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The Epitome of Fatherhood: The Life of Chester M. Whittaker
| Book Description (Annotation)
Using her father's private papers, oral interviews, and her lifelong recollections, Celeste Whittaker lovingly presents Chester M. Whittaker's childhood and college years in North Carolina and Virginia and his life as a family man, educator, coach, community leader, and church leader in New Jersey. Through her vibrant words, you meet an impressive man whose personal and professional achievements are truly inspirational and see the importance of strong father and daughter relationships. ISBN-13: 978-0-9818939-4-5 |
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| Celeste E. Whittaker, a native of Willingboro, New Jersey, has been a sportswriter at the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, since April 1998, where she's covered the Philadelphia 76ers, college sports, and high school sports during her time there. She previously worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for eight years, covering women’s and men’s basketball, including at the 1996 Olympic Games, and college football and high school sports. Whittaker started her journalism career as an editorial assistant at BusinessWeek magazine in New York City.
Playing sports has also contributed to her work. The South Jersey native was a scholarship basketball player at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill before a knee injury ended her career.
Whittaker who earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina has won several writing awards, including the New Jersey Press Association first place for sports portfolio in 2000, the Monica Kauffman Media Award in 1999, the Georgia Council on Social Welfare Journalism award in 1997 and second place in 2001 for the Garden State Association of Black Journalists Profile Award. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with a literacy program called “Bookmates” and spending time with family and friends. |
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US $20.00.
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| "I am so disappointed that I never had the pleasure of meeting such a mighty and wonderful father that Celeste Whittaker so vividly describes in this must read book. Chester Whittaker is not only a blue print for what a father is, but a blue print for what a husband is and, more importantly, what a man can attain." | "It's outstanding. What a great man. He's an inspiration to all fathers. Your dad has shown dedication, strength, determination and commitment. Young people need someone who can provide guidance and direction. That's exactly what he did. We need more fathers like him." | |
— Branson Wright, sports reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer & co-host of The Sports Brothers radio show |
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— Donald Hunt, sports reporter, the Philadelphia Tribune |
| "The life of Chester Whittaker didn't end on that sad Sunday evening when he passed away 12 years ago as his daughter captured his contagious spirit and unique style in these pages as an everlasting testament.
"Celeste was so right, after reading about her father, you wish you knew him. Reading about him, though, is surely the next best introduction to a magnificent man who is so appropriately and lovingly remembered by his daughter. "From documenting her father growing up in North Carolina and later in Newport News and then playing basketball at Virginia State, to being a captain in the Army stationed at Fort Dix and to raising his family in Willingboro, the author pays a touching tribute to a man who meant so much to his family. "In addition, Celeste chronicles so well how her father meant so much to so many others. Later in life, he heard the call and became a minister and in a poignant passage, the author recalls his first sermon—The Before and After—which she recalled was about making changes. Reading about the loving life of Chester Whittaker will make you want to change your life also—to be a better parent, to be a better person." |
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—Kevin Callahan, reporter, the Courier-Post, Cherry Hill, New Jersey |
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For the media
Sportswriter Celeste Whittaker's Epitome of Fatherhood a Winning Tribute
(PDF) 19 Nov 2009
Sportswriter Celeste Whittaker's Epitome of Fatherhood a Winning Tribute
(Microsoft Word)
19 Nov 2009
Sportswriter Celeste Whittaker's Epitome of Fatherhood Set For October 15 Launch
(PDF) 1 Oct 2009
Sportswriter Celeste Whittaker's Epitome of Fatherhood Set For October 15 Launch
(Microsoft Word) 1 Oct 2009
Regional Sports Writer Reaches New Literary Heights with First Book
(PDF) 16 Apr 2009