose father claimed that part of their ancestry could be traced to Ghangis Khan, A. Darius Husain is a patchwork of generational contradictions uniquely positioned to uncover humanity’s common ground. Through his service as Executive Director of Face to Face Academy, a school renowned for reengaging the most at-risk for dropping out of school, A. Darius Husain’s students taught him that having the courage to tell our stories reveals the dignity inherent within all us. Darius brings this perspective in his works as educator, podcast host, and writer including the Readers’ Favorite award-winning book, Road Map to Power.
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A. Darius Husain is the Executive Director of Face to Face Academy is a charter high school in St. Paul, Minnesota whose mission is to graduate students considered most at risk for dropping out of high school. During Darius' tenure as Executive Director, Face to Face Academy has won numerous awards including named a "High Quality Charter School" by the Minnesota Department of Education and one of "America's Top Highs Schools" by Newsweek for its work in graduating students and closing the achievement gap. The City of St. Paul also awarded Face to Face Academy with their "Environmental Sustainability Award" for its innovative Outdoor Program for At-Risk Youth.
__________
A. Darius Husain is the Executive Director of Face to Face Academy is a charter high school in St. Paul, Minnesota whose mission is to graduate students considered most at risk for dropping out of high school. During Darius' tenure as Executive Director, Face to Face Academy has won numerous awards including named a "High Quality Charter School" by the Minnesota Department of Education and one of "America's Top Highs Schools" by Newsweek for its work in graduating students and closing the achievement gap. The City of St. Paul also awarded Face to Face Academy with their "Environmental Sustainability Award" for its innovative Outdoor Program for At-Risk Youth.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 3, 2025
The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls is, at its heart, a deep dive into family history, resilience, and the stories that shape who we are. A. Darius Husain and Deacon Jerry Devine take us through a sweeping narrative that spans generations, uncovering the triumphs and struggles of the Devine family. The book follows the nine Devine siblings, each carving out their own path while remaining tethered to a shared past filled with hardship, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of something greater. Told through a mix of personal reflection and historical recollection, it’s a heartfelt exploration of legacy and identity.
What struck me first was how the book captures memory, how some things are preserved in vivid detail while others fade into silence. One of the most compelling aspects is the way the authors highlight the Devine family’s struggles during the Great Depression and beyond, shedding light on the sacrifices made and the secrets buried. The scene where Greg Devine finally opens up about his past at his Hall of Fame induction speech is a powerful moment. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most important stories are the hardest to tell. The book doesn’t just recount history, it wrestles with it, questioning what gets remembered and what gets lost.
Another standout element is the book’s ability to balance nostalgia with raw honesty. The authors don’t sugarcoat the past. They acknowledge the pain of separation, the struggles of growing up in poverty, and the weight of expectations that come with carrying a family name. The scene where the author describes his grandfather’s first memory being taken away to live with an aunt, never to return home hits like a gut punch. It’s a reminder that family history isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s also about the wounds that never fully heal.
Yet, for all the hardship, the book is filled with warmth and humor. The stories about Thanksgiving Day football games and the tight-knit bonds between cousins made me smile. It’s in these moments that the book shines the most when it embraces the everyday joys that make a family a family. Uncle Lefty’s role as the bridge between past and present is especially endearing. His ability to offer wisdom with a touch of humor keeps the story grounded, reminding us that even the heaviest truths are easier to bear when shared over a cup of coffee.
If you love books that blend memoir with history, The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls is worth picking up. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate family sagas, especially those who have ever wondered about the untold stories in their own lineage. This book is not just about the Devine family, it’s about all of us. It’s a testament to the power of remembering, of setting the record straight, and of making sure that the people who came before us are never truly forgotten.
What struck me first was how the book captures memory, how some things are preserved in vivid detail while others fade into silence. One of the most compelling aspects is the way the authors highlight the Devine family’s struggles during the Great Depression and beyond, shedding light on the sacrifices made and the secrets buried. The scene where Greg Devine finally opens up about his past at his Hall of Fame induction speech is a powerful moment. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most important stories are the hardest to tell. The book doesn’t just recount history, it wrestles with it, questioning what gets remembered and what gets lost.
Another standout element is the book’s ability to balance nostalgia with raw honesty. The authors don’t sugarcoat the past. They acknowledge the pain of separation, the struggles of growing up in poverty, and the weight of expectations that come with carrying a family name. The scene where the author describes his grandfather’s first memory being taken away to live with an aunt, never to return home hits like a gut punch. It’s a reminder that family history isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s also about the wounds that never fully heal.
Yet, for all the hardship, the book is filled with warmth and humor. The stories about Thanksgiving Day football games and the tight-knit bonds between cousins made me smile. It’s in these moments that the book shines the most when it embraces the everyday joys that make a family a family. Uncle Lefty’s role as the bridge between past and present is especially endearing. His ability to offer wisdom with a touch of humor keeps the story grounded, reminding us that even the heaviest truths are easier to bear when shared over a cup of coffee.
If you love books that blend memoir with history, The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls is worth picking up. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate family sagas, especially those who have ever wondered about the untold stories in their own lineage. This book is not just about the Devine family, it’s about all of us. It’s a testament to the power of remembering, of setting the record straight, and of making sure that the people who came before us are never truly forgotten.
November 14, 2024
🖍️ I never heard of this football coach or the family, but I plodded along and kept on reading this book. I am not sure where it was headed, and I could not continue since it jumped from this to that. 🗑 Conversely, other readers may find this story a score, and I hope they do; writing is not an easy venture. I left at the end of Chapter 5.
☞Why this book? The setting of the Twin Cities/Chippewa Falls area interested me since I “vacationed” and lived in that area over a 20-year timeframe.
જ➴♦️ I received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author. 😀
🟣 Kindle.
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15%
✧⋆˚₊˚⋆✧ Excerpts of note:
🍓"To presume enemies wherever disagreement exists, is a road to never approach peaceful collaboration as the daily paradigm of social interactions." ࿐ (Susan Marie Molloy).
☞Why this book? The setting of the Twin Cities/Chippewa Falls area interested me since I “vacationed” and lived in that area over a 20-year timeframe.
જ➴♦️ I received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author. 😀
🟣 Kindle.
▬▬▬▬▬
15%
✧⋆˚₊˚⋆✧ Excerpts of note:
🔹Lefty regarded his time at McDonell . . .
🔸. . . boys born in 1923 have a particular distinction in American history in that they were exactly 18 years old on December 7, 1941 . . .?
🔹 Through the blurry wetness of my eyes, an ethereal being rose from my grandfather’s body, through the bedsheets, and hovered above me. I began to shudder but was immediately comforted with a warm embrace. I stared into the soft glow of the spirit and saw the face of a young man. It was the face of my grandfather from a bygone era: vibrant, hopeful, full of wonderment and life. He returned my astonished gaze and smiled. Before I could say a word, to acknowledge the divine, the spirit poured back into my grandfather. There, once again, he lay.?
🔸“What you experienced with your grandfather was a vision. In our culture, we center ourselves with ritual with the hopes that in our lifetime we may receive a message from the spirits. Many of us, despite our efforts, will never be chosen. You have been given a great blessing from above that must be honored.”
🍓"To presume enemies wherever disagreement exists, is a road to never approach peaceful collaboration as the daily paradigm of social interactions." ࿐ (Susan Marie Molloy).
March 5, 2025
RECOMMENDED by the US Review - Amanda Hanson
"He showed up in my moment of need because, at the end of the day, we were family."
The profound bond between Husain and his great-uncle Jerry Devine began when Husain’s mother gently encouraged her son to reconnect with him, a man he had not known well. This simple suggestion marked a pivotal moment in Husain’s life, especially after losing his beloved grandfather, Dan Devine. As Husain reached out, he discovered a warm and welcoming relationship blossoming between them. With his wealth of stories and shared family history, Devine quickly became an important figure in Husain’s life. Their relationship deepened to the extent that Devine officiated at Husain’s wedding. In this renewed connection, driven by curiosity and the desire to honor their family legacy, they embarked on an ambitious project together, writing a book that chronicles the rich and diverse lives of Devine and his siblings from childhood through adulthood.
In their work, Husain and Devine investigate family history utilizing a distinctive interview format, wherein Husain assumes the role of the interviewer and Devine that of the interviewee. This methodology proves to be engaging, as both Husain and the readers uncover the answers to questions regarding family history concurrently. The readers are placed in Husain's position, keenly anticipating the revelations from Devine. Furthermore, Husain does not hesitate to address challenging questions that confront sensitive topics. The book underscores the significance of re-establishing connections with family members, demonstrating how these relationships can provide meaningful support during both favorable and adverse circumstances. In this compelling narrative, the authors adeptly intertwine the profound experiences of Devine and his siblings with substantial historical events, thereby offering readers a more nuanced understanding of the context that shaped their lives.
"He showed up in my moment of need because, at the end of the day, we were family."
The profound bond between Husain and his great-uncle Jerry Devine began when Husain’s mother gently encouraged her son to reconnect with him, a man he had not known well. This simple suggestion marked a pivotal moment in Husain’s life, especially after losing his beloved grandfather, Dan Devine. As Husain reached out, he discovered a warm and welcoming relationship blossoming between them. With his wealth of stories and shared family history, Devine quickly became an important figure in Husain’s life. Their relationship deepened to the extent that Devine officiated at Husain’s wedding. In this renewed connection, driven by curiosity and the desire to honor their family legacy, they embarked on an ambitious project together, writing a book that chronicles the rich and diverse lives of Devine and his siblings from childhood through adulthood.
In their work, Husain and Devine investigate family history utilizing a distinctive interview format, wherein Husain assumes the role of the interviewer and Devine that of the interviewee. This methodology proves to be engaging, as both Husain and the readers uncover the answers to questions regarding family history concurrently. The readers are placed in Husain's position, keenly anticipating the revelations from Devine. Furthermore, Husain does not hesitate to address challenging questions that confront sensitive topics. The book underscores the significance of re-establishing connections with family members, demonstrating how these relationships can provide meaningful support during both favorable and adverse circumstances. In this compelling narrative, the authors adeptly intertwine the profound experiences of Devine and his siblings with substantial historical events, thereby offering readers a more nuanced understanding of the context that shaped their lives.
November 15, 2024
Full disclosure, I received a free copy of the book and didn't know what to expect. I have to say that I became really engrossed in the lives of the characters. I knew about Dan Devine the football coach, but the other Devines are just as fascinating. The book is divided into two parts. The first half focuses on their childhood (one where they face the challenges of poverty and social status discrimination). The second half is more how each coped with these hardships in adulthood. I am a fan of books about sports and psychology and this explores both in interesting detail. At the end it makes you think about family and want to explore more about your own history.
November 13, 2024
This an excellent read and a story for all readers! I enjoyed all the narratives of the nine siblings in the Devine family and how each one, including Football Hall of Fame Coach Dan Devine, excelled in school and service despite challenging circumstances. Their family is like all families, with wins and losses, setbacks and successes. I appreciate that this family's story was shared and written down so that others can relate and reflect. I laughed and cried with all nine. Thank you to the authors who also shared their own inspirational stories!
April 10, 2025
This book was an amazing read. I found myself reading, googling and rereading a lot of information throughout the book. It is an amazing experience to read a book about your hometown and distant relatives. Each of the Nine Devines and their Mother endured a lot in their lives and I am sure their experiences will resonate with readers of all ages. Read about each of their lives, their struggles, their achievements and their enduring love for family.
Pick up your copy soon and dive into the lives of The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls.
Pick up your copy soon and dive into the lives of The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls.
May 11, 2025
I felt like I was with the author interviewing his uncle about his life. I could almost taste the fries at the diner where they lunched. Lefty grew up poor but had a life kind of like Forest Gump’s in that he had some brushes with fame without even seeking it. All nine Devines have an incredible story of grit, determination and love to tell. It’s a story about a grandson wanting to be closer to his grandfather by finding out more from the family he was born to and taken away through his Uncle. I think we can all relate to this. Lefty is a gem.
November 12, 2024
This is an excellent book about a family that overcame many hardships during the Great Depression to achieve many personal successes in life which include winning a national championship at the University of Notre Dame. This book touches on many important themes that deal with faith, family, and, of course, football. If you enjoy rags-to-riches stories, there are at least nine of them in this book.
March 1, 2025
This was one of the most boring books I've ever read. The author is interested in telling his own story. There were so many "off track" stories that totally had nothing to do with the Devines. He wrote more about his father who wasn't a Devine then his mother who was. Sorry, won't recommend this book to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
Excellent read! Tremendous story of the humble beginnings of a Hall of Fame football coach. Family and and sports anecdotes. Tremendously well written!
March 23, 2025
Readers Favorite 5 Star Review - K.C. Finn
The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls by A. Darius Husain is a profound and deeply personal memoir that uncovers the intricate family history of Hall of Fame football coach Dan Devine. The memoir goes beyond a simple biographical account, however, weaving together elements of sports, family dynamics, and personal perseverance to create a nuanced portrait of human endurance and familial bonds. I was particularly moved by the author’s ability to depict emotional depth while meticulously navigating historical and biographical details, creating a narrative that feels both intimate to Dan and his family, but also has a broad reach to touch the hearts of all people reading it.
Overall, I would warmly recommend The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls to readers who appreciate deeply personal, thoughtfully crafted memoirs that offer insight into the human experience.
The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls by A. Darius Husain is a profound and deeply personal memoir that uncovers the intricate family history of Hall of Fame football coach Dan Devine. The memoir goes beyond a simple biographical account, however, weaving together elements of sports, family dynamics, and personal perseverance to create a nuanced portrait of human endurance and familial bonds. I was particularly moved by the author’s ability to depict emotional depth while meticulously navigating historical and biographical details, creating a narrative that feels both intimate to Dan and his family, but also has a broad reach to touch the hearts of all people reading it.
Overall, I would warmly recommend The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls to readers who appreciate deeply personal, thoughtfully crafted memoirs that offer insight into the human experience.
December 21, 2024
An entertainingly written memoir about one family’s ability to overcome poverty and make their mark on the world. Each of the nine Devine’s find a way to move beyond the harsh environment of their childhood and find his/her own unique way to impact the world. One, the author’s grandfather, becomes a famous football coach, and it’s interesting to go “behind the scenes” and hear about his story. But it’s just as interesting, and truly inspiring, to hear about how his eight siblings (including the second author) also impact their communities. I found myself rooting for each sibling as I read about their struggles. But I also found myself admiring the way in which the family maintained a bond and supported one another during their lives. I really enjoyed this very unique kind of memoir.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews