Media & Reviews
“Terrific... a fine piece of research and writing.” - Bruce Kidd, PhD, University of Toronto
“An outstanding work of biographical history.” - Todd Stubbs, PhD, Lakehead University, Orillia Campus
BOOK REVIEW, Dave Dawson, columnist with the Orillia Packet and Times Newspaper, March 5, 2015:
http://www.orilliapacket.com/2015/03/05/dave-towns-book-shines-light-on-athletes-good-and-bad-sides
BOOK REVIEW, Internetreviewofbooks.blogspot.ca June 3, 2015. By Dennis C. Rizzo. http://internetreviewofbooks.blogspot.ca/
BOOK AWARD, November 5, 2015. David Town won the "General History" Award from the Orillia Museum of Art and History for his book, Hot Foot, ahead of six other nominees.
http://www.orilliapacket.com/2015/03/05/dave-towns-book-shines-light-on-athletes-good-and-bad-sides
BOOK REVIEW, Internetreviewofbooks.blogspot.ca June 3, 2015. By Dennis C. Rizzo. http://internetreviewofbooks.blogspot.ca/
BOOK AWARD, November 5, 2015. David Town won the "General History" Award from the Orillia Museum of Art and History for his book, Hot Foot, ahead of six other nominees.
Hall of Fame Induction report: Walter Knox was inducted into the new Orillia Sports Hall of Fame on April 25, 2015. Author David Town gave the induction speech and presented the award to Walter's Great-neice, Claudia Courtney. http://www.orilliapacket.com/2015/04/27/hall-of-fame-inductees-honoured-to-be-included
Podcast interview with David Town on Sunshine 89.1 FM in Orillia, Dec 2014: http://www.sunshine89.ca/podcast.php?PodcastID=20968=20968
Newspaper interview with David Town, Orillia Packet and Times, Nov 5, 2014: "Being a 'Hot Foot' in a World of Shadows": http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/11/05/dave-towns-518-page-book-chronicles-walterknoxs-rise-to-the-top-of-amateur-sports
READER REVIEW: "Just to congratulate you on this remarkable biography. I've been collecting and reading books on athletics history for over sixty years and HOT FOOT stands out for its beautifully researched content and the power of your story-telling. I bought my copy this week and I couldn't be more delighted." Peter Lovesey, Chichester England, Award winning British author and sports historian.
READER REVIEW: " I never take time to read ,but bought this book and read 13 chapters the first night. Finished it in one week. Great read." Rick McKillop, Orillia.
READER REVIEW: "I thought your book on Walter Knox was outstanding. Not only was it an interesting read because of the character(s) and stories involved, but I was knocked out by your writing. You are a tremendous writer - logical in telling the story, developing the drama in the tales etc. I was truly impressed. And the research you did was so incredible. Being able to tell the story of a race taking place in Sebright with such detail and in such an engaging way without straying into imagination was a sign of excellent writing skill. I’m looking forward to reading whatever else you come up with." Mike Hill, Orillia
READER REVIEW: " I never take time to read ,but bought this book and read 13 chapters the first night. Finished it in one week. Great read." Rick McKillop, Orillia.
READER REVIEW: "I thought your book on Walter Knox was outstanding. Not only was it an interesting read because of the character(s) and stories involved, but I was knocked out by your writing. You are a tremendous writer - logical in telling the story, developing the drama in the tales etc. I was truly impressed. And the research you did was so incredible. Being able to tell the story of a race taking place in Sebright with such detail and in such an engaging way without straying into imagination was a sign of excellent writing skill. I’m looking forward to reading whatever else you come up with." Mike Hill, Orillia
READER REVIEW: "I read about a dozen books over the Christmas holidays as I recovered from
shoulder surgery. Hot Foot was by far the most memorable. It is an amazing story
of a man who should be famous, and a very informative read about a bygone era in
sports. If Walter Knox was an American, someone would be making a movie." David Funnell, Windsor
READER REVIEW: "Wow! Walter Knox has led one of the most interesting lives of any athlete (or
person, for that matter) that I have ever read about. He is undoubtedly one of
Canada's greatest athletes of all time, yet is virtually unknown. A fascinating
read that was well researched and brought to life what sport was like in Canada
a hundred years ago. Whether you are a track and field enthusiast, a history
buff or just like reading about the lives of intriguing Canadian characters, you
will fly through this book and not soon forget it." Greg Long, Orillia
READER REVIEW: "Hot Foot really brought Walter Knox and his amazing accomplishments to life.
Definitely history worth writing about. I found the chapters about women in
sport, the Highland games, and the final chapter particularly engaging. Well
done." Ruth T - Coldwater
READER REVIEW: "This book could have been sub-titled "An Invitation to History". It shines a
light on the life of a barely known world-class Canadian track star from the
early twentieth century. To tell his story, the book reveals the world of
athletics in Canada, the US and Scotland at that time and how Walter Knox
navigated that world. It is a "page-turner". It tells a story and I happily
found myself pulling it out, finding my bookmark and continuing on over a
series of winter evenings. Recommended." Tom Price, Milton, ON
READER REVIEW: "Dave Town promises to tell all about one of Orillia's (and Canada's) most
accomplished sports figures. Hot Foot delivers. Not just for Orillia, but for
Canada. The book looks huge - readers fear not - but it reads smoothly and
you'll be immersed before you realize it. The 150th anniversary of the
Confederation offers opportunity to explore and recognize these folks. Dave Town
has a head start on us." Dennis Rizzo, Orillia
READER REVIEW: "David, you are truly a multi-talented guy. Congratulations on a terrific book. I love the cover design." Scott McCrindle, Barrie
READER REVIEW: "I thoroughly enjoyed Hot Foot. Well researched and well written. Particularly
enjoyed the connections of Harry Jerome, who got me interested in following
amateur/Olympic sports. While I have heard about many of Orillia's athletes'
stories, Walter Knox's experience in the amateur/profession roles is remarkable.
As a lifelong runner, I appreciate his talent and athleticism. A delightful read
and educational in understanding the amateur/professional debate which is
ongoing." Joe Fecht, Orillia
Newspaper book excerpt, Dec 15, 2014: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/12/15/excerpts-from-david-towns-new-book
Newspaper book excerpt, Dec 16, 2014: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/12/16/excerpts-from-david-towns-new-book
Newspaper book excerpt, Dec 17, 2014: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/12/17/excerpts-from-david-towns-new-book
Book signing at Manticore Books, Orillia, Sat Dec 19 https://www.facebook.com/towndavid/photos/a.1436368953315636.1073741827.1436175030001695/1436368896648975/?l=af861440b7
David Town at Book Fair, Manticore Books in Orillia, Dec 20, 2014. Walter Knox's medals were on display.
Newspaper book excerpt, Dec 18, 2014: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/12/18/excerpts-from-david-towns-new-book
Newspaper book excerpt, Dec 19, 2014: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/12/19/excerpts-from-david-towns-new-book
Newspaper book signing report, Dec 21, 2014: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/12/21/its-meaningful-its-your-hometown-its-where-you-grew-up-and-you-have-a-sense-of-attachment-to-that-dave-town-says
