LITERARY LOCAL | Jay Grochowski, Author of Kelli’s Pine

LISLE AUTHOR IS CAPTIVATING READERS WITH DEBUT NOVEL

LISLE–As a former college athlete, college coach, youth coach, major league scout and bleacher dad, Lisle native Jay Grochowski has witnessed all kinds of craziness surrounding youth sports. He knew there was a story to tell about how sports can bind families together and even work to tear them apart.

In his debut fiction novel, Kelli’s Pine, Jay weaves the themes of fatherhood, family, perseverance and redemption around the excitement and struggles of youth sports. “I knew there was a story to tell about the lengths people go to secure college scholarships and the immense pressure put on the athletes while they risk injury and burn-out,” says Jay. “There are also plenty of terrific coaches and parents sacrificing for their kids. This is their story, too.”

The story had been rolling around in his head for some time until one afternoon on a very hot July day, sitting in his suit and tie after a sales call in an empty baseball stadium, Jay opened up his laptop and started typing. He walked away with what would become Chapter Two. Much of the book is based on personal experience mixed with a little imagination.

Kelli’s Pine is available in paperback and e-book through Amazon and the audiobook should be available later this summer.

-Mindy Kyle, Photo Credit: Bill Buchelt, Elan Photography

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