Books

Gentlemen - Let 'Em Go

Gentlemen, Let ‘Em Go ~ A Novel of Field Trials

The adventures of a Virginia farm boy orphaned by a car crash, a worn out dog trainer-handler, and a burned out surgeon on sabbatical on an odyssey to win the National Bird Dog Championship with an accidentally bred English Setter.
“I always love Tom Word’s books. This one is about a young man, a young dog and seasoned dog trainer in the south. His story evokes wonderful memories of field trial seasons gone by, lessons learned, great dogs and a way of life quickly fading. I’ve read all his books and each is better than the last.” Nancy Evan
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The Ninth Pup

The Ninth Pup ~ Quail Plantation Stories

Combining the techniques of Robert Ruark. Anton Chekhov and O. Henry, Tom Word draws a portrait of Deep South quail plantations where for a century and a quarter, the very rich have relished hunting and fishing in the company of horses and mules, pointing dogs and retrievers, and sagacious countrymen in a tradition reminiscent of the great sporting estates of Great Britain.
“For anyone who loves to quail hunt or follows field trails... or who has friends that do, this book is a must have.”
“Great stories about field trial competition. If you love bird dogs dogs and competition, you will love this book.”
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The Curmudgeons

The Curmudgeons

These stories chronicle the adventures of Ben “Long” Reach, lawyer, and Sam Nixon, doctor, and a host of characters from all walks of life in the unique culture of the quail belt. Now in their early seventies, the South Georgia duo gives retirement no thought. Meeting each weekday for breakfast at Millie’s Diner, they share observations and solve problems for rascals and saints.
Tom Word has the ability with simple words to tell life’s sometimes complicated stories with warmth and wisdom. I can not imagine anyone reading this book without a smile, a tear and a invaluable lesson in human nature. Recommend this book to everyone you know, they will be very grateful. Victoria Stockton
Not just a book on dogs or field trials, this book has stories of intrigue, murder, love, and is full of life lessons. I’m glad that I discovered this wonderful author. S. Morgan
I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into the world of the plantation belt. Completely enjoyable and smooth read. I am going to recommend this to all my bird hunting friends. Brian Cooney
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None Held Back

None Held Back ~ And Other Bird Dog Stories

Thirty-one short stories set in the exotic world of pointing dog field trials.
This book is a real gem. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. A compilation of truly inspiring stories into the world of dog hunting and field trailing.
Awesome! Classical stories a great book to steal short periods of relaxation during a busy hectic day. Frank Delmont
This is a great book! If you love bird dogs and great stories then buy it!
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A Little Competition

A Little Competition ~ A Novella and Twenty-Two Stories

A novella and twenty-two short stories set in the worlds of quail and grouse hunting and pointing dog field trials spanning the last century and a quarter by a writer deeply involved in the adventurous sports he portrays in a way that puts the reader on the scene and makes his characters seem as old friends.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a gem about bird dogs and the men who run them-heroes and scoundrels. I grew up reading the American Field. These stories bring back many memories of a life of a Field Trial kid!
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The Price of Admission

The Price of Admission

Biographical essays on some of the author’s heroes, including an eccentric conservationist and her war hero husband; the founding CEO of Dover Corporation; the founders of the Virginia furniture and textile industries; three leading CEOs of Virginia furniture and sweatsuit makers; the author’s mentor, a Virginia Supreme Court Justice and artist; the author’s father, a self educated lawyer and farmer, and younger son, a mechanical genius; a homeless schizophrenic; and a marine corporal who died in combat in Vietnam.
Excellent profiles of remarkable people written with great respect for what they have accomplished. As a Director of a non-profit that engages financially successful people, this book provided me with some valuable insights into philanthropy, and the way successful people view the world and their community, and how they can contribute to it. Especially enjoyed former Virginia State Senator Elmon Gray’s take on how much personal wealth is enough.
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