Because They Think They Can,
Companion Volume III

by Steven Swerdfeger

Cloth Edition: $29.95

Paperback: $21.95

Product Details:

ISBN: 1-932842-11-X (cloth)
ISBN: 1-932842-12-8 (paperback)
Publisher: Star Cloud Press
Year of Publication: 2005
Format: Cloth or Paperback
Page Count: 440

Book Description:

This is a story about a group of adolescents who encounter a new teacher who refuses to allow them to ignore their school work. At the prospect of failing ninth grade, the class implores classmate David Andrews, a respected advocate, to help them. Mr. Gregory sets as their task the requirement to demonstrate that they 'love learning for learning's sake.' Befuddled by this requirement, the students follow David's advice and form a Learning Club.

The Learning Club invites Mr. Gregory to be its first speaker. He talks about how students learn differently. Owing to Bobby Perkins' disquiet with fallacies, student leaders agree that it would seem most appropriate to invite a psychologist to speak next. Mr. Pennythorpe, the school's affable history teacher, recommends Dr. Clarence Baker, who proves enormously popular. Invited to return, he speaks first on the subject of hypnosis and later leads the club in an experience of guided imagery.

The class is assigned to present its rendering of Macbeth to the community, and more bonding results int their frantic efforts to rid themselves of stage jitters. The play is a huge success. An awards dinner follows which recognizes two faculty and the mayor and which distributes ticket proceeds between school and town libraries. Mr. Pennythorpe speaks, but suffers a heart attack before concluding his remarks. As Pennythorpe lies gravely ill, David works through his worry by organizing a welcome home party for his mentor. Cast members join in, and the elderly history teacher returns safely home to conclude his remarks. Pennythorpe, in his final comments about learning, likens it to love, for "the more we can understand, the more we can appreciate, and the more we can appreciate, the more we can love."

The title is taken from a quotation ascribed to Pliny the Elder, who said of young athletes of his day, "They can because they think they can."

Also Available:

The Canasta Capers, Companion Volume I

An Opening of Heart, Companion Volume II

About the Author:

STEVEN SWERDFEGER was born in Massena, New York, on July 13, 1948. He attended local public schools, later entering the State University of New York at Oswego, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in American literature. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in religious education from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in creative writing from the Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

His various career interests have included child care work, teaching high school English, creative writing, church music, hypnosis and guided imagery, college teaching, and publishing.

He is married to Martha Grout Swerdfeger, a physician who serves as Medical Director for the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, and who practices under her maiden name Martha M. Grout.

(Steven Swerdfeger photo by Matthew Marchisano)

Phone: 480.609.0065 | Email Us | Fax: 480.951.5930

Star Cloud Press, 6137 E. Mescal Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254-5418

Because They Think They Can,Companion Volume III

Because They Think They Can,
Companion Volume III