Tag Archives: Memoir

Keith H. Hirshland, Author of Cover Me Boys I’m Going In: Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on March 19th, 2014

Publisher: Create Space, August 8, 2013
ISBN-978-1482760521
Category: Memoir, Television Broadcasting, Behind the Scenes
Tour Dates: February, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 519 pages

Growing up in the shadow of one of network affiliate television’s groundbreakers, Keith Hirshland was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. In this gripping new memoir, readers will follow Hirshland’s stories as he witnesses the creation of sports networks and works alongside the legends of broadcasting. With a career that spans more than thirty years, Hirshland has seen it all.

From the meteoric rise of Tiger Woods to the Kelly Tilghman “lynching” controversy and countless stories from the incredibly successful SKINS GAME golf franchise, his amazing stories provide a behind-the-scenes look into one of the most revered industries in the world.

Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In: Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat gives readers an informative, reflective, and often humorous look at live television from both in front of and behind the camera. Offering an insider’s look at the television industry as well as the creation of two sports networks, this gripping memoir’s stories include some of the most famous athletes and broadcasters in the world.

With a behind-the-scenes look into sports television that few will ever experience, this exciting memoir gives readers a priceless glimpse into one of the nation’s most coveted industries. The first book to document the creation of the Golf Channel, Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In is a unique memoir that covers a number of fascinating industry moments. Covering the Golf Channel as well as the earliest days of ESPN2, these wonderful stories are packed with the larger-than-life personalities that made these sport networks successful.

Inspired by his parents’ death, Hirshland wanted to document as much as possible about his professional life. After having led an interesting and unique life, he wanted to find a way to honor his parents while passing his stories down to his children. A mesmerizing read for anyone interested in sports, television, or “behind the scenes” stories in general, Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In is sure to hook readers from the very beginning. With its eclectic mix of playful, humorous, and dramatic stories, this excellent collection is truly the entertaining, informative, and enlightening book that readers have been waiting for.

Praise for Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In:

“A broadcast veteran dishes about the evolution of TV as we know it.  The memoir is a fascinating personal record that might serve as a compendium of people, places, and events from one niche of television history.  Hirshland’s gentle humor and friendly tone are entertaining and his unique riffs on “on-air talent” serve to be fresh and funny. A memorable personal chronicle of a very public phenomenon. Hirshland offers a unique glimpse into the world of television, and his enthusiasm and positivity make for an inspiring treatise on dedication and success.”- Leia Menlove, Foreword Reviews

“Hirshland comes across as admirably hardworking and dedicated, feeling lucky to do what he loves. An engaging memoir by a true TV sports insider.”–Kirkus Reviews

“A humorously entertaining and insightful autobiography. Like playing golf? Like to watch golf on TV? Don’t have any interest in golf, but want an enjoyable read? I recommend “Cover Me Boys…”–Larry Green, Amazon Reviewer

“Great read for everyone!  Awesome Read!!! A honest behind the scenes view of three decades in the world of TV, what was most striking to me was the honesty that it takes courage to write with. Keith tells his story with a very comfortable style that keeps you turning pages and really gives you a great picture of the world and the people that work so hard to bring us what we take for granted on the screen. Any sports lover (especially golfers) will love the book, but Keith’s open and frank discussion of his personal successes and failures offer a little something for anyone. I’d recommend this engaging read to anyone.”- William F. Porter, Amazon.com Reviewer

About Keith H. Hirshland:

Growing up in the shadow of one of network affiliate television’s groundbreakers, Keith Hirshland was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.

In this gripping new memoir, readers will follow Hirshland’s stories as he participates in the creation of sports networks and works alongside the legends of broadcasting.

With a career that spans more than thirty years, Hirshland has seen it all. From the meteoric rise of Tiger Woods to the Kelly Tilghman “lynching” controversy and countless stories from the incredibly successful SKINS GAME golf franchise, his amazing stories provide a behind-the-scenes look into one of the most revered industries in the world. With its eclectic mix of playful, humorous, and dramatic stories, this excellent collection is truly the entertaining, informative, and enlightening book that readers have been waiting for.

Hirshland is the son of a local television broadcast icon and an Emmy Award-winning veteran of the television industry. His experience has taken him all across the country, covering sport’s most famous athletes and television’s most interesting and charismatic personalities.

Having worked at both the local affiliate and national network levels, Hirshland was on hand for the beginning stages of ESPN2 and one of the first forty people hired at the Golf Channel when the world’s first niche sports channel began its preparations in 1994. For years, he was part of the production team for golf’s nationally televised SKINS GAME. Hirshland has worked alongside sports television’s most iconic figures while following sport’s most recognizable names.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keith.hirshland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/khirshland

Buy Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Mar 16 G & spotlight
Deal Sharing Aunt Mar 17 Review & Giveaway
Dr. Bill’s Book Bazaar Mar 18 Review
From L.A. to LA Mar 19 Review

Eric Lindner, Author of Hospice Voices: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on February 4th, 2014

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, Oct. 6, 2013
Category: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Volunteerism, Hospice, Caregiver
Tour Dates: January, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 232 pages

As a part-time hospice volunteer, Eric Lindner provides companion care to dying strangers. They are chatterboxes and recluses, religious and irreligious, battered by cancer, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer s, old age. Some cling to life amazingly. Most pass as they expected.

In telling his story, Lindner reveals the thoughts, fears, and lessons of those living the ends of their lives in the care of others, having exhausted their medical options or ceased treatment for their illnesses. In each chapter, Lindner not only reveals the lessons of lives explored in their final days, but zeroes in on how working for hospice can be incredibly fulfilling.

As he s not a doctor, nurse, or professional social worker, just a volunteer lending a hand, offering a respite for other care providers, his charges often reveal more, and in more detail, to him than they do to those with whom they spend the majority of their time. They impart what they feel are life lessons as they reflect on their own lives and the prospect of their last days. Lindner captures it all in his lively storytelling.

Anyone who knows or loves someone working through end of life issues, living in hospice or other end of life facilities, or dealing with terminal or chronic illnesses, will find in these pages the wisdom of those who are working through their own end of life issues, tackling life s big questions, and boiling them down into lessons for anyone as they age or face illness. And those who may feel compelled to volunteer to serve as companions will find motivation, inspiration, and encouragement.

Rather than sink under the weight of depression, pity, or sorrow, Lindner celebrates the lives of those who choose to live even as they die.

Advance Praise for Hospice Voices:

 “This is an honest, pull no punches look at coming to terms with the one thing we will all do-die. In this well-documented and highly-readable book, Lindner proves an adept chronicler of the individual human stories that make up his journey to understand that beauty and grace can exist at the end stages of life. Lindner deftly reminds us of the power of the small things, the simple gestures and the importance of dignity for those that face a terminal situation. Throughout the book, we meet people approaching the end of life in their own individual ways, with different measures of love, faith and family. This book simultaneously opened my heart and broke it as each story taught me how hope and dignity can exist even in terminal situations. As a hospice volunteer, Lindner teaches us all that the ability to ease and bear witness to someone’s journey at the end stage of life is perhaps the ultimate gift one human can give another.”– Lee Woodruff, author of the New York Times bestsellers Those We Love Most and In an Instant

“Heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure claim more lives than any other disease state. Over my career I’ve seen my share of sadness due to the ravages of end-stage cardiovascular disease. But I’ve also seen terminal patients and their loved ones wring out great joy and meaning in the final months of life. This book is joyful, insightful, witty, and truly meaningful. It tugged at my heart, tickled my funny bone, and served up numerous insights and tips that had escaped me when trying to advise patients and their families. What a marvelous set of stories that should be read by all adults. It inspires us to live life to the fullest and respect and learn from the past in order to better deal with future uncertainty.”–Roger S. Blumenthal, M.D., FAHA, FACC. Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology, Director, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease and co-editor-in-chief of Preventive Cardiology: Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease

“As a physician who cares for the chronically ill and dying I all too often see people who are alone in the midst of their suffering. Trained volunteers, like Lindner, play such an immensely important role in providing that companionship to the patient. His book reminds all of us that we are invited to attend to others-not to change them, not to judge, not to fix. We are there simply to listen and to be witnesses to the suffering and joy of others in their living and in their dying. Presence to others, as Lindner describes so poignantly in his book, is a transformative sacred act for the patient and for the companion. His book inspires all of us to enter the sacredness of living and dying with openness and courage.”-Christina M. Puchalski, MD, MS, FACP. Director, George Washington University’s Institute for Spirituality and Health, Professor, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the author of A Time for Listening and Caring: Spirituality and the Care of the Chronically Ill and Dying.

“This book intrigued me because of the author’s pledge to donate 100% of his profits to charity. His book moved me because it’s an illustration that there are many ways we can provide love and justice in this world. We think of love in our daily affections for those close to us. We think of justice in the work of social movements. But all religions teach that at the heart of justice is love, hospitality, and kindness to strangers. It is hard to imagine a better example of exactly that than this book, and in reading it, one comes away knowing that as in sacred scripture, Lindner has encountered and served angels themselves.”–Timothy L. Fort, PhD, JD, Everleigh Professor of Business Ethics, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University and author of Business, Integrity, and Peace: Beyond Geopolitical and Disciplinary Boundaries

“Eric Lindner gives voice to those in their final days so that we may better listen, love, and learn from their example. A must read for any caregiver – volunteer or family.”–Vince Evans, MSW, Vice President of Patient Services, Hospice of the Valley

About Eric Lindner:

Eric Lindner is an attorney & entrepreneur. He has been a hospice companion caregiver since 2009. He divides his time between Warrenton, VA and Kauai, Hawaii.

Author Website: http://www.hospicevoices.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericlindnerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricLindner1
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ericlindner/

Buy Hospice Voices:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Jan 3 Review & Giveaway
WV Stitcher Jan 6 Review
WV Stitcher Jan 7 Guest Post
I’d Rather Be At the Beach Jan 8 Review
Teena in Toronto Jan 10 Review
Anastacia Reviews Jan 13 Review & Giveaway
Library of Clean Reads Jan 14 Review
Sincerely Stacie Jan 15 Review
Midnight Musings Jan 16 Review
Midnight Musings Jan 17 Interview
Sweeps for Bloggers Jan 20 Review &Giveaway
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Every Free Chance Jan 22 Interview
Daddy Blogger Jan 23 Review & Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt Jan 24 Review & Giveaway
As I Turn the Pages Jan 27 Review
As I Turn the Pages  Jan 27 Guest Post
Joystory Jan 29 Review
Genuine Jenn Feb 4 Review
Anglers Rest Feb 7 Review

 

 

Patrick Thibeault, Author of My Journey as a Combat Medic, On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on February 14th, 2013

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, July 24, 2012
Category: Military Medic, Memoir
Tour Dates: January, 2013
Available in: PDF, Kindle , 176 pages

My Journey as a Combat Medic is a no-holds-barred look at the modern medic in the US Army, allowing us a glimpse at the training as a soldier and as a specialist, as well as deployment and front line duties and the impact of service on civilian life, including an honest look at PTSD, from the author’s own personal experience. Rather than a technical manual, My Journey as a Combat Medic is a detailed firsthand account, concluding with a letter to new medics, providing a career’s worth of advice and knowledge as they begin their journeys. This book is about the soldiers who bring compassion and humanity to the battlefield.

Praise for My Journey as a Combat Medic:

“Outstanding!   This book is an easy read and is not your typical war book. The author does an incredible job of showing the reader just how he was able to bring a sense of decency and respect and compassion to the battle zone. I highly recommend this book!”- Cafeguy, Amazon.com Reviewer

” I knew I would enjoy this book from the very first page when Author Patrick Thibeault described jumping off an airplane as a paratrooper.  Then reading about him being a medic, training, traveling all over the world! It’s inspiring. It’s short, to the point, with stories of experience and emotion rather than historical facts and war strategies. Thibeault writes what he saw, felt, heard. He manages to add light touches of humor during not so humorous circumstances. It’s very personal. I couldn’t put his book down, finishing in just a couple hours. It’s a beautifully written book about a modern day hero.”- Cher, Goodreads.com Reviewer

” Patrick Thibeault, a retired US Army Sergeant, offers a candid and, for the most part, positive description of his 20 years as a combat medic. With common sense and compassion, he did his best to heal the injured – ally and enemy alike. In retirement now, he endures a constant struggle with PTSD but has found some positive therapy in his pets – a dog and 2 cats. This book is a good read.”- Maria, Goodreads.com Reviewer

“Great Book! I purchased this book for my son who will be leaving for basic training next month and will learn to become a medic. My son and I both read the book. This book is very insightful for anyone that is considering this as their career in the military. Patrick shared his experiences in the book that my son felt will be helpful to him to better serve the soldiers as needed. I am glad that you mentioned the post traumatic stress, this way it will help him to recognize it and to know it is normal. Thank you for sharing with us all.”- Shiningstar, Amazon.com Reviewer

” This book is a real life look of Patrick’s life as a combat medic. I think that this book is a good read for both military and non-military people. It was very insightful and painted a true picture of what life can be like as a combat medic.”- Kara, Goodreads.com Reviewer

“Great Book!  This book provides a true to life in-depth look at what it means to be army medic. The author pulls no punches in providing a real life look at the invaluable service that these men and women provide to our servicemen in the field.”- Amazon.com Reviewer

About Patrick Thibeault:

Patrick Thibeault was raised as an Army brat. He lived in Germany, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Fayetteville, North Carolina and his father was stationed in Seoul, South Korea where he attended Seoul American High School and graduated in 1989. During his time in Korea, Patrick watched several of the Olympic games in person as they were in Seoul, South Korea in 1988. He grew to respect and understand the different cultures he encountered.

Upon graduation from high school, Patrick enlisted in the Army becoming a paratrooper medic. The first unit that he was assigned to was the elite 3rd Battalion / 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Patrick deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm back in 1990. During his tenure with the 160th, Patrick had the opportunity to grow both as a soldier and as a medic. He attended SERE school (Survival training), went to Army enlisted flight medic school at Fort Rucker, and attended Primary Leadership training at Fort Stewart, Georgia among other types of military training. He deployed both stateside and overseas with the 160th and even spent some time on the USS. Theodore Roosevelt. During his time with the 160th, he was on both on enlisted crewmember flight status and parachute status.

He then joined the Kentucky Army National Guard. Patrick deployed twice to Ecuador during his time with the Kentucky Army National Guard. He continued to grow in the medical field and nursing field and started nursing school at Eastern Kentucky University. Patrick’s first job as a nurse was as a registered nurse in Indianapolis,Indiana. Patrick transferred to the Indiana Army National Guard where in 2000, his entire brigade travelled to Fort Polk, Louisiana to participate in the combat simulations at the Joint Readiness Training Center or JRTC.

He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in nursing in May 2003 from Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2004, he deployed with his unit, the 76th Infantry Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His unit was part of Task Force Phoenix. This task force trained the conventional Afghanistan Army and had soldiers embedded into these Afghanistan units both during training and combat operations. Patrick worked briefly as a liaison for Task Force Phoenix at Bagram Airbase before going back out into the deserts of Afghanistan to serve as a medic.

Patrick started on his master’s degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner upon returning from combat in 2005. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in December, 2008. Patrick then transferred to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, part of the Kentucky Army National Guard, where he remained till he retired in January, 2011. Patrick currently works part time in a medical intensive care unit part time as a registered nurse and works full time in a urgent and primary care clinic as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hobbies include Corvettes,writting poetry, working out, Star Trek, and reading medical books. He is married to his wife Connie. They have a dog named Rocco and two cats named Savannah and Georgia. He named his cats after the beautiful city of Savannah and the other cat after the state of Georgia when he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, in Savannah,Georgia.

His awards and decorations include the Combat Medical Badge, 2nd award from both Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. The Meritorious Service Medical from Afghanistan, the Air Medal from Desert Storm. Patrick also has earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, parachute wings, and the enlisted crewmember aviation wings.

Currently Patrick is working on a book of combat medic poetry, a book about working as a nurse and a nurse practitioner from the perspective of a man and a fictional book about a time travelling medical provider who gets stuck in the past while trying to learn medicine and nursing and working on his website at http://www.medicstory.com/

Purchase the ebook at:

Amazon.com
BarneandNoble.com
Kobo.com

Follow the Tour:

JoyStory Jan 8 Review
So Many Precious Books  Jan 9 Review & Giveaway
JoyStory  Jan 9 Interview
Rhodes Reviews Jan 10 Review
Angela Shelton Jan 11 Review & Interview
Sincerely Stacie Jan 15 Review
Book Lover’s Library   Jan 17 Guest Post & Giveaway
My Devotional Thoughts Jan 18 Review
Jolly Blogger Jan 20 Review
Second Bookshelf  Jan 21 Review & Giveaway
Sugar & Spice Jan 22 Review
wall-to-wall books Jan 23 Review & Giveaway
Eclectic Books & Movies Jan 24 Interview
Eclectic Books & Movies Jan 25Review
Dab of Darkness Jan 28 Review
Teena In Toronto Jan 29 Review
Bibliophilia, Please  Jan 29 Excerpt
Ruby On Tuesday Jan 29 Review
Ruby On Tuesday Jan 30 Interview
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The Real Stuff Feb 8 Review
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Book Lover’s Library Feb 15 Review
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