The Day It Matters - by Troy Patoine (Hardcover)

About the Book

Tom Atherton never won a cross-country race.

He was never even the top runner on his high school team.

One day a friend of the family will give Tom a piece of advice that will be his mantra for the rest of his life...especially on the day it matters.

Book Synopsis

For any potential high school athlete who thought he or she wasn't good enough, athletic enough, or big enough, "The Day It Matters" will inspire him or her to realize that with hard work, and the determination to give it their best--every day, especially on the day it matters, even the impossible can become possible.

The story, "The Day It Matters," is based on a true story about a young boy who dreams about being a baseball player for his local high school team. As time goes by for "tiny" Tom Atherton, and after a lesson that he learns about the politics of sports, he quickly realizes that fate may have other things in store for him.

With the helpful advice of several family friends, a lot of great coaching from a mentor who will be a constant presence and influence in Tom's life, he will pave the road of his own personal destiny that will shape him and others who follow him...especially on the day it matters.

Review Quotes

" Tom Atherton never believed he qualified as remarkable on any scale; he barely had the confidence to approach his own coach for off-the-field advice, let alone shoot for a podium spot at a state or regional championship. Troy Patoine's painstakingly researched account of the Concord cross-country squads during the height of the Vietnam War ensures that Atherton and his coach -- and moreover, the combination of focus, resolve, surprising toughness, and unassuming grace that emerged from the 1970 season -- will qualify both figures as legends in perpetuity. The Day It Matters is an atavistic and uplifting read about tragic loss, the pursuit of redemption and meaning, and the stubbornly beautiful and timeless ways in which boys become men."-Kevin Beck, editor of RUN STRONG.

"For all you runners and folks that are looking for an exceptional story about running and living a life filled with love, and a positive outlook no matter the situation: this is it! My good friend Troy Patoine has somehow captured the last sixty years in this beautiful read. It is a heartwarming story about a special guy who brought an exuberance of life to anyone he met. Tom Atherton left an amazing legacy that will endure. Gone way too soon. He was one of the most genuine and caring persons I had ever met. His passion for the sport of running was second to none. His compassion and ability to endure hardships is compelling. About a young boy's dream and the fruition of that dream is so inspiring to us all. Troy sets a beautiful pace in the book that we can all follow; however, there will be "intervals" in the story that will surely get your heart racing. They are all there at each mile split for you to comprehend. It may be true that no matter how good we are, we cannot live forever. Here Tom lived a life to inspire other people to be their best. An enjoyable read that will inspire you to walk or run your next road race and for sure warm your heart."-Michael Clark, cross-country coach.

About the Author

Troy Patoine was raised and resides in New Hampshire and is a graduate of Keene State College. He is the author of Red Moon, a finalist for science fiction book of the year for both ForWord Magazine and USA Book News, and Nalapazoo.

In this, his third novel, Troy tells the story of Tom Atherton: A boy who dreamed of becoming a baseball player but instead ended up on a journey that not only defined his future, but would define and inspire future generations.

The author is always working on a new novel.