Kenny Wayne Fields

Seasons of Triumph Kenny Wayne Fields

Have you ever chased a dream? This story recaptures the early life, up until high school graduation, of a combat-decorated Navy jet pilot and award-winning author. He's the son of a coal miner and grew up in rugged coal mining camps in West Virginia and Kentucky, during the '40s and '50s. Imagine that you're a young boy back then and you're told that you're a talented athlete. You begin to dream that you'll be a star on your high school and college teams and maybe make it to the big leagues. Imagine that young girls are attracted to you. You begin to dream that you'll go steady with a cute and perky cheerleader in high school. Yet, mid-way on your path to high school graduation, you learn that making your dreams come true may be impossible. Why? You're now being told repeatedly that you don't have the weight or muscle required to compete in high school sports, and you're so bashful around girls that you can't even introduce yourself. You become frustrated. Would you quit trying to fulfill your dreams? The author didn't! But, did he become a starter on his high school varsity team? Did he win the heart of a girl? In answering those questions, the author shares his private thoughts as he struggles to fulfill his dreams. He spins humorous and sad tales about himself and the real-life characters he mixed with, and his story-telling ability arouses compassion, chuckles, and even a few tears. Readers are left with heartwarming memories of the author's home life, roaming the Appalachian Mountains, school activities, teenage romance, and competition on athletic fields. For adults, this story will rekindle wonderful memories of by-gone years and remind them of their own mistakes and triumphs while growing up. Young readers with dreams will be inspired to keep chasing them, and the lessons learned by the author, while mixing with friends, teammates and girls, will help young readers avoid the same mistakes. "Kenny Wayne Fields, quit day dreaming! Fix your eyes on the blackboard."