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.

The Running Dream

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Summary: Jess is on her way back from a track meet when her bus is involved in a traffic accident and she looses one of her legs...and one of her teammates.  This is the story of how she survives - physically and mentally.

Thoughts: Really enjoyed this book.  I'm not a runner.  At all.  So, while I didn't completely understand how she felt about running, I could relate in other contexts.  This book was totally accessible.  It has a really sweet ending and will make you look at "disabled" people in a whole new light.

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.

High Heat

High Heat by Carl Deuker

Summary (from book jacket)
Like the game of baseball, life is quirky and unpredictable, as Shane Hunter discovers in the spring of his sophomore year.  Suddenly and without warning, his life of privilege is turned upside down.  And just as suddenly, life begins to seem utterly without fairness or purpose to him.  From a star pitcher to being unsure of himself on the mound, Shane has to try to overcome his doubts and try to find redemption through baseball.

Personal Thoughts
I'm a baseball fan, but not a FAN.  I enjoy watching a game on occasion but don't follow it religiously.  In spite of this, I enjoyed this book.  There was some baseball lingo that I just didn't understand and sometimes I felt like the baseball play-by-play was a little long-winded.  However!  If you like baseball and know what a leadoff home run and a DH are you will love this book.  It's easy to read and has a great back story as well.