George Valadie
George Valadie, former president of Notre Dame High School, announces the release of his book,
"We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective" to be released on next Wednesday and published by Foresight Book Publishing. The book is a compilation of selected columns he wrote during his 25 years a contributing columnist for the various diocesan newspapers where he have served.
"I have written about who and what I know - your kids, our kids, family and faith and trying to be better," Mr.
Valadie said. "I’m thinking readers will laugh some, maybe tear up some and for sure they’ll shake their head now and again. We all just need some perspective to get us through."
"Be it about planets in the galaxy or ducks on the campus lake, a phobia-riddled dental
appointment with his daughter-dentist or the unexpected loss of his best friend, you can feel the
distinctive viewpoint of a husband, dad, grandfather and educator with each observation pondering
the perspective we often lack, can seldom find … but always need," officials said.
“George Valadie possesses an enviable and uncommon ability to write with humor and heart
about the grace that is found and the perspective we need in everyday life," said a reader, Linda. "He sees God moments (and often hilarity) in car breakdowns, teenage grumpiness and dogs that flunk obedience school. Drawing on his many years as a school administrator, he celebrates teachers, parents and kids as they cope with victories and defeats, tragedies and triumphs and the plain old hard work of life. Hemakes you burst out laughing and break down in tears of nostalgia and compassion. Readers will recognize themselves, their families and their friends in his stories of real life that always tell a deeper truth.”
About the author:
Following 46 years in education (26 in the Chattanooga area) and 25 years as a religious newspaper columnist, George Valadie essays and commentaries – be they personal, poignant or comical - include thoughts about the people, places and pursuits that have given shape to his life, focusing on schools and kids, teachers and families, friends and faith, all while searching for the perspective we so often lose amid the chaos of our day-to-day.
His education career included 44 years serving in Catholic schools, with 31 of those as principal or president. In addition, he currently travels the country speaking to teachers and administrators.
He earned a B.A. degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in secondary administration from the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga. He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Chattanooga, have three daughters, their spouses and five grandchildren, with a sixth on the way.
To order, visit OurFifthFork.com. Cost is $17.95 / 252 pages / ISBN 978-1-944265-60-1 / 6” X 9” paperback. Also available at Amazon and its associated book vendors.