"The Morse Code: Legacy of a Vermont Sportswriter" is a powerful biography that highlights the remarkable life of Dave Morse, a celebrated journalist who spent two decades writing an all-sports column for the Hardwick Gazette in Vermont. Despite being widely respected for his writing and his friendly nature, few people knew about the challenges he had to overcome in his personal life.

Written by Brendan Buckley, this book showcases Morse's resilience and unwavering spirit, as he persevered through heartbreak and trauma to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for those around him. His empathy, kindness, and generosity left an indelible mark on the tight-knit Vermont community, and his legacy as a sports icon lives on today.

Through vivid storytelling and stunning photographs, readers are immersed in Morse's world, gaining a deeper understanding of the impact he had on the lives of those he touched. The book highlights the importance of community and the power of resilience, offering a message of hope and inspiration that is relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In summary, "The Morse Code" is a captivating biography that pays tribute to a resilient sports icon who overcame adversity to become a beloved figure in his community. With its poignant storytelling and beautiful photographs, this book is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of perseverance in the face of hardship. ( )

Brendan Buckley’s The Morse Code is an affectionate yet unflinchingly honest biography of Dave Morse, a legendary local Vermont sportswriter. Morse had an emotionally traumatic childhood; limited interpersonal relationships; a brief failed interracial marriage immediately followed by a murky period of 20 years when his whereabouts were sketchy. He was apparently destitute during some of those lost years. This all serves to paint a bittersweet portrait of the man, with his return to sportswriting from that destitution a triumphant resurrection. The book includes only snippets from Morse’s writing; I would like to have seen some of Morse’s newspaper articles and column reprinted in full in an appendix. But the snippets that are included provide a very good sense of Morse’s dedication, compassion, and humanity, and all the evidence necessary to demonstrate why Dave Morse was such a beloved figure in the Vermont sports community. ( )

Boy, I really wanted to like this. Small-town reporter, a guy I would never know about, and how much he means to the community. Almost an investigative story about the man's life and details, or lack thereof. A bit of mysterious aura to the man. What didn't work for me was I want to be shown, not told. I was told over & over how much meant, how great he was. But why? Show me. And how did hardly any of his own material get used? A quote here, a quote there. And his writing was certainly nothing great, his snippets were actually super boring. So I guess he was a great reporter because of time & energy & effort, and that's great, but it was a bit lackluster on the whole deal. ( )

I went into reading this book expecting to learn more about sports and journalism from Dave's work, instead I was met with a beautiful story about the actual life of Dave Morse. This book illustrates so many things this wonderful man overcame, and not one shook his morals. He remained a pillar to his community and his legacy will continue there and, from this book, in the hearts of those who read Dave's story. I am pleasantly surprised by how inspirational this book turned out being and I am glad that Dave and the town of Hardwick, Vermont found each other. ( )

Just finished The Morse Code: Legacy of a Vermont Sportswriter, by Brendan Buckley. I read a lot of biographies but mostly military, political and diplomatic history.

The book is about David Morse, a sports reporter in Vermont, who works for a local newspaper.

The classic big fish in a little pond, he focused on local high-school, college, local Olympians, little league, legion ball, minor league ball.

He proved that you don't have to be an important person to be an important person who had a big impact on all the athletes and events he covered.

A Short biography on a man who fought a variety of personal demons and somehow made others feel important no matter their accomplishments or abilities.

A great little read that was very enjoyable. ( )