Edorsements

 “Heartrendingly beautiful.”

Jennifer Hatherill

Marching Dukes, Trumpet 1985-1898

“Mike has an amazing talent and a very keen awareness in retrospect for what was actually going on during those wonderful years at MHS.”

Dr. Terren Frenz

Marching Dukes, Band Director, 1973-1994

“Got your book. It arrived Saturday, late afternoon. I started to read it and didn’t put it down until it ended. Brought back so many memories (good and bad). First off, GREAT BOOK! You know how you can be in a group of people and there are signs of how each person is? I wish there were more signs of someone who is being sexually abused. As with you I had a very similar adolescence. Starting at age 4, I was sexually abused until the start of my sophomore year in high school.

I too will never understand why God allows children to go through these things. I do feel though that every person around me could be and may have had a difficult life and theirs was worse than mine. It helps me to be more kind, understanding towards others shyness, distances and behaviors. I don’t know if I will ever find my true self in life. 

I reached out to you because after reading your book. I felt hope! Hope that I can find myself. Hope that I will find my life happiness and that I can do this. You reminded me of giving it away and being a better person. I’ve never been able to completely take the walls down that I built but I think it’s time to try. One wall at a time and maybe I can find that 4-year-old child and find myself. I think what I’m trying to say is your book although brought back more memories I had built so many walls around, it gave me the strength to not only face them but let them out and let them go.”  

Anonymous MDM Alum, Class of 87 

“We Gave It Away is a work of great beauty.  Melodious like you’re listening to music and feeling it deep inside. It brings it all back.”

Sandy Mayer

Marching Dukes, Trumpet 1979 – 1983

“I cried.  I laughed. It brought back so many memories.”

Lori Lebold

Marching Dukes, Color Guard 1985 –1989

“The experience of being a Marching Duke almost defies description, until now. In ‘We Gave It Away,’ an autobiographical tale is woven into the broader history of the competition years in a tale of love, heartbreak, acceptance, and manifest magic.”

Melissa Giovagnoli Luthman

Marching Dukes Flute, Drum Major 1991-1994

“We Gave It Away captures the epitome of what it was like to be a member of the Marlington band during its heyday.  This book is a great read for any current or former band geek.   

Dr. James Obney, MD.

Marching Dukes, Trumpet 1980-1984