The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls by A. Darius Husain is a family history wrapped up in a social commentary of conditions and family lifestyles across the twentieth century. When four-year-old Dan Devine was shipped off by his mother from their home in Chippewa Falls to her sister and brother-in-law in Proctor, Minnesota, it was only supposed to be temporary; to give some relief to the family struggling to survive in the depression years, with nine children to feed. Dan Devine would never return home, however. He would go on to become a celebrated and legendary football coach at both college and NFL levels. The author, Dan's grandson, with the help of one of Dan’s left-behind brothers, Jerry (Lefty) Devine has collated a testament to the Devine family, its members, and their achievements in life. 

Although The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls is a family history, it gives readers a fascinating insight into the monumental events of the tumultuous era that was the twentieth century. Author A. Darius Husain has faithfully researched and written much more than a cold and sterile history of a family’s accession from grinding poverty to middle-class success. He has lovingly and sympathetically recreated the realities of children growing up poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother determined to hold her family together against all odds, despite the need to send one of her children away just to ensure their survival. I appreciated the element of Native American culture that wound its way seamlessly through the narrative. Although it didn't play a massive part in the family’s development, it was the impetus for the author to search for the answers to his grandfather’s mysterious and elusive past. I know this book will be an absolute jewel to the many branches of the Devine family in years to come but it is also an eminently readable and relatable book for everyone. The focus on the limited opportunities for women in the family, as well as the impact of war and poverty, will resonate with many readers. This is more than a family history; it is a well-developed social commentary and is highly recommended.

In The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls by A. Darius Husain and Deacon Jerry Devine, the authors have taken a subject that normally would be dull and turned it into an exciting adventure of life with Erma Andre Devine and Jerome JJ Devine and their nine children, which starts just before the Depression 1925 to current 2024. This book is about their lives and their history. The authors collected stories, articles, and school history, and traced as many people as possible who had any dealings with a family that was so diversified and so determined to succeed in a world that had already turned their back on them before they even had a chance to get to school going age. The authors have written the book in such a way that it is like attending family functions and gatherings when everyone comes together and catches up with the family, both past and present, and, at each function, more of the family history is revealed.

A. Darius Husain and Deacon Jerry Devine catch the reader’s attention from the very first page to the very last, bringing to life a family's story of poverty, prejudice, and the determination to succeed and overcome the bad start they got in life. Their ups and downs and how they use the system to get the education and college degrees they need to work and do the service that they provide to those around them. The authors bring to light how the family never forgot their humble beginnings and how they always extended a hand to those in desperate need of assistance and guidance. This is a book that will make the reader reflect on their own family life, how it is not too late to become closer to siblings and cousins, and how one can gently and quietly in the background help the community without making anyone feel ashamed or uncomfortable. A wonderful book and well worth more than one read. It is the type of book that will stay with you forever. You will recall incidents and moments for the rest of your life. It makes one feel very humble but proud at the same time. An awe-inspiring read that had me laughing, crying, and just enjoying the Devine family through the authors' eyes. Thank you for inviting me into your family’s lives. It was a great privilege that I will treasure.