Sometimes, life does not go to plan…
Finding Our Grove: A Story About Life, Family and College Football
by James Gardner
Sometimes, life does not go to plan. Sometimes, things change in a heartbeat. Yes, sometimes life does the completely unexpected—and it is truly remarkable.
Finding Our Grove follows a small group of college football fanatics as they set out to visit a different college town each year. These trips—lovingly known as “guy trips”—initially began as a chance for the men of the family to spend a little more time together, while also enjoying a little more football.
Follow along, year by year and team by team, as these visitors experience, firsthand, college football’s most revered programs and traditions; learn about her most beloved names, mascots, and bands; and meet college football’s indomitable fans.
Praise for Finding Our Grove. . .
“Eloquent, engaging, exceptional, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, Finding Our Grove: A Story about Life, Family, and College Football is a candidly articulate true life story of inclusion, friendship, fatherhood, and college football fandom.”
—Midwest Book Review
“In the American college football circuit, each team and campus is anchored by traditions and mythmaking that can span generations and foster unbreakable bonds. That spirit permeates this memoir, which combines a father's journey with his son, who has Down syndrome...At the age of 12, Daniel joined the first of what became regular "guy trips" with his father, grandfather, and uncle. Together, they visited several Southern college towns to watch football games and soak up the local color. The trips ended up being about so much more than just gridiron action...The "guy trips" are really about creating memories and, as such, the book overflows with beautiful and tender reminiscences. Throughout, the author is open about grappling with the challenges of raising a son with Down syndrome, but Daniel's joy and ambitions effectively shine through the entire work. A heartwarming ode to a father's love for his son and the road-trip experiences they've shared.”
—Kirkus Reviews
All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
— J.R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowhship of the Ring
Note: Trademarks are exclusively owned by the Universities and this map is for illustrative purposes only.
About James
James Gardner received his B.A. from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University. As a practicing lawyer for more than thirty years, Jim is a passionate advocate for the disabled and those who have been injured. Penned as a love letter to his family and to the “guy trips,” Finding Our Grove is his second book. When not watching college football, he and his son are planning their next adventure and can’t wait to see you soon!
I’d love to hear from you!
You can reach me at: JamesGardnerWriter@gmail.com