Faith in the Freshman (A story of Hopes and Hoops)

By Patrick Ferry

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0982112009
• ISBN13: 9780982112007
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Green Earth Publishers
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Faith in the Freshman

Patrick Ferry's "Faith in the Freshman" might initially seem to be a study of faith development in the freshman college year, based upon his experience in campus ministry, as a college professor, and as the president for the past twelve years of the largest Lutheran college in our country. The book is surprising, however, in presenting the autobiographical account of Patrick's freshman year and that of his son, Andrew. Patrick tells the "Story of Hopes and Hoops" ("Ferry tales") about his life-changing first year as a basketball scholarship player and, in alternating chapters, about Andrew's freshman year as a walk-on basketball player that is deeply affected by his diagnosis of diabetes in high school. In one respect, the stories are very personalized, almost parochial in setting. But Dr. Ferry draws upon his letters as a freshman some thirty years ago and the journal that he kept during Andrew's development in these past several years to broaden the application for young adults and their families in an inspiring way. His descriptions are at all points candid and self-revealing. Patrick is a gifted writer, always using words and images to delight and in cleverly bringing out their nuances. I also find that his use of Romans 8 is profound in giving testimony about "faith" in the freshman.

Inspirational on many levels

This book really hits home for any parent, coach, educator or athlete--actually just about anyone will find inspiration here. The combination of skilled storytelling, quick wit and heartfelt emotion about his family and faith weaves a positive message from beginning to end. This book will make a great gift for a lot of people on your Christmas list... and be sure to keep one for yourself! Faith in the Freshman: A Story of Hopes and Hoops

A Great Read, for Parents, Basketball Fans, and Presidents!

Really hit home for me, especially as a father (and school administrator) who invested much time and energy into raising my own highly gifted athletic son. Gave me pause to reflect on where the line should be drawn in helping one's child become the "best one can be," living one's own athletic career through your child's, or going way overboard in enabling him/her to reach a goal, or dream.... Dr. Ferry has barred his heart and soul in comparing his own athletic background with that of Andrew's so far, in a clever alternate chapter approach. Couldn't put it down, rather quick read! The fact that Andrew was chasing his Division I dream while battling Childhood Diabetes makes the saga even more of an emotional one, even a spiritual one for both father and son. My first inclination was to wonder how Dr. Ferry could achieve the great successes he has as president of a rapidly growing small Lutheran Christian university in Wisconsin on the lakeshore of Lake Michigan (Concordia University), and have the time to write such a book? My conclusion was that his manuscript answers the question. An administrator who cares so much for his family, who takes the time to reflect on the human condition through this example drawn mainly out of his journaling, and his motivation to share his story with other parents, especially with those who have and will be sending their own children off to college, is the kind of administrator who sets the right priorities and gets things done, including big things! Through it all, his strong faith is evident as a witness and model to all of us. Home run Pat, and blessings, Andrew!

Inspirational read - and great gift for your children

Faith in the Freshman is an easy read that's entertaining and inspirational. I can see it making a great gift for your children for Christmas - especially for those trying to convince your high-school-age boys to read. It's great because it weaves life lessons and faith into an action-packed story about basketball. Highly recommended.

must read for parents

FAITH IN THE FRESHMAN, by Patrick Ferry, is a must read for parents, especially fathers. Ferry reviews his own traumatic freshman year in college and talks about his relationship with his parents, and in alternate chapters discusses his son's freshman year, delving into their relationship. He offers good insights into what it means to be a parent and what it takes to face difficult times together - in his son's case, as an athlete facing diabetes. Basketball, important in the Ferry life, becomes a metaphor for life and its problems. This sort of metaphor can become stilted and overdone; in this case it offers a fresh approach and works well. I had to wrest it out of my wife's hands to read it myself, and I recommend it highly.