More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White

by Ken Abraham

An Inspiring True Story Set in the Midst of the Civil Rights Era

By 1970, racial tension was at a breaking point in the southern town of Gallatin, Tennessee. Desegregation had emotions running high. The town was a powder keg ready to erupt. But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon were boys growing up on opposite sides of the tracks who shared a passion for basketball. They knew the barriers that divided them--some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart--but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill entered the rigors of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill--and transform their town.

This New York Times bestseller is a fast-paced true story of courage, determination, character, and forgiveness.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, History, Audiobook, Historical, Biography, Basketball

316 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2016

About the author

Ken Abraham is a New York Times best-selling author, known around the world for his collaborations with popular celebrities and fascinating, high-profile public figures. Ken worked with Lisa Beamer, widow of United Flight 93 hero, Todd Beamer to create the number one New York Times best-seller, LET'S ROLL! (Tyndale House Publishers, August, 2002), Lisa's story of hope in the midst of crisis.

Ken recently penned RACING TO WIN (Multnomah, 2002), with Joe Gibbs, former coach of the Washington Redskins and now owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, winner of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship, with driver, Tony Stewart, and the 2000 Winston Cup Championship, with Joe Gibbs driver, Bobby Labonte.

In addition, Ken wrote THE RIGHT THING (Integrity Publishers, 2003), with Scott Waddle, the former Navy commander who brought his submarine up under a Japanese fishing boat on February 8, 2001, killing nine people. Commander Waddle's insistence that he is responsible and accountable for the accident, despite evidence that proves others were at fault, surprised a world that has become accustomed to leaders attempting to deflect blame away from themselves.

Ken's collaborations have been featured on ABC-TV's "20-20," NBC-TV's "Dateline," CNN's "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America" (ABC), The CBS "Morning Show," "The Today Show" (NBC), The [former] Nashville Network, and the Family Channel.

Drug-running, catastrophic death, AIDS, cancer, spousal abuse, imprisonment, and child abandonment . . . are just a few of the tough topics about which Ken Abraham has co-written books in recent years. Said one commentator, "Ken Abraham gets more heart on paper than any co-writer in America. His books offer genuine hope for people going through the darkest of circumstances."

For instance, Ken co-authored PAYNE STEWART, THE AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY, with Tracey Stewart. A thirteen-week New York Times bestseller, the book chronicles the life of one of the most famous professional golfers ever to grace the links. Known for his wit, charm, and sartorial splendor, including his colorful knickers and tam 'o shanter hats, Payne Stewart always left an impression. On October 25, 1999, the country watched on "live" television as Payne and five others streaked 1,400 miles across the nation in a Learjet with a dead pilot at the controls, finally crashing in a field in South Dakota. With Payne's wife, Tracey, Ken Abraham once again succeeded in telling a powerful, poignant story in a way that provides hope rather than despair.

In COMING CLEAN (WaterBrook - Doubleday- Random House), Ken's collaboration with former Medellin drug cartel leader, Jorge Valdés, provided an inside look at one of the most powerful and corrupting forces in our society-the cocaine industry and its influence on top government officials, Hollywood celebrities, as well as kids in the streets. The transformation of Jorge Valdés from the American head of the cartel to a Christian evangelist is a compelling and fascinating testimony of God's power to change anyone's life.

Ken also collaborated with professional golfer, Paul Azinger, whose rise to the top of the PGA tour, only to discover cancer in his shoulder, and his remarkable recovery and comeback are recorded in ZINGER! (Harper-Collins / Zondervan; 1995). Additionally, Ken has co-authored THE GAMER, the baseball autobiography of All-Star catcher, Gary Carter (Word Publishing).

In THE BURDEN OF A SECRET, (Random House / Ballantine, 1995), Ken collaborated with Dr. Jimmy Allen, former president of the 16-million member Southern Baptist Convention, to tell the story of Dr. Allen's family crisis as they discovered truth and mercy in the face of AIDS. The book was a finalist in the 1996 Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association's Gold Medallion Awards.

Ken co-authored the bestseller, I WAS WRONG, a book with Jim Bakker, former PTL president and televangelist, in which for the first time, the fallen preacher reveals his side o

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a sports fan at all, but More Than Rivals is much more than just about sports: it's about race, faith, integration and friendship, among other things.

Well-written and fast-paced, the book draws you in quickly and takes you back to the 60s and 70s, small town Tennessee and what life was like there back then. The ugliness of racism and segregation are shown, but, ultimately, this book is positive and uplifting.

Thank you to Netgalley and Revell publishing for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ken Abraham in his new book, “More Than Rivals” published by Revell gives us A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White.

From the back cover: In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt.
But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, Tennessee. They knew the barriers that divided them–some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart–but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill–and transform their town.

Ken Abraham knows how to tell History so that is it accurate and informing. Mr. Abraham also knows how to tell a story so that it is interesting as well. There is a lot of conflict in this town. Gallatin is highly segregated but Eddie and Bill don’t see their color when they are playing Basketball. And then it all comes down to the night of the championship game. There is a lot going on in this story. Mr. Abraham writes an interesting story that moves along at a remarkably brisk pace. Mr. Abraham has given us real life characters in Eddie and Bill to work with as he tells the story of friendship, prejudice and transformation. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars increased for Goodreads to 3 starsMeh! Parts were more interesting than others. Not something that will stick with me! I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, but listened to the audiobook through Hoopla. Had I not received an ARC that I really needed to review for NetGalley, I most likely would not have listened to it. But I do thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy to read. Had I read this closer to the time that I requested and received this; I may have liked this better. But this is an important book in race relations, high schools and sports, to remind everyone how things were even back in the late 60s, rstly 70's.

[Joanne Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham is more than a book about basketball. It is the true story of the success and greatness two boys can achieve through a deep love for each other that grows out of a love for the game.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligion grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee, literally, on different sides of the track, when more than the train tracks separated them. These two boys let barriers of race and family melt away as their friendship deepened whenever they could find a hoop to shoot baskets.

I found the book to be inspiring as I was drawn back to the 1960’s and 70’s when segregation ran high in the hearts of towns and peoples. Ken Abraham does a wonderful job at telling their story while weaving in the political events taking place at that time. The characters are brought to life as they face and overcome the battles of race to develop a strong friendship.

The author brings to life the struggles of each family, both Christian, to overcome the differences they know to be wrong yet challenging society at that time. He does a wonderful job bringing to life the parenting issues each mother faced. Each encouraged their sons to do the right and honorable despite what might come of it. In so doing, they raised boys able to look beyond skin color to change the course of a town.

I enjoyed this book, finding it hard to put down, as the characters were made real to me. I was drawn to learn more deeply of the events which transpired while I was still young and unaware. This story brought perspective from both sides of the track brilliantly.

This is a book sure to be enjoyed by adults, high schoolers, basketball fans or not. The story is told in a moving and engaging style. I found myself deeply respecting Bill Ligion for not only extending the hand of friendship to Eddie Sherlin but also remaining positive in the face of obstacles, never allowing himself to be smothered by hatred or in holding a grudge.

There truly are many lessons to be learned from this book; the most powerful one being:

Darkness must flee wherever the true light shines.
(page 305)

*** I received a copy of this book from Revell for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a powerful story! Although the main topic, understandably, was basketball in this book, there was so much more to it than that. While the rest of the United States looked to integrate black and white, Gallatin wanted to hold on to old traditions. Separate schools, barber shops, diners, and even neighborhoods. On the surface it seemed as though it was okay with both sides, but under the surface that wasn't always the case.

Enter young Eddie and Bill, two boys who loved playing basketball more then anything. I wish the world was able to view others as these boys did. They did not see skin color, only a little boy who loved to play basketball as much as them. The town could have learned a lot from these boys. I appreciated how their views seemed to stay the same throughout the story. While they may not have outwardly declared their opinions, they did not agree with those who spoke against a differing race.

The author did a nice job of depicting how life probably was in Gallatin during this time period. I could imagine the people acting just as he wrote the story, with their actions and their mouths. There were moments that I did not appreciate the language, (mainly what the different races called each other) however I understand the significance to the storyline. The storyline was presented so vividly to me that I felt as if I were living it with them. Any time there was a racial slur, I got upset. When one race stuck up for the other, I got emotional. When there was violence I shed a tear. I love feeling like I'm in the story, connecting to the characters as if they were real.

Not only do I recommend this book to basketball fans, but to anyone that needs a reminder that in Gods eyes we are all created equal. Let us remember to take a stand if we see someone being cruel to another. Let us be an example by showing love and kindness. Thank you Ken for writing Eddie and Bill's story!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

It definitely shows talent when an author can take a true story and weave it into an entertaining tale that reads like fiction - and Ken Abraham has shown he has that talent in spades with his novel, "More Than Rivals". Within only a few pages of the book, I found myself immersed in Eddie and Bill's story to the point that I was rooting for them to win every basket ball game they were playing, and cheering on the unlikely friendship between black and white. I was shaking my head at the racism displayed in Gallatin, Tennessee - though shifting uncomfortably in my chair while I considered the racism in my own backyard of a different type. For the most part, the story moves along at a good clip, although there were a few places in the book that I thought got bogged down in a few too many details. Nevertheless, as I encountered the racial tensions growing in Gallatin, through the eyes of the characters who lived through it, I found myself glued to the pages until the final, dramatic chapters. What made me pause all the more was the fact that I wasn't reading scenes from an author's imagination, but instead was reading about actual events. If you didn't believe in the power of God before picking up this book, it would be difficult not to believe afterwards, as only God can explain what happened to the citizens of Gallatin!

Rarely can I say that a Christian novel I'm reviewing would make the perfect gift for the man in your life - but "More Than Rivals" absolutely fits the bill! But if you are a female reader, don't let that comment dissuade you from grabbing a copy of your own, because this book will appeal to readers of all types. The true life drama, great characterization, and incredible truths of this story make for time well spent! I highly recommend this book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Lori Wasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was about 2 boys, one white and one black, who ended up becoming basketball stars in their respective schools and about their life growing up in the racially charged 60s. The book culminated in a basketball tournament game, competing for the championship, between Eddie Sherlin’s school, with predominately white students and Bill Ligon’s school, with black students.

I really enjoyed the book. I enjoyed reading about the boys’ antics and also about the friendship between Eddie and Bill. Even though the book was about 2 basketball players, the book was not bogged down by a ton of basketball or sports jargon, unlike some books I’ve read about sports figures.

The book also did a good job driving home how racially charged the 60s were in the state of Tennessee, where the boys grew up, and even further south. Many of the events in that time frame took place before I was born, so it was good to get a refresher on what it was like during that time period.

The ending was also awesome. Can’t get into the outcome of the book because I don’t want to share spoilers, but let’s just say that the reader will like the ending:).

The only thing that I didn’t really like about the book was that there were some events written that didn’t seem to fit with the overall story line of the boys, basketball, or the racial tensions of that time. I didn’t see how the stories of the girlfriends of Eddie and Bill fit into the story line, as well as the scene of Eddie’s mom and dad fighting over the fact that the dad chose a woman other than Eddie’s mom to sing a solo at church. I thought that the book might have gone somewhere with those events, but it did not.

Overall, I really liked the book and would recommend it.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I received this book for free from the Revell Book Tour program in exchange for a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

`More Than Rivals` is a steady-paced biography of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, written by Ken Abraham. It's a true story about two guys who grew up on the opposite sides of the tracks, and how they became best friends. The story takes place in Gallatin, Tenn. in the 1960's.

This book was written in dedication of: Anna Bransford Ligon (mother of Bill Ligon), Jimmy H. (Bo) Sherlin, Jr. (brother of Eddie Sherlin), Dan P. Herron (former principal of Gallatin High School), and Professor John V. Malone (former principal of Union High School).

In the 1960's Gallatin, Tenn. had no problems with African Americans. It was a small town and everyone just stayed in their own territory. In 1954 when the U.S. Supreme Court declared schools should be fully integrated several white folk balked at this Brown V. Board of Education ruling.

In 1963 Gallatin was probably the first to have a mix of white and African Americans playing a game of pick-up basketball. The game began in a backyard with a make-shift basket, goalpost, and inexpensive ball. Soon moving to the local school gym.

Bo wanted to make some money so he worked for a carnival man. The first day he worked he rode to town with his boss to pick up some much needed carnival items. On the way back they were involved in a major accident, killing everyone except Bo. However, Bo would have to use a wheelchair.

I like the Bible verse quoted in the book. `Men may look at the outward appearance but God looks on the heart.` I was impressed with how the white coaches took on a black player, not by his color, but by his skill.

I think this is a great book and should be required reading in 9th grade.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for my honest review. I am not an Amazon Affiliate.

[Mariejkt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"More Than Rivals" by Ken Abraham is a book about 2 young men in the 60's and 70's one white (Eddie Sherlin) and one African American (Bill Ligon) coming together as friends at a basketball championship in Tennessee in 1970. What was so important about his tournament well it was between two schools that were still mostly segregated with very big amounts of racism still lingering around in their portion of Tennessee. This was a very interesting book and is one that I think should be read by a lot of people. We tend to forget that some areas racism was not that long ago and in some areas it is still happening to this day (I have seen it even in my little area of the world). We also forget that some of the racist adults from then are still alive and the children they raised to be racist are still alive. Why do I say that well think about the 2 young men in this book are only in there 60's now and some of their classmates were raised to be racist. Back to the book, I really enjoyed that Eddie Sherlin kept remember that there is no difference in race in God's eyes. As Christian's we should be known as not racist people but sadly that is not always true. Reading about their childhoods and lives that intersected at different times was very interesting. I normally am not a big fan of reading about a sports even but the climax of this book the basketball tournament was very interesting and well written. Now I will say that I am not sure about all the in depth conversations being remembered perfectly from a least 46 and more years ago. But other than it still was a very good and powerful book to read and I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

[Daleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in Gallatin, Tennesse, and all the rest of the south in 1960's, knew the rules. Blacks and whites don't mix. Ever. Even though things like segregation were going on... blacks and whites don't mix.

Everyone except for Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, that is. Basketball, after all, doesn't care about the color of the hand that bounces it. It just needs to be bounced.

They didn't set out to make a difference in their town. They weren't out to change things. But God used their relationship to not only affect them, but all of Gallatin.

About the book and author:

More than Rivals is a biography written by Ken Abraham about two boys in Gallatin, Tennesse: Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon. It's the true story of a championship game and how that game, and the friendship that came before it, changed the town.

Quick Review:

An emotional true story of how two kids changed their town through a simple friendship and not so simple basketball game. Don't wait for the library! Pick it up today!

What I liked:

Everything, basically. It was an emotional story about some hard things that happened and I think Ken Abraham caught them nicely in this book without being overbearing about it. He explains things nicely, enough so that you know how stupid it all was and yet understand how big a leap it was for Eddie and Bill.

What I didn't like:

Uh... (maybe I oughta read it some more. Then maybe I could find something. *winks*)

Who I would recommend this to:

Jr High and older-- unless you think that your kid would understand the emotions going on in the book. There are a lot of packed emotions hidden in this book--thankfully, we rarely see them in real life anymore.

[V Luttrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an awesome read for the most part. I read it not because I am a sports fan but because I wanted to see how life in the 1970's really was like. wow was I in for a surprise, I knew so little about this time and how poorly black people were treated. In this chapter book we see how friendships change a town. One will follow two boys life story as they grow up with a fond love for basket ball. Not: some of the romance I did not think was necessary in this story. I found it filled up pages for nothing. This story shows a black boy and a white boy, taught to hate each other who cross he boundaries because of basketball.

In the end I felt like I learned bout the segregation blacks felt ( at that time they still had their own parks, sides of streets and stores), and actually understood basketball for the first time. Because of this book I now want to be at a game. Ken Abraham has done a fantastic job!

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

[Sharon Paavola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid basketball fan and this book had me from the first page! You don't need to be one to see the amazing drive early in the lives of these two young men . The historical background of black meeting white in a time and place in the United States added a heavy yet ironic statement. The details the author included were crisp and key to fully grasp the dimensions of the contrasts and similarities of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, their families, their faith, and neighborhoods.

This is a rare treat for me to read a non-fiction book. It fascinated and rewarded me. I had not known of their lives and feel richer now that I do. I grew up in the same era they did but lived in an area of the United States where the tensions between races were minimal and almost non-existent. Learning more about the reality of what others experienced was definitely worth reading this book.

I received a copy of More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship that Moved a Town Beyond Black and White from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed listening to this inspiring true story set in the civil rights era of 1960s/70s southern America. I'm not a sports fan so I'm glad this wasn't just about basketball, but more about the two boys growing up on different sides of a divided town. Roscoe Orman narrated this perfectly for me changing his voice for all the different characters, making me laugh out loud, sign and shake my head in disbelief as the story progressed. Having never personally experienced racial discrimination I was horrified and saddened by some of the scenarios told in this story and was so relieved when certain members of Gallatin, Tennessee rose above the status quo to love their neighbours as themselves. Although I love the audio version of this book I think I would have enjoyed reading the print version as there are some excellent quotes that I would've liked to mark and remember. I'd definitely recommend this audio to anyone who loves an inspiring listen for fans of sports or not.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for the free copy.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring story! Two young boys find friendship despite tensions in their home town of Gallatin, Tennessee. Eddie and Bill never saw "black or white," they just played a game they both loved to play and neither allowed the negativity win out. The friendship continued throughout the years and no matter what, they always did what was right! They did not succumb to the hatred and in turn they showed their town how seeing each other as equals and having faith can bring about healing for so many! I was totally cheering these two on and I would highly recommend this book!! It is a 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s FOR SURE!!!!

Thank you Baker Publishing for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Alecia Simersky · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I received the book, my husband picked it up and began to read it. I had to wait for him to finish before I could even begin. And he HATES reading. But the story of two young kids brought together by their love of basketball and dared to cross racial boundaries was intriguing. I can't think of a more appropriate read at this time in our country. Personally, I felt like the storyline jumped around a bit much and it was hard to keep track of the characters at first. But I stuck with it and thoroughly enjoyed the book.

( I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.)

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book club choice for August. I'm not really too fond of reading books on sports, but this book is more than sports. It's about two boys, one white, one black that become friends during a time when this was unheard of. The one thing that connects them is basketball. Eddie and Bill eventually grow apart, but the friendship is still there. It is shown at the Finals of the 1970 season. Eddie's school, all white, Gallatin High and Bill's school, all black Union High have to face each other in the finals. What will become of the town if the black school wins? What will happen if the white school wins? I'm not telling.....you have to read the book to find out.

[Katie Tseng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young boys who share a love for basketball are growing up in a racially divided town. They both are able to escape the awareness of their skin color and enjoy some time on the court together when they are children. But, eventually both families move to different homes and the boys don't have many opportunities to interact until a championship game that pits the local black high school against the local white high school, right before the two schools were planning to integrate. This is a lovely and inspiring true store. Although the writing is at times a bit cheesy, a powerful and positive message is conveyed.

[Dianna (SavingsInSeconds blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true story reads like a novel. Set during the Civil Rights Era, it shows how sports can unite people. Racial barriers were no match for the courage, determination, and strong character of the people in Gallatin, Tennessee. The characters are richly developed, and read photos of the true story are contained inside the book. More Than Rivals should be a movie! Fans of Remember the Titans and The Blind Side will love it. I received this book from Baker Publishing for a blog post, opinions shared are mine.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I thought . . .
I can't say much more than the qualified people who have already endorsed this book.
Borrowing from a few . . . 'monster slam dunk' , 'riveting',
'outstanding', 'you'll laugh and cry'.
I can add one word 'timely'.

Everyone needs to read this 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of More Than Rivals
from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted at:
My Journey Back

[Dick Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. The story is quite timely, with its focus on race relations, but also about friendship. While the book centers around basketball, this is not a basketball book. The author does an excellent job in building the story to the really key moment - about five pages from the end of the book so you really need to wait for it. Whether you like sports or not, I think you will like this book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT story! Set in the racially turbulent 1960's, this follows the childhood of 2 young men, one black, one white, culminating in a cross town High School Basketball Championship Game that affects the entire community. Faith in God and their friendship with one another make all the difference in how the story ends. A MUST read! #doingtherightthing

[Lynn Cutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a good story about basketball and history this is your book. I loved the history and the story from the very beginning. Such a good story!! My favorite book so far this summer!!!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book engaged me from the beginning, and not just because I am a basketball fan. More Than Rivals tells the story of one small town in Tennessee and how a championship basketball game helped it to come to grips with the racial undercurrent there. Especially inspiring because it is
true.

[Jess Bellflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super easy going read. It's a true story which I always love to read. The characters made you feel like you really knew them and I felt like I could put myself in the story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Rivals is a touching inspiring story. I found this book to be quite moving and believe everyone would get a huge lesson out of it.
5 plus stars.

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5

Well written, interesting, and heartwarming.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story- heartwarming and sweet. I think it would make a great movie. I didn't like the writing- it felt obvious and that they were working to hard to be educational.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and the perfect end to my 2016 reading list.

[Alan Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When's the movie coming out?!

Great book! As a Gallatin resident, a very interesting read. Now I'm ready to see it on the big screen!

[Bob Eckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Makes me want to research and learn more of the people involved in the years following. Only dissapointment in the book was a bit of a sappy ending. Otherwise, loved it.