A Heartwarming Story

Jim Stovall is very good at telling a story in an uplifting way. "One Season of Hope" is the first book in a new series. This is the first time I have read one of Mr. Stovall's books and I am very impressed!

The main character is Glen Fullerton, who is the head coach of the football team at Harry S. Truman High School. The story begins with the retirement party for Coach Fullerton. During the party, Fullerton reflects on his time at Truman High. He has been at the school for 42 years. He was a student there, then the assistant coach, and finally the head coach. As a student, he was asked by a teacher to answer a question about President Truman. What does the "S" in Harry S. Truman's name stand for? Glen's answer was "nothing" and he was correct! The teacher then told him to write an essay explaining why "nothing" was, in fact, the correct answer. While researching for the essay, Glen develops an interest in Harry Truman. There is a statue of President Truman on the lawn of the school. Throughout the rest of his career at Truman High, Coach Fullerton converses with statue when he feels he needs guidance.

The focus of the story is about the coach's connection to a student who played on the Truman Eagles football team during Fullerton's fifth year as head coach. The student was Bradley Hope, a young man who was diagnosed with cancer and was not expected to live beyond one year after his diagnosis. The Eagles' football team is an inspiration to Bradley and he wants to be on the team. However, there is only one spot remaining for a player. It is doubtful that Bradley will be chosen to fill that opening. In fact, Bradley is picked for the team, thus leading to a "Season of Hope" which proves to be a miracle.

This is a very unique story. There is much included about football and also about Harry S. Truman. The book is well written and I enjoyed it very much!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. ( )

One Season of Hope by Jim Stovell
This book is one I wanted to read for the football experience. Miss Friday Night Lights on TV and this is a good substitute.
On many levels it not only has football but small town team work and making ti all happen.
Starts out with the Coach and he's on his way to his retirement party after serving years in the school as teacher and football coach. There are also chapters of when he was 15 and just starting out at the high school, on the football team and working his way up.
Loved the play by play action and also the beginning of each chapter has a quote from Harry S. Truman. The school is Truman Eagles and football brings the town together.
Follows one full season and the decisions that needed to be made and why and the turnouts. Handful of people that are easy to keep track of. Like how this book is about the present also with terrorist attacks on the school, etc.
Love how the book got it's name and what it symbolizes. Easy to follow as the coachs own life comes into play in the present day football season.
Love the pep talks and quotes and prayers throughout the book. So many new things to learn, not only about football but our history as well. GREAT read!
I received this book from bookfun.org via Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
0768407125 ( )