REVIEW “Maroon & White”

The Basics

Title: Maroon & White: My Story of Bluefield Beavers Football.
Author: Donald K. Johnson
Genre: Football
Release Date: August 1, 2021

Book Synopsis

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Donald K. “Donnie” Jackson grew up during some of the most impactful years of the Twentieth Century. News of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, the Cold War, and the race to the moon filled the headlines. However, in his small corner of the world, what mattered most to Donnie and many who lived in that corner of the world with him was the success of the Bluefield High School “Beavers” football program.

When the Beavers won their second state title in 1962, Donnie’s dad took him to the game at Laidley Field in Charleston, West Virginia, even though he was only four years old. After that season, he did not miss a Beaver home football game for the next thirteen years. He played in many of them.

This is the memoir of Donnie Jackson. The story is seen through the eyes of a young player determined to make a difference for his team. It takes the reader through the ups and downs Donnie experienced on the road to eventually fulfilling his dream and gives the reader far-reaching insight about unrepeatable days in a golden time for playing, coaching, and living the Beaver life.

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My Two Cents

Let me start by saying, my friends know that I am not a huge fan of sports in general—except for hockey! I do watch some football games. So, some folks will be surprised to find that I have read a memoir written by a high school football player who played for a team in a city far away from where I live. I read it because a friend recommended it to me.

This “not really a football fan” really did enjoy Maroon & White: My Story of Bluefield Beavers Football. I learned a great deal about the Bluefield High School Beavers.

Donnie Jackson gives us an interesting player’s point of view as he unravels the history of the Beavers and gives us a unique peek into his life and dreams.

This is a great story of hard and consistent work, disappointments, and dreams coming true!

Sports lovers—as well as non-sports lovers—will enjoy this memoir.

I highly recommend this memoir to everyone! It would make a great gift for any occasion.

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Get your copy here: Maroon & White: My Story of Bluefield Beavers Football

About the Author

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A native of Bluefield, West Virginia, Donald K. Jackson has lived most of his adult life in Peachtree City, Georgia, with his wife Nancy, and their three children – Keith, Kelly, and Ken. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Wake Forest University where he lettered in football and received the Atlantic Coast Conference Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Athletics. He remains an avid sports fan.

Donnie’s Amazon Author Page