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When Eagles Soared
W hen Eagles Soared is a work of fiction - the story is adapted from, inspired by, and based on the author's best recollection of actual events. When Lou Surber Osborne, a rookie teacher and coach, is hired to coach an elementary football team with a losing history, he quickly realizes the challenges that lie ahead of him to make them winners. While defying all the obstacles and challenges facing him, seventeen seventh and eighth-grade boys bought into a winning philosophy to become the best they could be, win or lose. I n telling this story, for those of you that are baby-boomers, I hope to transport you back to 1970-71 when life was simple and innocent in so many ways, yet challenging and tense in navigating the turbulent times brought on by the Vietnam War. It had an enormous effect on young men of military draft age, and their families and friends, in one way or the other until the war ended. Rock-and-roll groups and their songs during the Vietnam War era were a statement of defiance but also hope for a better future. As you come across them in the book, I hope the songs take you back in time, remembering the good times you experienced with that special someone. Follow Nick Lewis on his author's Facebook page, Nick Lewis - Author.
410 pages, Hardcover
Published February 18, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 30, 2024
Going into this book I had a general idea of what I was expecting based on things the author himself described. Upon finishing this book however I can say that I was completely blindsided by the inspiring, energizing, and rawly emotional story. Be prepared to laugh and cry in the same chapter!
I loved the way this was set up with short chapters and chapter names instead of numbers. I'm not even sure why this particularly stood out to me but I felt it just fit how the story was written. Normally when I read a book I skip over the dedication, acknowledgments, author notes, etc. But this is definitely a book where you will want to read every single page. I have such a newfound respect for people who lived through this war-ridden era as well as Nick himself for his dedication to the Eagles and willingness to share his story.
The writing in this story is phenomenal with vivid imagery and strong emotions. I particularly liked the strong incorporation of music into the storyline; it really helped place you in the moment along with the narrator and feel the same things he is feeling listening to each song. I felt elation for the soaring Eagles, pain for Manny and Beth, grief for Old Moocher, and joy for Jenni and Oz'z loving relationship.
This book is about so much more than just football. It is about cherishing the winning moments while remaining humble, setting goals and working hard every day to reach them, loving the friends and family you have around you, and above all persevering when it feels as if the odds are against you.
I loved the way this was set up with short chapters and chapter names instead of numbers. I'm not even sure why this particularly stood out to me but I felt it just fit how the story was written. Normally when I read a book I skip over the dedication, acknowledgments, author notes, etc. But this is definitely a book where you will want to read every single page. I have such a newfound respect for people who lived through this war-ridden era as well as Nick himself for his dedication to the Eagles and willingness to share his story.
The writing in this story is phenomenal with vivid imagery and strong emotions. I particularly liked the strong incorporation of music into the storyline; it really helped place you in the moment along with the narrator and feel the same things he is feeling listening to each song. I felt elation for the soaring Eagles, pain for Manny and Beth, grief for Old Moocher, and joy for Jenni and Oz'z loving relationship.
This book is about so much more than just football. It is about cherishing the winning moments while remaining humble, setting goals and working hard every day to reach them, loving the friends and family you have around you, and above all persevering when it feels as if the odds are against you.
July 25, 2024
I wanted to really like this book. It had all the elements that I would like (Vietnam Vet, sports, oldies etc ). However, this writer's style made it extremely difficult to get beyond the first 15% of the book. The overuse of words describing ANYTHING started knowing on me till it took away from the story line. I reminded me of a young high school student entering a story into essay contest using all the unimaginable descriptions possible. Analogies got annoying. Sorry, I had to stop....
October 10, 2022
A wonderful story of success achieved from hard work and a will to win. A great list of oldies referenced throughout. It also reflects the sadness the Vietnam conflict dealt and the death of a favorite pet.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews