Overview

This book keeps coming at you with one surprise after another. Pages and Paws said ""It's unlike anything we've ever read."" While tracing Dale Kovar's 50-year career path at Minnesota newspapers, it pauses along the way to indulge in original reprints of the most interesting stories, meet unforgettable characters, and weigh in on issues that affect everyone. In between, Kovar reveals behind-the-scenes moments that made work fun. Dale spends a day in kindergarten, an evening at a 6-overtime basketball game, overnight riding shotgun with a deputy on patrol, and a weekend at a political convention. He celebrates successes, admits mistakes, and boldly looks death straight in the eye. In a newspaper, you find stories on a wide variety of topics. Take that times 50 years and you have a page-turner you can't put down, eager for what's coming next. ""I never laughed so much and cried so much from the same book,"" one reader commented. It's not the ego trip of a national media memoir; it's a joyride on a gravel road. In Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes: Stories From Small Town Journalism, you'll find: - the blind man who asked only to be given a chance to prove his ability - a sheriff who ended up at a hostage situation instead of Christmas shopping - the brilliant play-calling of a legendary football coach - a young man coming to the rescue of an elderly couple whose car had been towed - the right way to hit a deer with your car - fresh lobsters, the perfect watermelon, and the best hotdish recipe ever - arriving at work and the office was on fire - literally Get ready to nod your head in agreement, shake it in disbelief, and even it laugh it off. But keep the tissue box handy as well. For readers who enjoy real stories about real people, this one's for you. It's also a unique gift for someone you love.

Full Product Details

9798992327403

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Reviews

Pages and Paws: ""An entertaining mix of Eureka! moments, belly laughs, guffaws, colorful reportage, and a few 'You have got to be kidding me-s.' This collection may also have you grabbing a tissue or two . . . Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes is unlike anything we've ever read."" Dr. Scott Jensen: ""Dale Kovar brings a refreshing and straightforward use of language to convey simple truths. His thoughts gently probe and prod the reader's own experiences to create new insights."" NewInBooks.com: ""Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes is a captivating collection of stories from Dale Kovar's 50-year career in small-town journalism, blending humor, controversy, and heartfelt moments while championing free speech and community storytelling. A must-read for those who love authentic, behind-the-scenes tales from the newsroom.""

Author Information

Dale Kovar began writing a sports column for his hometown newspaper while he was in high school. After college and a newspaper-specific training course, he entered the field full-time at Minnesota weekly newspapers and hasn't left. He progressed through various roles of newspaper work - reporter, editor, graphic design, general manager - including 20 years as a minority owner. Kovar has won numerous awards for writing, photography, and advertising. He is a fierce advocate for free speech, and many of his writings implore people to think for themselves. In 2025, Kovar was inducted into the Minnesota Newspaper Association's Half Century Club. A film journalist since 1991, Tim Lammers has done thousands of interviews with major actors, filmmakers, and composers. As a syndicated entertainment writer, Tim's work has been carried on dozens of TV network affiliate websites across the U.S. by Nexstar Digital.He reviews films weekly on ""The Tom Barnard Show"" (streaming, Hubbard Broadcasting) and the ""Adam & Jordana"" show (WCCO-AM) in Minneapolis-St. Paul, as well as ""It Matters with Kelly Cordes"" on WJON-AM and 103.7-FM The Loon, both in St. Cloud. He is also a weekly guest on the podcasts ""The Tom Barnard Show"" and ""The BS Show"" (with Bob Sansevere).

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