Pacer Coulee
Chronicles
Pacer Coulee Chronicles takes the reader down the adventurous path of the 1990 high school fall sports season in the small, rural community of Pacer Coulee, Montana. Edna Coffman, School Board Chairperson and community leader and icon, hires thirty-something coaches Luke Carter and Madison Danielsen with the specific directive of returning the town sports fortunes to its former championship status.
The unique-to-small-town interactions are at the forefront in this tale and clearly demonstrate the close interconnections between school, sport and community in rural, small town America. There's plenty of drama to keep the reader engaged, from the rough and troubled life of star football player Tank Hollister to the difficult transition of Elvis His Own Horse and Clare Comes at Night, brother-and-sister Native Americans who transfer from a nearby Reservation to the all-white town and school of Pacer Coulee. It's the myriad of dilemmas and awkward situations that surface among the colorful cast of students, school officials and townsfolk that makes this humorous and entertaining tale such an enjoyable, can't-put-down read.
Book Reviews
Heather
I laughed, I cried...loved it all!
I loved this book so much and would recommend it to anyone. A wonderful story full of interesting characters that highlight what it’s like to live in a small town in MT and the excitement that goes along with the football and girls basketball teams (and much more). Having grown up in rural MT, this book was a fun walk down memory lane and a joy to read.
Satts
Got to love those Bulldogs.
The book was a heart warming and entertaining story. The unique, colorful characters were brought to life by the author's creative writing style. The story line was an interesting web of inter-related subplots that helped illustrate the social networks and relationships that exist in small town America. I highly recommend the book.
Patty
Such an enjoyable read!
Pacer Coulee Chronicles is a wonderful book! I loved the character development and found myself laughing out loud at times and moved to tears at times as well. I hope we won’t have to wait long for Wayne’s next book!
Patrick Shannon
What a breath of fresh air! Although this storyline took place in central Montana, anyone raised in small, rural America could relate to it in a big way. Edna, Bill, Luke, Madison, TO, and Shanty are characters found in every farming and/or ranching community which makes this novel so appealing to a wide range of readers.
The author's voice so clearly emanates through his descriptive, anecdotal style of writing. Like in Robert McCammon's novel entitled, Boys Life, the humorous, down-to-earth narration and interaction among the characters only enhance the plot's pacing and intrigue.
The role of the school and its athletes monopolize weekly gatherings at the local pub and cafe. Pacer Coulee is no different. The locals' conversations involve the latest victories and/or losses and their wagers regarding upcoming contests. The varsity coaches and their players are thoroughly scrutinized for every decision made on and off the field or in and out of the gymnasium. It is a rite of passage, of sorts, since everybody knows everyone else.
I loved this book! What an uplifting read and a wonderful escape from 2020's disheartening events. Kudos to my childhood idol and great storyteller.
Ben R.
As someone who grew up in driving the backroads of Fergus County, playing school sports, and later in life working directly with the inspiration bank featured in this wonderful novel, I found myself laughing, nodding, smiling, and even crying as the tale unfolded. Wayne is a larger than life character in his own right - hilarious, intelligent, witty, empathetic and wise - and all of this flows through onto the page. Wayne’s style is unique and the story is compelling and strong. I would certainly recommend this book to both native Montanans wanting a welcome taste of home or to those wanting to know what it is like to grow up in the “middle of Montana.” A well crafted, heartfelt, and fun read from start to finish - enjoy!
TBrinkman
Looking through the eyes of two new coaches/teachers to a small town in Central Montana, the football coach and the girls basketball coach experience the fanaticism of supporting a small high school and its student athletics. As they adjust to the new town, they learn of the encouragement the students get from the teachers, administration, and community members. While everyone loves their BULLDOGS on the field and the court, the community is also dedicated to the upbringing of the students to be good humans and care for the needs of the residents. The characters are loveable, even with their evident flaws and struggles. Go throughthe twists and turns of a season with the community as they join together on the quest for state championships.
Amazon Customer
Giggling right from the beginning of this very entertaining book, I didn’t want to put it down! Anyone having grown up in a small rural town can relate to this story and maybe envision a few of the characters! I absolutely loved Wayne’s style of writing and can’t wait for his next book!!
Sara D Bigelow
Fun read with interesting characters as a small town navigates newcomers and staples within a community. Great descriptions of the truth behind the beauty of small towns and how they rally to support small schools, community members and the joy of sports. Great book!!
Nathan
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great depiction of small town sports in Montana in the 90's. There were lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I would highly recommend this book.
Vicki A. Gilman
Just loved this book. Fiction with a lot of fact intertwined. Such a great story and so well written. Had a hard time putting it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
Les Cabot
It is a great read!
Linda H.
Pacer Coolie Chronicles is a charming book reminding us of simpler times. Set in the 50’s, it is the story of life in small town America, when a man’s word was his bond, when the school was the center of attention, and when a winning football team meant everything. The book is rich with unforgettable characters and situations that enthrall the reader, as the pages keep rapidly turning. The characters face many dilemmas- everything from an abusive parent to first love, with the town curmudgeon thinking she is in charge of everyone. This book is has many twists and turns. You won’t want to miss it.
James Shannon
I was raised in the same Central Montana town as the author. This novel captures the spirit of belonging that is the hallmark of living in rural America. I thank Wayne for taking the time to write about Placer Coulee. It has been a long time since I cried, laughed, and smiled while reading this book. Maybe some day it will be made into a movie. Wouldn’t that be great?
pireed
Like the exhilaration of an 80 yard touchdown run or the sudden thrill of a three-point buzzer beater, Pacer Coulee Chronicles gives you a season ticket to the colloquial color and unvarnished candor of high school sports in the American heartland. If you grew up in a small town, you will recognize many of the characters in this book - maybe even yourself, during simpler times. Endearing and enduring.
Jay_B
For readers drawn to America’s rural communities, Pacer Coulee Chronicles provides a story about the impact of high school sports on a small town in central Montana. Set in the 1990, the author immerses the reader in a witty, three-dimensional story about the experiences of Luke, Madison, Shanty, Edna, Tank, and many others as they navigate life and sports in Pacer Coulee, Montana.
Sharon Eva Grayson
Pacer Coulee Chronicles is a fascinating trip in a little town with the most interesting and lovable characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. You get lost in the story and never want to leave as we learn about new and exciting things with sports. I truly could not put it down. This story appeals to everyone. Enjoy❤️
Colleen Murphy
Wayne Edwards’s first novel is a must read. Pacer Coulee Chronicles is a humorous, tender tale of small town America. However, what sets this novel apart, is Wayne’s ability to create characters that are realistic, sometimes flawed, but mostly likeable. Every community has a few bad apples like Pacer Coulee’s drunk who abuses his son. It is the community’s response to the son that matters in the end. Pacer Coulee deals with the ups and downs of life that affect us all, whether we live in a rural or urban community. Edwards’s book will bring a smile to your face and cement your faith in the community in which you live.
