Click here to buy this book! Amazon Lulu Author's website Category:  Family Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing ISBN-10:  0615214371 Type: Fiction Pages: 208 Copyright: 2008 ISBN-13: 9780615214375 A coming of middle-age story involving a father who teaches his daughter to run the good race. The saga of Bambi Masterson continues as the young basketball player steps up to the college level. Later, the end of his scholastic days brings new changes and challenges as he enters the playing court of adult life. He discovers his enthusiasm, energy, and talent aren't always enough to win this game. A new friend introduces him to the Evolution debate, and Bambi begins a new chapter in his life as he becomes a truth seeker. Many novels have been written about boys sports, but girls track and cross country have been mostly ignored. These sports are featured in this book through the exploits of a delightful new character named Maria, whom readers watch growing up in this story. Excerpt “Sweet dreams, Corky,” Lisa said. As Corky returned to his seat near the back of the bus, Lisa remarked, “Now we have our answer. Work and pray.” Bambi nodded. “Good answer. Now I have another question….” “What is it?” “I’m afraid to ask it.” Lisa frowned. “How can you be afraid to say anything to me?” “You’ll find out if I ever work up the courage to ask my question.” “OK, you’ve got my attention now with your word games. Can we call this one ‘hangwoman’, because you’ve left me hanging?” Bambi exhaled with a deep sigh. “I guess it has to be put on the table, so we might as well get it out of the way. One discussion probably won’t be enough though.” “Could we get started with the first one – tonight?” “OK, OK. Are you going to become a Catholic, or am I going to become a Protestant, or are we going to continue having our own faiths?” “I thought you were going to become a Protestant. That’s the way it always seemed to me anyway. I just can’t even envision continuing to go to separate churches. Bambi, we need to be on the same page here. Nothing in our marriage will be more important than our faith. If we’re apart on that, there is no sense in getting married.” “See, I told you it was dangerous to bring this up.” “What do you mean by dangerous?” “It could threaten to break us up.” “Do you really mean that?” Lisa looked at her watch. “It was less than two hours ago that you proposed to me, and now you mention the ‘b’ word. You’d rather keep your religion than me?” “Sorry. Maybe we should have this discussion sometime when we’re not both tired. I said it would probably take more than one try. Let’s quit for tonight and get some sleep.” “You expect me to go to sleep after getting me all riled up?” “Riled up? You’re awfully mild for being riled and not close to wild.” Lisa pulled her hand out of Bambi’s and sat up straight. “Well, Mr. Poet, you’re going to blow it, and then I’ll let you know it when I tell you to stow it.” “Wait! Why are you really getting upset, and why are you spouting verse like a Dr. Seuss character? I just meant that for saying you were riled you certainly didn’t act like it. Now, I might have to take it back. Even in the dark I can see the fire in your eyes.” “You started the rhyme, buster. I just finished it. And you’re exaggerating. I bet you can’t even see my eyes.” “You don’t bet.” “Well, if I did, I’d put money on this one.” “Maybe I misspoke about your eyes. What I really meant is I hear the fire in your voice. Let me turn the table around. Would you rather keep your religion than me?” Lisa turned and looked out the window at the trees and houses bathed in the streetlights of the small town they were passing through. It was her turn to sigh. “I hate to say this to you, but it just became crystal clear to me. I’d never become a Catholic.”

AllBooks Reviews
Star college basketball player Lance "Bambi" Masterson is taken by surprise when his life turns from the path he's always imagined to one full of serious introspection.

Bambi Masterson and his college team finally make it to the national basketball tournament. His future is looking bright, especially with his girlfriend, Lisa, by his side. The tide turns within hours of the great national news, and Bambi is forced to evaluate what truly matters to him.

Parker's conversational writing style makes for a relaxing and enjoyable read. The characters are relatable and the dialogue keeps pace with the narrative. The main character's growth over a thirty year span is quick, but appropriate for the theme of the book. Parker mixes accurate historical data points in to keep the reader aware of the passage of time.

Donald James Parker grew up in Madison, South Dakota. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1968 and obtained a degree in secondary education from Dakota State University in 1972. After moving Washington State in 1981, Don focused his writing efforts on software. After twenty-five years of IT work, Don's passion for writing flared up again and the doctors couldn't do anything to cure it, so he now pursues fiction.

More than Dust in the Wind, the second of five novels in the Masterson Family series, is a great read. It shares a lot about the tough questions one may ask himself regarding is core beliefs and how important it is to find the answers by researching, asking questions, and keeping an open mind.

Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews.