Rowing Against the Waves: Overcoming Adversities, Leading to a Life Well Lived - 1229

What an amazing legacy Reg has left for future generations, for not only his family, but all of us. His story of a young boy growing up in rural Northern Michigan during the great depression is eye opening. It captures a picture of daily life that has long since passed and is being forgotten, but is important for all of us to understand, that ultimately led to the creation of the greatest generation. Being from Manton, it was captivating to learn the history of the town and surrounding area. Reg’s 1946 basketball team is still the only MHSAA team championship in Manton’s history and the detailed account of that season and how that team came to be is amazing. I hope this book inspires others to pass along information of where they come from on to future generations. As each generation passes away, the history of that individual family and how they came to be the people they are often passes with them. We need more people like Reg to document their story and pass it along for future generations. —Leonard G. Morrow, Jr., Manton Superintendent of Schools A life well lived, and a story well told. I was honored when Reg, a longtime friend and mentor, asked me to review Rowing Against the Waves, and found myself caught up in a tale of a typical American life spent making the world a better place. —Linda Gallagher, Editor, retired West Shore Publications “I am filled with gratitude for the gift of another day” — Reggie Sprik. Reggie’s autobiography is a gift to the reader. In this charming reminiscence Reggie treats the reader to a trip down memory lane. While the details are his own, the memories belong to all of us. Reggie has captured the essence of midwestern life in the twentieth century. His family history, as progeny of Dutch immigrants arriving to Michigan in 1890, is a shining example of America and Americana. Getting to know Reggie through his detailed, insightful writing, readers “of a certain age” will recognize their parents’ old stories, their own lived experiences, and the future that they now leave to their children and grandchildren. The reader learns of Reggie’s early life as a poor (and hard-headed) farm boy who grows into a gifted high school and college athlete. Reggie shares his mid-life experiences from military service through raising his own family in the 1960s. Evidence of his determination to continue to contribute to his community in his golden years is evident from his involvement as a local musician and ongoing service to local sports and educational endeavors. Reggie’s life is almost a cliché. But cliché in the best sense — it gives today’s reader reassurance; things to think about and perhaps things to aspire to in this age where the value of a good fishing story has given way to the latest viral TikTok video. This book belongs on the shelf of every collector of grass-roots American history, and every library in lower Michigan. And it certainly belongs in the hands of every reader that enjoys the warm feeling of nostalgia. —Mary Richards, Educator, retired Reggie is raised in object poverty by a loving extended family during The Great Depression followed by World War II. His story is a narrative that flows along as he discovers that he is a fine athlete. He moves his team to become Michigan basketball champions, against great odds. Reggie again amazed himself and his family beyond belief when he walks on Western Michigan College practice football field, without ever having played highschool football, and makes the team. Soon, he becomes a star player. —Alan Jackson John Fichtner, Principal, retired. Mancelona Elementary and Middle School
ASIN: 1958363405
VSKU: DBV.1958363405.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Sprik, Reg
Binding: Paperback