Marjorie Herrera Lewis, WHEN THE MEN WERE GONE

This debut is an enjoyable, quick read that recalls many of the Texas football movies and books you've seen--with the authentic passion for the game and the (mostly) feel-good ending. This one, based upon a true story, takes place in the 1940s, when the men--including the football coach for the high school Brownwood Lions--have left for war. An assistant principal, Mrs. Tylene Wilson, who learned the game of football at her father's knee, tries to find a man to coach the team, but no one will take it on. In the end, she does it herself--and only gets flak for it. It's almost painful--and (I'll own it) infuriating--to read about how her best friends shun her and her husband; how the newspapers mock her; how the football players and coaches from other team threaten not to play against Brownwood because she's coaching ... all because she wants to give these senior boys a chance to play the game, and to keep them from enlisting prematurely. The nerve of her.