Payback Time

Payback Time by Carl Deuker

Summary: Written from a sports journalist's point of view, this novel explores the world of high school football and an apparent scandal.  Are the coach and a player trying to cheat their way into the big time?  Or is there something more sinister happening?  The truth will surprise everyone.

Thoughts: Not a bad sports book.  I was surprised.  I really liked Mitch and could relate to him in a lot of ways. I think kids could too.  Sometimes the football play-by-play bored me, but I don't care that much so I skimmed over it.  If you're into football, though, you'll love hearing about the yardage and zig-zag patterns, and all that jazz.

Pop

Pop by Gordon Korman

Summary (from publisher)
When Marcus moves to a new town in the dead of summer, he doesn't know a soul. While practicing football for impending tryouts, he strikes up an unlikely friendship with an older man. Charlie is a charismatic prankster—and the best football player Marcus has ever seen. He can't believe his good luck when he finds out that Charlie is actually Charlie Popovich, or "the King of Pop," as he had been nicknamed during his career as an NFL linebacker. But that's not all. There is a secret about Charlie that his family is desperate to hide.

When Marcus begins school, he meets the starting quarterback on the team: Troy Popovich. Right from the beginning, Marcus and Troy disagree—about football, about Troy's ex-girlfriend, Alyssa, but most of all about what's good for Charlie. Marcus is betting that he knows what's best for the King of Pop. And he is willing to risk everything to help his friend.

Personal Thoughts
I had to abandon this book.  I just couldn't get into it right now.  I will, however, try again when I'm not so bogged down with other things.  If you have read it and would like to add your personal thoughts, please comment.