Official Review: Playing Hurt by Gerald L Nardella

[alanwj11]

As a product of the Boomer generation and growing up in the '60s, Playing Hurt got right into the issues of our generation. Sports, roaring testosterone, slipping mores with a libido no longer hiding as with our parents. Relatable review.

[Ayahbta]

Its a Great Way to view A perspective on other people’s lives and the way they handle their problems

[mayaellenson]

Thank you for the revealing review. The novel appears really interesting in terms of exposing social and psychological issues in adolescents of the 60's without becoming sentimental.

[Debjani Ghosh]

Thanks for the detailed review! This book sounds like an intense read as it deals with some complex issues. Judging from your review, it seems that the author has delivered a crisp and concise novel with well-developed characters and enough juice in the story to keep the reader hooked.

[Desertsapper]

Ok. I'm sold. Great review. I enjoy stories that delve into complex emotional issues and teens coming of age. I'm going to give this one a shot. I'd love to see the depths of these characters and how the narrative builds on them and uses them to comment on timeless issues.

[Katherine Smith]

I like your review and it reminds me of the phrase "that's how things were back then". I think that the author does a great job of portraying realistic characters from all genders. I agree that male authors can make female characters seem shallow, but I like that this was not done in this case.

[Alicia09]

Based off your review, I might look forward to reading this story. I'm glad to hear that the story doesn't push ideas like toxic masculinity too much in the form of biased writing, because sometimes it's best to read work that lets a reader make up their own mind about a topic. Thanks!

[Nmadinachi Egwim]

Your review in itself is compelling, thanks:) . The themes are interesting, and although not my usual top pick, I'd like to read this. I find the setting fascinating; a time we'll be reading about with fresh minds, eager to discover the struggles and perspectives of the '60s youths

[ashpres12]

Thank you for your review. While this book touches on a variety of tough emotional issues faced by teenagers, past and present, I do not feel that this book is for me. I am glad that you found this read enjoyable enough to recommend to others

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds like an intense read. I'm interested but need to be in the right mood for it. Excellent review!

[Okafor Prosper]

Seems like a very dramatic story, and I love drama. I also like that the story shows how social pressure can affect young people. Thank you for a well-detailed review.

[Agbaeze Chika20]

A story about teenage life in a small town in texas in 1960-61..the book starts after brian the quarterback and deanie a cheerleader have had a big fight. What follows is the normal teenage angst and problems facing most high schoolers. There's breakups,makeups...When a blast from deanies past shows up the troubles multiple. This is a really good look back into the past,the characters are well written and the story keeps me interested from start to finish.

[Kat Berg]

This sounds a bit like a modern-day That Was Then, This Is Now (which I found incredibly depressing, by the way). It is a good topic, and I like books aimed at young adults that tackle the tough subjects, even if I don't personally always want to read them. Sex is an especially sensitive topic and takes an agile hand to handle with integrity, honesty, and openness. This becomes all the truer when it is discussing some of the pitfalls, like toxic masculinity et. al.

[yellosteel]

Dramatic. A good dose of realism. Thanks for a good review.

[Chikugargi]

I like the themes brought out in the
story-the issue of sex and peer
pressure among teens. The author
has masterfully developed the
characters, which makes the story
more interesting. I am interested to read it.