Official Review: Playing Hurt by Gerald L Nardella

[Julie Green]

I'm impressed that the author appears to have been able to describe both the male and female experience with insight and sensitivity. This book definitely sounds worthy of its 4 star rating.

[Ms Maina]

I like the dramatic angle, and how the 60's high school life sounds more of modern age. It addresses struggles like toxic masculinity and others. Females are well represented in it. Am totally sold out on this one. Will definitely give it a shot

[Moinak123-]

I have read the sample page as well as the review. Although I find it interesting and is always a must one time read but giving it 4 out of 4 is more overrating it.

[EllieAfter]

Thank you for this review. I won this book on Amazon and cannot wait to read it.

[holsam_87]

Initially, the sample didn't interest me but reading your review changed my mind. I think that teenagers should be given a chance to read this since it covers a lot of what they face.

[NuelUkah]

This is a story about teenage life in a small town in Texas within 1960 - 1961 and a few nights that will change the lives of Brian, Deanie and Dick forever. The characters are well developed and the reader's interest is maintained from start to finish. It takes one's mind back to the high school days.
I really recommend this book to adolescents.

[Juanita700]

The story is playing out in the sixties, but in many ways, it can be seen as the way life has always been. Growing up in the sixties must have been very difficult as it was a time that there were many changes in society. Relationships between men and woman have always been complex, but more so where you have been brought up to sustain from sexual relations until marriage, but the moral decline had opened up a way that to wait is stupid.

[azerikaj]

I would be curious to see how today's teenagers with their open sexuality would react to the struggles of that time period.

In some ways, I'm not sure how different it is. Figuring out who you are is a timeless struggle, right? Although I would agree that the pressure now is more to "brand" yourself on social media, rather than try to keep your sensuality hidden.

[Asavela]

I love high school drama. The Book sounds dramatic . I liked the free sample it makes you yearn for more.

[Alice Heritage]

The 1960s must have been a thrilling but confusing time with all the changes in society and attitudes. I always think that sexism must have been worse in that era than it is today, but toxic masculinity is certainly still alive and well. Some male authors can write convincing females and it sounds as if Dardella is one of them.

[meadhbh]

So great to see a book tackling toxic masculinity, such an important topic

[NuelUkah]

This is a story about teenage life in a small town in Texas within 1960 - 1961 and a few nights that will change the lives of Brian, Deanie and Dick forever. The characters are well developed and the reader's interest is maintained from start to finish. It takes one's mind back to the high school days.
I really recommend this book to adolescents.

[Shilpa Paul]

Thanks for the review. The plot although from 1960's, the issues like peer pressure, social stigma around sexuality and gender inequality has been portrayed that needs to be discussed openly with teens of today. Would definitely recommend the book to all parents and teenagers.

[JuliaKay]

I probably wouldn't want to read this book just because it heavily emphasizes the sex lives of teenage boys. It's just not something I could get into. Thanks for the review.

[Ksharmilla]

Teen drama isn't something I usually read. I would steer clear because it doesn't really intrigue me much. Good review though.