A Novel Idea 2007

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The Deschutes Public Library Foundation presents the fourth annual “A Novel Idea…Read Together” program with a book that celebrates the spirit of Oregon through the life of one man who represented all of the characteristics of the earliest Pioneers blended with sheer genius, humor, and grit.

The 2007 selected read is Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by author Kenny Moore. The book describes the life of Bill Bowerman, the University of Oregon’s legendary coach and co-founder of Nike. Author Kenny Moore, a former senior writer for Sports Illustrated and a world-class runner under Bowerman's tutelage, delivers a fully realized portrait of this complicated man. “Bill left us with a legacy,” said Moore. “Bill showed what it means to be Pioneer stock. He took the Oregon Trail virtues of ingenuity and tenacity, added that earthy humor and solved almost every problem on which he turned those blazing blue eyes.”

Moore traces Bowerman's lineage back to Fossil, Oregon where he was raised by strong women of Pioneer stock. He details the beginning of Bowerman’s sports glory days at Medford High which propelled him to the University of Oregon. Moore includes Bowerman’s heroics as a 10th Mountain Divison commander in Italy during World War II and describes his breakthrough work in developing track athletes at the University of Oregon. Readers will learn more about Bowerman’s experience as the head U.S. Olympic track coach for the Munich Games, and how Bowerman designed the prototype athletic shoe that would launch a multibillion-dollar company called Nike.

The book is available at each of the five public Libraries throughout Deschutes County in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver Area. The public is encouraged to read Bowerman and the Men of Oregon prior to the Novel Idea programs and events that kick off on April 16, 2007, and culminate with the author’s reading on Friday, May 11th at the Tower Theatre. “We released the title early this year to give the readers in Deschutes County plenty of time to fully engage in reading and discussing this book,” said Community Relations Manager Chantal Strobel. “We hope Bowerman and the Men of Oregon inspires our readers to take pride in the history of our great state and some of the men and women who have led the way.”

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