In Marjorie Herrera Lewis's debut historical novel the inspiring true story of high school teacher Tylene Wilson--a woman who surprises everyone as she breaks with tradition to become the first high school football coach in Texas--comes to life.
""A wonderfully touching and beautiful story...Tylene makes me laugh, cry, and cheer for her in ways I have not done in a long time."--Diane Les Bocquets, bestselling author of Breaking Wild
Football is the heartbeat of Brownwood, Texas. Every Friday night for as long as assistant principal Tylene Wilson can remember, the entire town has gathered in the stands, cheering their boys on. Each September brings with it the hope of a good season and a sense of unity and optimism.
Now, the war has changed everything. Most of the Brownwood men over 18 and under 45 are off fighting, and in a small town the possibilities are limited. Could this mean a season without football? But no one counted on Tylene, who learned the game at her daddy's knee. She knows more about it than most men, so she does the unthinkable, convincing the school to let her take on the job of coach.
Faced with extreme opposition--by the press, the community, rival coaches, and referees and even the players themselves--Tylene remains resolute. And when her boys rally around her, she leads the team--and the town--to a Friday night and a subsequent season they will never forget.
Based on a true story, When the Men Were Gone is a powerful and vibrant novel of perseverance and personal courage.
About the Author :
Marjorie Herrera Lewis knew early on she wanted a career related to sports. After several years at small newspapers, at age twenty-seven she began working at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Soon after, she was named a beat writer for the Dallas Cowboys and eventually joined the Dallas Morning News sportswriting staff. While writing When the Men Were Gone, she became inspired to try her hand at coaching football and was added to the Texas Wesleyan University football coaching staff. She presently teaches media ethics at the University of North Texas. When the Men Were Gone was the winner of the Best Book - New Fiction and Best Book - Historical Fiction Awards from the American Book Fest and was a finalist for the New Mexico-Arizona Best Book Awards.
Eva Kaminsky is a New York-based actor and audiobook narrator with over 150 titles to her credit. She trained at Boston University. Kaminsky has acted in numerous productions on television and film, including titles such as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Happyish, Ugly Betty, ER, Numbers, Law & Order, and others.
Review :
"A beautiful story that stays in your heart long after you finish reading."
-- "Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author"
"Readers looking for stories about decent people doing their best or a good cry won't do much better than this heartrending read, which is sure to be a fall favorite of book clubs anywhere near a football stadium."
-- "Library Journal"
"Readers will find plenty to love in Herrera Lewis' debut. A feel-good story about one woman's persistence, strength, and love of the game."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Tylene's struggles, on and off the field, form the core of this satisfying historical novel based on a true story. There's plenty of football, but the book also offers a vivid look at small-town life during WWII, from dealing with rationing to the constant fear of hearing the worst about family members in the service."
-- "Booklist"
"Wonderfully touching and beautiful...Tylene makes me laugh, cry, and cheer for her in ways I have not done in a long time."
-- "Diane Les Becquets, author of Breaking Wild "
