Book details

  • Genre:sports & recreation
  • Sub-genre:Basketball
  • Language:English
  • Pages:232
  • eBook ISBN:9781667852928
  • Paperback ISBN:9781667852911

Defying Expectations

Family, Sports & Recreation

By Al “Hondo” Handy

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Overview

An inspiring memoir about a young black man defying the odds by becoming one of the first black kids to attend an all-white school before integration, win a basketball state championship, and continue to thrive throughout his career.
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Description

An inspiring memoir about a young black man defying the odds by becoming one of the first black kids to attend an all-white school before integration, win a basketball state championship, and continue to thrive throughout his career. This is just one example of the many obstacles Al "Hondo" Handy had to overcome to become the influential and determined man he is today. This book is perfect for anyone with a dream that seems impossible. By reading Al's story, you will feel inspired to chase your goals no matter what stands in your way!
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About The Author

Al "Hondo" Handy recently retired from the Ocean City Recreation & Parks Department, as a Recreation Manager. As the smiling face of the Recreation and Parks Department, Hondo actively sought to attend the meetings of most Town civic groups, educating their members of the value of youth involvement in positive recreational endeavors, and engaging the already philanthropic-minded-memberships in expanded philanthropic endeavors specific to Ocean City's youth. Throughout his life, he has served, been honored, and celebrated for his many accomplishments and accolades despite the many obstacles he has faced. Al's passion for writing his story is to reignite and inspire the youth to chase their goals fearlessy.
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Book Reviews

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Peggy
Defying Expectations Albin, I loved how you told your story! Ronald would be so proud of you and so am I! Read more
Pete
Defying Expectations Hondo, just wanted to tell you I just finished reading your book. What an excellent job on the book. What a Career and Journey. I hope the next time I am back in Berlin we can grab lunch. Read more
Norman
Defying Expectations Nice job Hondo, I give you 5 stars. It was an excellent book. At times I was shedding tears. Thanks for sharing your history. Read more
Chris
Defying Expectations My review could simply be a 5 star review of how well Hondo treated my kids throughout their stint in the rec program, but after reading his book and gaining insight into his journey to the point where he started to interact with our crew, I am truly grateful that Hondo was a part of our kids upbringing. As a parent, I can’t say enough for Hondo’s sincere love and caring for everyone that has passed through his doors at Northside Park. Having read his book and experienced his journey only reinforces Hondo’s genuine desire to mentor youth through sports/sportsmanship and help them on their way…it takes a village and Hondo has been a key part of that experience in Ocean City. I’m very proud to call him a friend. Reading his book and sharing his journey is time well spent. Although I am biased due to my friendship with Hondo, reading about his live will leave you humbled and grateful. Cheers Hondo! Read more
William
Defying Expectations Nice job by Hondo. I’ve known him since the 9th grade and he’s always been a high character individual who got along with everyone. Very interesting learning about his extended family and reliving the glory days of SDHS basketball. If anything Hondo is overly modest about how talented they were. He was a great influence on my kids in the OC Rec Dept. He can write too. Congratulations on your book. It should be in school libraries everywhere. Read more
Richard
Defying Expectations Awesome book. Hondo touched so many lives and an inspiration to so many of our kids. Good sportsmanship was always his priority. Great story reading about his life growing up. Read more
Maureen
Defying Expectation Defying Expectation was a very good book to read. Reading about Hondo talking about family and friends teachers about the importance of them both. I also like that his name is Albin not Alvin. I think it’s a good book for youth to read. I’m passing it on to my grandson JP to read. Read more
Carol
Defying Expectations A “feel good” book and truly an inspiration to everyone to achieve their goals. Hondo touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. I enjoyed reading about his journey. Read more
Gwen
DEFYING EXPECTATIONS This book should be recommended reading especially for MD Public and private school libraries! Hondo's biography epitomizes the strength instilled through positive family values and hard work. We are blessed to be members of the community of Hondo. Read more
calvin
Defying Expectations This book is very good as it pertains to family, community, work and friends. I had worked with the author for 37 years and knew much about him. However, there was much about his growing I that I did not know. This book gave me the insight on his family and education I didn't know. It is a wonderful book about his determination to succeed in life. Calvin Read more