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 - literallyGet 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. Or it makes a great gift to brighten someone's day.