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The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story Audiobook
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(4.05) - 251 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
On a Sunday in May 2008, an F-5 tornado struck the town of Parkersburg, Iowa, killing eight people and destroying 250 homes and businesses within 34 seconds. The next day, Parkersburg's beloved football coach, Ed Thomas, made a stunning prediction: "God willing, we will play our first home game here on this field this season."
One hundred days later, the home team scored a victory on the field they dubbed "The Sacred Acre," serving as a galvanizing point for the town to band together and rebuild. But just as Parkersburg was recovering, another devastating tragedy struck.
While working with a group of football and volleyball players early one morning, one of Ed's former students walked in and gunned him down point blank. Ed Thomas was 58. The murder of this hometown hero spread across national news headlines. Ed's community and family reeled from shock.
Yet the story doesn't end here. What happened next proves that even a double tragedy is no match for faith, love . . . and the power of forgiveness.
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"I felt so many emotions reading this book. Admiration, inspiration, sadness, shock, anger, hopefulness and the list goes on. I think people born and raised in Iowa are typically hard working, caring individuals. Ed Thomas exemplified these traits in addition to being a strong Christian. I really hope my children can someday reflect on an educator and/or coach who provided such a positive impact on their lives as Ed Thomas did for countless individuals. Thank you for sharing his story."
— Diana (4 out of 5 stars)
The Sacred Acre Listener Reviews
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" A must-read! A very powerful book about an amazing man! "
— Linda, 2/19/2014 -
" This book is amazing. Shows how a small town can overcome adversity in the wake of tragedy both nature and human tragedy. "
— Anna, 2/6/2014 -
" A gripping true story about the life of a man who built up others through adversity. It's so hard to review and rate such a moving peace. It goes far beyond football and spirituality. In all it is a book about a life well spent. "
— Dave, 1/23/2014 -
" The book, The Sacred Acre, is now at the top of my list of all time favorite books. I highly recommend you take the time to read this inspiring book! "
— Kristi, 1/11/2014 -
" Wow what an incredible book! Great book for reflecting on what legacy you will leave behind. If you don't like what you see, then today you can start to change. I cried and felt inspired, worth reading again just to read all the motivational thoughts in the book. Thank you to his family for sharing this journey with the world!! "
— Amy, 12/17/2013 -
" I could not put this book down. Tragic story with a great message. "
— Melissa, 12/16/2013 -
" I read this book when I saw the family on ESPN. It was a great story of an inspiring family and a reminder of the power of forgiveness. A bit of a cry-fest but worth it. "
— Jennifer, 12/12/2013 -
" I am from Iowa, and this story is familiar to me. But the way the story is presented, it could be any coach in any child's life. It is tragic that this man was taken from the earth too early. Do read! "
— Janine, 11/22/2013 -
" Very inspirational! Never would have thought to read this book on my own, I read it as part of a book club. I hope to one day impact as many lives as Ed Thomas. "
— Emily, 9/4/2013 -
" Easy read filled with lots of factual information. "
— Carrie, 8/31/2013 -
" Great book. A true story, very inspiring and something I want my kids to read. Important life lessons and a great example from a great man who was a pastor, coach and role model to the youth. "
— Natalee, 8/17/2013 -
" Really such a sad story- a great man who should still be alive today. "
— Tanya, 8/15/2013 -
" Some of the conversations seemed a bit contrived, but it's such an inspirational story to tell. "
— Stephanie, 6/26/2013 -
" Outstanding and inspirational! This truly captures not only Ed Thomas, but his family as well. "
— Kortny, 6/11/2013 -
" Loved the message of this book. I read it in one setting...did not want to put it down! What an amazing family! Let not your heart be troubled... "
— Jen, 3/17/2013 -
" An amazing story of a man who truly found his calling in life. As I got to know Ed Thomas better, my heart ached, hoping desperately that events would not turn out they way I knew they did. To think that if he had not been murdered, I (and many others) would probably never have heard his story. "
— Kristjan, 3/6/2013 -
" Very Inspirational book! A must read for everyone!!! Even though I knew what was coming the entire time, I was still moved to tears. Very well written showing the life of a very inspirational man! "
— Stacy, 3/3/2013 -
" As a guy that doesn't go for the heart-string-pulling, tear-drop-chasing back stories that fill up the space before the Super Bowl, I should have known better than to try and read this. "
— Brian, 3/1/2013 -
" I LOVED this book! I'm from Iowa and remember this horrible day! Ed's son and daughter-in-law lived in the town I live in. Basically, I cried (and laughed a few times) through this book. It really is a must read! "
— Danee, 2/6/2013 -
" One of my favorite books of all time. Truly inspirational. "
— Reed, 9/17/2012 -
" The Sacred Acre was very inspiring, and really touched me. "
— Matthew, 6/19/2012 -
" What a wonderful family the Thomas' are ~ with all the heartache they were going thru they found foregiveness before hatred! "
— Marcy, 1/29/2012 -
" Although slow at the start & kind of monotonous with dialogue at parts, this book was great. Ed was an example of living for Christ in all moments of life and an example to so many people I know. "
— Kelli, 11/2/2011 -
" Being from Iowa,this one had special meaning to me.This book is really not about football as much as about life.The impact that this coach and his family had on his community and all of us is astounding!A must read! "
— Tracy, 11/1/2011 -
" An incredible true story of one man's dedication to his calling, determination to overcome difficulties, and who's death affected thousands. An easy read that will inspire you and cause you to reach for a Kleenex or two. Being a sports fan is not required. "
— Jeff, 10/22/2011 -
" As a guy that doesn't go for the heart-string-pulling, tear-drop-chasing back stories that fill up the space before the Super Bowl, I should have known better than to try and read this. "
— Brian, 10/21/2011 -
" Best book I've read in a long time! Amazing true story and very well written. I could hardly put it down and was fighting back tears almost the entire book. Being from Iowa, I distinctly remember both events and this book made it even more real. I highly recommend that everyone read this book! "
— Melanie, 8/28/2011 -
" Very Inspirational book! A must read for everyone!!! Even though I knew what was coming the entire time, I was still moved to tears. Very well written showing the life of a very inspirational man! "
— Stacy, 8/24/2011
About the Authors
Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.
Mark Tabb has authored or coauthored more than two dozen books, including Running For My Life, with US Olympian Lopez Lomong, and the bestseller Mistaken Identity.
Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.
Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.
About Stefan Rudnicki
Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.