Reviews

*Bill Whitehead’s chronicle of a boyhood in Paducah has a Tom Sawyerish quality. The author is unfailingly kind and generous in his account and that comes as no surprise as he demonstrates those qualities in his day to day life as well. But what makes his memoir special derives from more than his virtuosity as a storyteller. He tells his tales from the point of view of a basketball-obsessed boy with wide open eyes and an unwavering faith in the basic goodness of human nature. Read this memoir if you need a reason to believe that the American promise can, after all, be redeemed.

     Dr. Ron Edgerton Retired History Professor University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado

*Bill has written an amazing book about growing up in Paducah. He shows the simplicity of life growing up in that generation. I appreciate his detailed and observant views of a great small town and how many good people shared in and guided his growth. I will enjoy this book of nostalgia with my three boys, many good friends and my extended family for years to come.

      Clayton Parker    Big Acorn Studio Woodstock, Georgia

*In A Proud Paducah Boy Bill Whitehead writes how great it was growing up in Paducah, Kentucky in the 1970s. This book is filled with Bill’s many formative memories. His memory for details, events, people, personalities and places is impressive. Anyone wishing to relive nostalgic times and learn why others reference themselves proud Paducahans - this book is for you. It is an important read and is one you will want to share with your family and friends for generations.

  Bob Troutman   Retired Teacher and Coach Paducah, Kentucky 

Review Here*Bill’s ‘remember who you are Paducah kaleidoscope’ and his fraught and joy in it are reminders for all to relish effervescent origins. Get this book and read every page. There is something resonating in it for all Paducahans and beyond. Easy Bill – you have done it. You have made us proud.

      Tommy George III    Senior Director of C2 Strategic Communications Louisville, Kentucky

*The name Whitehead was iconic in Paducah in the 1970s. Bill’s Dad was the Superintendent of the Independent School System and his older brothers were athletic stars for Tilghman. He is part of a great family. I grew up in Paducah too and the town and people he writes about are just as exciting in my memory as it is in his. So many of his stories bring back great memories for me. His book A Proud Paducah Boy is a great read. It conveys a love and appreciation for a simpler time when our heroes all wore blue and white and played for the Blue Tornado. Times seemed different then and I loved them. I encourage you to join in the fun and take a trip down memory lane with Bill as he is A Proud Paducah Boy.

  Richard Abraham   Commissioner of McCracken County Fiscal Court Paducah, Kentucky

* I admit Bill Whitehead was the subject of my first hero worship when he first arrived in Colorado from Paducah, Kentucky. Many of our discussions as teaching colleagues touched on his years in Paducah. After reading A Proud Paducah Boy I now know just how much his experiences there shaped his adult life. His love of team sports and coaching are based on his time growing up in this unique town. For any reader who grew up partially or wholly in the 1970s this memoir will resonate with nostalgia. A time before club sports, when kids just played and towns like Paducah provided opportunities for all kids to compete and fulfill their athletic goals. Along the way life lessons like goal setting, disappointing losses and glorious wins all take place.

  Edie Reynolds Retired Teacher and Coach Greeley, Colorado

*I must make a confession. I have a hard time reading an entire book. I usually get bored or lose interest in the book. I read A Proud Paducah Boy from beginning to end easily. Bill’s book is factual, funny and fantastic. I know Bill had a good career as a teacher and coach but I truly believe he missed his calling. Bill should have been a writer. I highly recommend his book. Anybody who enjoys local history and a good book should buy this one.

      Dr. Steve Harris   General Dentistry Paducah, Kentucky

*Bill’s book provides a look into simpler days for athletics where kids worked on their game with minimal adult supervision, small town facilities, or just an asphalt court. Quite the contrast to today’s coaching, private lessons, club facilities, AAU tournaments, social media, access to recruiting online and seemingly unlimited information. The values gained from the small town and athletics are proudly displayed in A Proud Paducah Boy. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did living it 50 years ago.

  Ed Moss    Managing Partner MKA CPA and Advisors Orlando, Florida

*Reading old stories and names of guys I have not thought of in years made for a great read. The stories brought back so many memories of when life was so simple and all that mattered was whose yard we would be playing in today. A Proud Paducah Boy is a must read for anybody that grew up in Paducah or had family members that grew up in Paducah. You could not help but love and relate to the stories in this book.

  Greg Overstreet    Henneberger and Flynn Insurance Agency and Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Paducah Tilghman High School

*I knew Bill Whitehead as a young man full of dedication for school and sports, especially basketball. It does not a surprise he made a career as a teacher and coach. He was a pleasure to coach and was a great young man. I am so proud he has chosen to write about his time living in our great little city. I look forward to buying his book A Proud Paducah Boy.

  Rick Ragland   Retired Teacher and Coach Paducah, Kentucky