I was thinking lately about some themes that all my books have in common (besides the mystery/thriller element of course!) and came to the conclusion that all my books are, in some way, about the underdog prevailing.
Image by Jon Harder
In the Hunt for Jack Reacher books, the idea is that Jack Reacher is HUGE and FBI Special Agent Kim Otto is TINY.
In the Judge Willa Carson books, Willa is powerful and the people she helps are not, so she’s a champion for the underdog.
Jess Kimball is a fierce underdog who champions other underdogs even as she fights an uphill battle all alone.
Jenny Lane undergoes a transformation from “child” to “adult”, which takes her from underdog to winner.
And Jordan Fox is a developing story. So far we know she has the odds stacked against her as she tries to position herself to beat Drew Hodges for the next job at News Channel 12. Drew is close to perfect, and Jordan is far from it. So will she prevail? Time will tell.
I’d like to start sharing with you here on my blog real-life stories where the underdog prevails.
Who’s your favorite underdog? Maybe a sports star? Maybe someone who beat the odds in a non-physical way? Maybe you’re an underdog in some way. If that’s the case, feel free to share your story.
We’ll draw one name from the commenters to win a free paperback copy of Get Back Jack (autographed, if you have a U.S. mailing address!) Thanks for your feedback!
Although I do not consider my husband an underdog, he does prevail through life despite his disability. He was born with Cerebral Palsy and it affects his legs only, therefore, he walks on crutches and uses an electric wheelchair for long distances. He is such an inspiration to me, he NEVER gives up, always continues to have a pleasant outlook on life and is very loving to everyone he meets. Society would consider him an underdog, however, I think he is SUPERMAN!!!
That’s a wonderful story, Terry. I love your encouraging and optimistic attitude!
My son Tyler is an underdog , he was born with Cerebral Palsy that affects his hands and feet and he has to wear AFO’S or braces , he also has A.D.H.D. and a mild form of Autism . When he was diagnosed doctors said he would never walk normally and never be able to do anything on his own , or be normal , but he sure proved them wrong he can walk and talk just like anyone else and he even graduated high school.He is 23 now.
Wow! What an incredible story, Darla! Thank you for sharing.
Mine is not a person, but.a group: the Georgia Tech football team (every year). When I married in 1974, I moved from Northwest Indiana to Georgia, immediately surrounded by University of Georgia fans. I always favor underdogs, so I chose GA Tech in their annual vs. Georgia game.
Hi there, My grandson who has Asperger’s is trying hard every day to overcome his disabilities. Actually, it’s my daughter who is more of an underdog as she must work hard at helping him understand and find his place in the world. She’s doing a super job!
A strong family network is so valuable, and your story is evidence of that, Mary. Thank you for sharing.
I feel people who are suffering from diseases and cancer are the underdogs. Some are in such pain but still try to function. Especially people suffering from Endometriosis. It is no fun.
I agree, Sue.
I have a friend who is dealing with family issues. She fights so hard for her family, but is always there for anyone who needs her!
That type of person — someone who can be empathetic towards others even in the midst of their own issues — always impresses me too, Barbara.
As a former college professor, I saw so many “nontraditional students,” people who came back to school as adults to pursue their dreams they had put on hold as a result of some kind of life interruption. Many weren’t ready to attempt college right out of high school. Often, these students still had jobs. Most had children, so they had full-time responsibilities in addition to their full-time college work loads. They were almost always my best students. I was amazed at their ability to handle so much (I still am). I have so much admiration for these underdogs.
Thanks for sharing your unique perspective, Michelle. I hadn’t thought about nontraditional students much as underdogs, but you are so right!
Mine has to be Charlie Brown! With the retirement and passing of Charles Schulz, he’ll never even get another chance to kick the football Lucy always yanks away at the last instant. He is ever the underdog on the pitching mound and his love for the little red-haired girl remains unrequited.
Second place: the Chicago Cubs. They have a great old ballpark and nice traditional uniforms
BUT, their last World Series Championship 106 years ago;
their last World Series appearance 69 years ago; and
it has been 11 years since they were snakebitten by Steve Bartman’s interference with a catchable foul ball when they were leading the Marlins 3 to 0 and just 5 outs away from winning the National League Pennant for the first time since 1945.
John, your comment makes me smile. Poor Charlie Brown. 🙂
I think of a person who is an underdog is like the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos-who wants to live in the shadows of Peyton Manning!
Exactly!