About the Books
November Ever After (Special Edition)
Get ready to be captivated by the special edition of November Ever After, a memoir that doesn't just recount the tragic 1970 Marshall plane crash—it offers a whole new perspective. With a bold new cover that commands attention and a sharper subtitle that draws you in, this book is a total game-changer.
At the heart of this compelling read is a story of deep grief and unparalleled resilience, a saga of unity and the indomitable human spirit that remains as impactful as ever. This isn't merely a story about tragedy. It's an exploration of the raw emotions and societal shifts that sprang from the ashes of devastation, promising an unforgettable journey that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Dive into the narrative's rich fabric as it revisits the day before the crash—a day marred by racial tensions on the Marshall campus. This volatile backdrop starkly contrasts with the solidarity that emerged in the tragedy's aftermath.
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In a very powerful way, the book captures how, in the face of overwhelming loss, previously divided groups came together, transcending racial divides. This was a lasting testament to how tragedy can serve as a catalyst for harmony and solidarity.
Highlighted stories within the book include:
● Macie Lugo, the 1970 black homecoming queen, symbolizes the strength found in mourning and the character forged through trying times.
● Reggie Oliver’s unexpected rise from freshman to leader, embodying resilience.
● The extraordinary unity of black students who chartered buses to travel 1,500 miles in 4 ½ days to attend funerals, showcasing a community uniting in the face of despair.
● Ed Carter's transformative journey of faith and evangelism, sparked by a prophetic event.
One passage encapsulates the essence of this transformation:
“The sorrow and shock were so complete that everybody forgot all about Confederate flags and racial heckling. This wasn’t a black thing. This wasn’t a white thing. This was a death thing, and death does not discriminate. Grieving people were too busy trying to make sense of it all. So, in ways that nobody could ever imagine, Marshall’s ’70 football team became an agent for peace between the races.”
More than a sports story, November Ever After is a celebration of perseverance in spite of adversity, the triumph over tragedy, and the power of never giving up. Authored by a former Marshall football player who knew many of the victims, this memoir adds an intensely personal layer to the narrative.
This book paints a detailed portrait of resilience and transformation, making November Ever After a deeply compelling and emotionally impactful experience. It's a must-read, not just for sports enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of tragedy on a community and the human spirit.
Marshall Ever After (the sequel)
In the wake of tragedy, some stories transcend time, piercing the soul with their resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit. Marshall Ever After is not just a book; it's a journey—one that will grip your heart, leaving an indelible mark that lingers far beyond the final page.
Building upon the emotional landscape painted in its predecessor, November Ever After, this sequel delves even deeper into the aftermath of the 1970 Marshall plane crash, a moment etched into history with sorrow and loss. But within these pages lies a testament to the human spirit, to the undying resolve to rise from the ashes and forge ahead.
Step into the shoes of Delongelo Brown, whose path mirrors that of his father, Larry Brown, one of the Marshall players lost in the tragedy. Feel the weight of the Brown legacy, the burden of carrying on in the face of unimaginable pain.
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Engage with the heartfelt reflections of the Loria family as they navigate life after the loss of Frank Loria, an assistant coach who tragically perished in the crash.
Loria, by the way, was not just any coach. He was Greenlee's position coach the year preceding the crash—a beacon of strength and guidance during a pivotal time. Witness the family’s journey, a tribute to the enduring bonds of love and the resilience found within the depths of the human heart.
Amidst the tears, Marshall Ever After also celebrates moments of triumph and remembrance. From the solemn 50th-anniversary commemorations to the joyous naming of a city street in honor of the Young Thundering Herd's star quarterback, the pages come alive with the echoes of a community united in both grief and resilience.
But perhaps most inspiring are the tales of ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things—like the former Marshall cheerleader who fought tirelessly to secure a temporary exhibit for the Thundering Herd in the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. This level of dedication embodies the essence of Marshall University: a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and prevail.
Marshall Ever After is a power-packed testament—a hearty thumbs-up to the indomitable spirit of a community forever changed by one fateful night. It's a story of loss, love, and the unbreakable bonds that carry us through the darkest of times.
So, if you're ready to embark on a journey that will touch your soul and leave you forever changed, dive into Marshall Ever After today. Because some stories are meant to be felt, to be cherished, and to remind us that even in our most challenging moments, there is always hope.