About Sidelined:
"Sidelined was highly interesting for
it brought back many memories. I was very involved with athletics in a variety
of ways for several decades. Therefore, I recognized and had met some of the
people you spoke about. An example would be Mr. Bordick, who played so well for
Baltimore for so many years. However, your insight was tremendous for me.
The manner in which you provided background was both humorous and loaded with
information "from the inside!!!" ... Bruce, Scarborough, Maine
"Reading this book was as fun as it was educational. Kevin Mills' perspective of sports writing from high-paced professional sports to high-anxiety children's events is a book I'd recommend to anyone wanting to make Sports Writing, or any future journalistic effort into a career. As Kevin notes in his introduction, Sports Writers can do it all. I see parallels to several careers with which I've been intimately acquainted here. There really is "nothing new under the sun", but the names and situations change enough to be entertaining!
I was particularly moved by Chapter 17 "A Heartfelt Tale". Any reader would be; sports lover or not. It's a story of pathos, humanity and frailty which literally tugs at your heart. Kudos to Kevin C. Mills for this insider's look at his profession, from the days before the internet, when you wondered how a reporter could possibly have functioned, to the present. A most thoughtful treatment of his subject. " ... Caren, New York
"For the better part of my 45 years, I've started out each morning by picking up the newspaper and turning to the sports section. We all know our local sports reporters. Or, at least we think we do. After reading a columnist for while, we know how he's going to react to something, and we generally know what makes him tick--on the surface, that is. But, in Sidelined, Kevin Mills goes far deeper than the column you read in the paper. He tells the story behind the story. Whether it is chance encounters with sports stars, run-ins with irate parents and coaches, short deadlines, technical ghaffas, or the tragic events that even befall sports heroes, Mills provides not only an inside look at the life of a sportswriter, but also the challenges that sportswriters face on a daily basis. He illustrates the sometimes back-breaking effort that goes into writing what the reader might think is a simple column as well as the funny, fascinating, and sometimes unbelievable circumstances that lead a sportswriter to take a particular "angle" on a story. Mills writes in a short-story format that makes for a quick read. And, he follows up each "story behind the story" with the actual story as it was printed in the newspaper after the editors got in their hacks. All in all, Sidelined makes for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at an industry upon which every sports fan fancies himself an expert but doesn't actually realize, "This ain't as easy as it looks." ... Kris Rutherford, author of Homeseekers, Parasites, And The Texas Midland: The Texas League In Paris: 1896-1904
"I just finished reading the newest book, and I learned so much. I thought I knew what a sportswriter did, but I realized I was not really aware of all the stress and different tasks you have to do in your work." ... Barbara, Gorham, Maine
" I don't even like sports (unless my grandsons are playing) but I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin's book!! It told many true stories of what is involved in covering sporting events. There are frustrations, difficulties, great satisfaction, sincere compassion for the players, and occasionally danger!! As the experts say 'This is a must read.'" ... Jeanne, Searsport, Maine
"I've really enjoyed reading your book. I've learned a lot of things about your job that I never knew" ... Paul, Lewiston, Maine
"What a unique look at the world of sports journalism.
I learned so much about the job of being a sportswriter from reading this book. I didn't know much about the job to begin with but never imagined the kind of things journalists endured covering local sports. Between over-zealous parents, crazed coaches, fanatic fans and all kinds of unexpected obstacles and situations, Mills showed just what kind of challenges get in the way of doing ones job. It was a really fun and entertaining read. And some of the actual newspaper stories that were included were fabulous. The article about Chris Ferraro and the death of his wife was heartbreaking and to read about the girls with a heart condition was both scary and exhilirating. The series on the problems in coaching is a collection worth the price of the book alone.
The book is basically a collection of experiences from this reporters career with some pretty good newspapers like the Boston Globe, Lynn Daily Evening Item, Portland Press Herald and the Lewiston Sun Journal. He writes about finding himself locked inside a stadium and unable to get out. He watches the stadium lights go out on consecutive football Friday nights, creating all kinds of havoc for him. He has his computer get hit by a basketball at a tournament game. He writes a story without being able to read it after leaving his glasses at another field. He chases Wayne Gretzky down the hall for an interview and observes as part of Kyle Bucsh's pit crew. He files a story on a Kevin Harvick win before the car race is even over and writes about covering a schooner race when there might be no race. He gets doused by Gatorade and champagne while trying to cover a Portland Pirates championship win. In some instances, the actual story from the newspaper is included, proving that the story behind the newspaper article is almost as good as the finished product.
If you like sports, this gives you a look at the games and coverage like nothing else. The book uses humor and wit in a light-hearted look at the job that gives even non sports fans a greater understanding of being a sports journalist. It is a quick, informative and enjoyable read. It is definitely worth picking up. " ... Casey, Rockland, Maine
"Sidelined is a must read for anyone who is thinking about or has become a journalist. Not just a sportswriter, but journalist. It is a behind the scenes look at how a sportswriter does his job. Kevin Mills takes us into the newsroom, locker room, arena and athletic fields to give us firsthand accounts of what his job is like. In each chapter, Kevin gives us a unique perspective of what he had to go through to produce his story then follows up by printing the story itself. A sort of "story behind the story" approach which I like. And as a person who studied journalism in college I can say from experience that Kevin's stories are true. From deadlines, to schedule changes, to copy being edited to computer mishaps to television talking heads all of it rings true.
Sidelined also touches on issues that are pertinent in all of sports, especially the youth and high school levels which he covers very well. From the overemphasis on winning and getting scholarships to coaches and the problems that they face with overzealous parents to his own dealings with coaches and parents to what the kids who play it really want. Because of this I would recommend Sidelined to any parent whose child is involved in sports. I think that Sidelined should be required reading for anyone who is looking into becoming a journalist. Because Kevin Mills does his job with being a journalist as his top priority. He is very professional in his work and proud of it. And it shows in Sidelined. ... Tim, author of Sports Talk Radio Is a Waste of Time (And so is this book): A Common Sense Look At the Sports World Past and Present.
About Sons and Daughters of the Ocean:
"I enjoyed Sons and
Daughters from a novel point of view, but your presentation made the story even
that more interesting. The background you provided clearly was a personal "path
to your past," However, I found it a great idea for pulling some fiction into
reality. You have done a wonderful job" ...
Bruce, Scarborough, Maine
""Your gift of writing is so smooth, powerful and graceful. I keep wanting to just sit and keep reading." ... Maryann, Portland, Maine
"Sons and Daughters of the Ocean is the first of a three-part trilogy that is based on the author's own family history. The story is told in various voices. Mainly those of Albert Miller and Sarah Dyer; each chapter is dedicated to one character and nicely done in a voice of that particular era of 1850s. Kevin Mills writes with such authority on the subject of sail, that you feel safe in his hands as he guides you through the lives of his characters living on the coast of Maine.
The story opens on the high seas where we meet Captain George Fuller at the helm, and his dying wife in a cabin having just given birth to their first child. I am immediately drawn by the emotion that Kevin Mills writes in, and attention to detail.
By chapter three we are introduced to the wealthy David Watson, this time inshore at his home, and it is so well written that I found myself disappointed that I am pulled away from Captain George Fuller and his newly dead wife. But I'm entranced by Albert's story at sea, and Sarah's (the main characters), as she continues her life on shore away from her beloved Albert.
In my view the story is about destiny, rather than sailing. Superbly written." ... Louise, author of a Proper Charlie, England
"I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like I was taken back to this small coastal village in Maine in the late 1800's.
The book is about the lives of three teens in a Maine town where shipbuilding is king. All three characters are wonderful and intriguing. Bouncing back-and-forth between their first-person accounts really takes you into their lives and thinking. I loved feeling the excitement of Sammy Jones going off to sea. I could feel Albert's search for destiny. Sarah's strength as well as her pain and longing for her love at sea was enduring. It just gave me a great look at life in those times and put me in that place through the eyes of these characters. Even the characters around them drew me into the story and helped create this world at the sea's doorstep.
It was exciting to be at sea with them while the drama at home was just as gripping. With the finish of each chapter I wanted to read the next to see how Albert, Sarah or Sammy were doing. It really is more than a historical novel or a book about sailing. It is a story about life, love and destiny and how young people evolve and shape themselves and their purpose. It made for an exciting and heart warming book and one I'd recommend to readers of all kinds. " ... Casey, Rockland, Maine
"I don't even like stories about life at sea!!!
I read this book because I know the author. I loved the story!! I enjoyed every chapter; felt like I was a friend or family with the characters; and I worried and thought about them when I wasn't reading the story. Kevin's descriptions make the reader experience life at sea. I felt compassion for the families at home. I sincerely loved every word of this book. I wish there would be a sequel, please?" ... Jeanne, Searsport, Maine
"With my own heritage steeped along the coast of Maine I could understand the deep love for the ocean and the way of life depicted in this book. Mills has certainly caught the essence of coastal Maine life, and weaves an excellent tale chronicling the intertwining lives of the main characters. Whether you love the sea or not, this book is well worth the reading. " ... Jerry, Georgia
"I found this a great book to read. It was written from the viewpoint of 3 different characters. You can tell just by reading the chapter which character is doing the writing. If you enjoy the sea, history, sailing or just a book about families on the Maine Coast, you'll love this book. " ... Cheryl, Rockland, Maine
"Thank you. Thank you - for sending your book to me. I WAS reading Clive Cussler but got into your book and I find it a great read. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to have your book and look forward to future works. Keep up the writing. You've got a great gift." ... Marcia, Scotia, New York
"I enjoyed your book very much and liked the style it was written in. Writing in the first person gives one a better perpective in knowing the character. I liked your vivid description of the wind, waves and rain of the heavy weather. I read that part of the book in my kitchen with a hot cup of tea to keep me warm and comfortable. " ... Leonard, Clark, New Jersey
"I recently completed a new novel by Kevin C. Mills, and yes, he is a relative. Now let's be clear, I didn't just read the book because Kevin wrote it, although that would be reason enough. I read the book because I already knew that it chronicled the lives of our ancestors in the late 1800's. In the words of the author, Sons and Daughters of the Ocean ...
“ is a historical look back at a small coastal village – Brooks Harbor, Maine.
A close proximity to the ocean creates an environment in which the shipping industry is the lifeblood of the town. The community is filled with merchant mariners, shipbuilders and crew. Those that don't earn their keep directly from the sea-faring life either profit or benefit from the shipping industry.
Sammy Jones, Albert Miller and Sarah Dyer are products of that environment. Their families have rich maritime histories and all three characters are about to embark on a distinctive course in their lives that will change them forever. They are not only products of their environment but also have their fortunes shaped by the ocean's impact.”
The story would have been interesting enough, and certainly stands on it’s own with out the rudiments of family history wound all through it, but the added excitement of tracing family history and heritage through the lives of Albert Miller (my great grand father Albert R. Mills) and Sarah Dyer (my great grandmother, Sarah Douglass Mills) made it a book hard to put down. The story is set in Brooks Harbor, Maine, which is actually Brooksville, Maine roots are wound around most everything. You can pick up the history on the book itself from the author at www.kevincmills.com.
If you love history, especially of life along the coast of Maine, this is a must read. Amazon has it, but Kev makes more money if you order it from his web site. ... Paul, Georgia
- from the blog http://apps.millspf.com/Blog/
