BookView Review rated it:
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: November 7 2023
Genre: Sports Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-63988-976-1
$16.99 Paperback
$8.99 ebook
298 Pages
Hogarty’s latest book takes readers on a riveting and thoughtful journey through the world of high school sports. The story follows the college recruitment of African-American basketball phenom T.R. Ward, and his classmate and friend, Patrick Kiernan, who is assigned by a local sports editor to chronicle the team’s season. The prologue sets the scene for how Patrick and others became Blue Chip prospects, some without their knowledge, just like Ward. From there, the third-person narrative jumps between a variety of characters’ ongoing stories—Patrick, his mom and Suzie, Ward, Burke, Wilson among others—and Patrick’s newspaper articles and personal letters, which establishes him as a sympathetic and flawed protagonist. The twists and turns of the plot unfold gradually, leaving readers tense as they witness the protagonist’s decisions—especially Patrick’s- lead them down a path where heartbreak seems inevitable. The story is grounded in reality, making it all too easy to believe when Patrick blames Wilson for all the chaos in his life. However, eventually, he takes stock of what really happened and finds a way to forgive. The epilogue brings the roller-coaster ride to a satisfying conclusion. This engaging story, featuring believable characters, relatable conflicts, a vivid portrayal of high school life with an authentic basketball backdrop, will charm both YA readers and adult fans of contemporary fiction. Gripping, beautifully realized, and entertaining.
BookView Review 
Leave a comment