John Monek

The Song in His Heart John Monek

Young Lonnie's mother died when he was nine years old, leaving him in the care of his father, Poppy, an uneducated man who works in a coal mine. Before her death, Lonnie's mother made Poppy promise her that their only child would never end up in the mine and would instead get a college education. Lonnie, having a difficult time in his schooling after the loss of his mother, tries to gain his father's love and affection in the only way he mistakenly feels that he can - through sports. Throughout his high school career, he is driven to perform and excel in track and field in which he is naturally gifted, while his studies are marginal at best. In an effort to help him in his schooling, Sara, one of his teachers and also the girl's track coach, comes into their lives by offering to tutor Lonnie. Her teaching skills, sound coaching advice, and charm win over both Lonnie and his father. Lonnie makes it into college on a track scholarship with the goal of one day qualifying for the US Olympic Team thus fulfilling his mother's last wish as well as gaining the ultimate love and respect of his father. Then in an instant, tragedy strikes and Lonnie's world is shattered, forcing him to reassess his goals and dreams. The Song In His Heart is a touching story about the relationship of a young boy and his father that will awaken in readers such emotions as pride, exhilaration, sorrow, and anger. It will appeal to any father or son of any age who have explored the outdoors together, any parent who has ever watched their child participate in competitive sports, mothers of young children and teens, and any reader who enjoys a good story of excitement and adventure.