Chicago Journalist Writes an Extraordinary and Personal Memoir David W. Berner takes the reader inside his own personal journey - a very human and inspirational story of self-discovery. After the death of his father, the end of a marriage, and the loss of his job, the author accepts a teaching position in an impoverished and troubled Chicago-area school, hoping the change will help him find his footing. What he discovers not only surprises him but also reawakens his life, teaching him invaluable lessons about himself, his place in the world, and the redemptive power of second chances. David W. Berner is a journalist, documentary writer, and producer. He teaches writing, documentary, and radio narrative classes at Columbia College Chicago. He has published personal essays, hundreds of magazine articles, and interviewed the likes of Ted Kennedy, Tiger Woods, and Bill Gates. David lives in Naperville, Illinois and is currently working on a collection of stories about fatherhood. Accidental Lessons is his first book. www.davidwberner.com PRAISE FOR ACCIDENTAL LESSONS "Berner has given us a beautiful, elegantly-written book in the tradition of Blackboard Jungle and To Sir, With Love - the difference here is that Berner's story is not fiction, it's true." - Thomas E. Kennedy, Winner of the 2008 National Magazine Award and author of In the Company of Angels "Accidental Lessons will toss you like a cork at sea, throw you heavy against its steel straps, and when it's done you'll never be quite the same. This is the kind of book you tell your friends about." - Eric Jones, BookReview.com "A terrific memoir." - Rick Kogan, The Sunday Papers, WGN Radio, Chicago "A book of raw honesty." - Larry Richert, KDKA Radio, Pittsburgh Publisher's Website: www.strategicbookpublishing.com/AccidentalLessons.html

A young boy is in love with the game of golf, but he doesn't understand why. He has a natural talent and an enviable swing but playing the game well is not enough. There's something missing. When Jimmy, the homeless man who spends his days cheering on golfers from his usual sitting spot just off the 5th green at Old Elm Municipal Golf course goes missing, the young boy becomes curious. His quest uncovers Jimmy's mysterious link to the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland and reveals a life in golf that not only fascinates but sends the boy on a personal journey to discover the magic of an ancient game and its deeper meaning for a young man doing his best to find his path in the world.

In the vinyl era, David W. Berner played rock 'n' roll in a neighborhood garage band. Decades later at the age of 57 he enters a national songwriting contest and quite unexpectedly is named a finalist. But there's more. He's called on to perform the song live at a storied venue for Americana music. Grabbing his old guitar and the love of his life, David hits the road, hoping to live out a musical fantasy he thought had been buried long ago. October Song is a powerful examination of the passage of time, love, the power of music, and the power of dreams. FINALIST American Book Fest's 2017 American Book Awards

Accidental Lessons is a remarkable memoir by successful Chicago journalist David W. Berner. Berner takes the reader inside his own personal journey; a heart wrenching and inspirational account of self-discovery. Berner had it all - a very successful career as a broadcast journalist and a wonderful family life. But his career hits a bump and he finds himself out of work. Life then delivers more trouble - his father becomes terminally ill and his marriage falls apart. In the middle of painful personal times, this respected journalist makes a decision that changes his life forever. Berner takes a job in a public school outside Chicago where the students are representations of society's "throw-aways." What he learns from them teaches him invaluable lessons about himself, who he is, and why he became a journalist in the first place - to seek out the truth and give voice to those who need their story told. David W. Berner is a journalist, documentary writer, and producer. He teaches writing, documentary and radio narrative classes at Columbia College in Chicago. He has published personal essays and hundreds of magazine articles and interviewed such greats as Ted Kennedy, Tiger Woods, and Bill Gates. He lives in Naperville, Illinois with his family and two dogs, Hogan and Mike. Mr. Berner is currently working on a collection of essays about fatherhood. Accidental Lessons is his first book.