Elite Athletes Forge Life-Changing Friendship in How Far?
St. Paul, MN, — As the son of a major league baseball player and a former baseball player himself, author Bob Wilber drew upon his own background to create his new book, How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama — a story that is just as much about the game of life as it is about sports.
Wilber writes in the distinct, first-person voices of the two main characters — gifted baseball player Brooks Bennett from Southern California and undersized hockey player Eric Olson from Minnesota — to immerse readers in every thought and emotion of the two main characters.
Set against the backdrop of real places, real events and familiar names, How Far? follows the characters as they each navigate the triumphs and heartaches of reaching the pinnacles of their respective sports.
“There’s a lot of me in each character, and in the book I have these guys wind their way through their chosen sports, achieving more than they ever expected but dealing with a lot of drama and pitfalls along the way,” Wilber noted in an interview. “I know this life.”
Brooks Bennett and Eric Olson come from vastly different worlds and couldn’t be more dissimilar. And in one spontaneous moment, their paths cross, and their lives change forever.
How Far? follows their serendipitous meeting and what happens as they each experience the emotional and physical highs and lows of their careers. Wilber takes readers on deep dives into the worlds of amateur and professional sports, down to the richest and most evocative details. On the ice, on the field, in the locker rooms and while facing life’s many personal challenges, the two characters tell the tale as it really is.
How Far? is a story that will appeal to sports fans as well as anyone who appreciates an inspiring story of personal growth and perseverance.
“When asked if it’s a sports book, my answer is, ‘It’s a life book, told through a sports lens,'” Wilber said.
About the Author
Bob Wilber is no stranger to the world of sports. The son of major league player Del Wilber, Bob Wilber grew up playing baseball. He earned a full scholarship from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. He then went on to play several seasons of minor league baseball for the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland A’s.
When his playing days were over, Wilber spent time as a regional scouting supervisor for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Wilber also grew up with a passion for writing, and ended up journeying through the world of international sports marketing before he was a senior executive for three professional indoor soccer franchises. An interest in NHRA drag racing led to his 22 years as a public relations representative and team manager for professional racers.
Wilber published his autobiography Bats, Balls, & Burnouts in 2017. How Far? is his first work of fiction.
Connect with Wilber on Twitter (@bobwilber5), and visit his blog at https://www.perfectgamefound.org/bobs-blog/. To learn more about Wilber and his books, visit www.bobwilber.net.