Official Review: Playing Hurt by Gerald L Nardella

[ReyvrexQuestor Reyes]

This is a drama about adolescent times, when the youngsters are just awakening to the changes about their bodies, their desires, and their curiosities. And colliding head-on against the arrogance of youth is the moral restrictions and norms put up by elders. This is a good novel depicting real life, and the response of the characters to peer and social pressures during the 60's. Thanks to the comprehensive review.

[Megan01]

I love realistic stories like this. The themes addressed in this novel definitely seem great to read about! I think I'll read it because that seems like my type of books and I'm sure it'll be enjoyable to read. Thanks for the review.

[Spirit Wandering]

It is a good point that the effect of gender roles is often considered in terms of impact on women. Given the rampant nature of sexual abuse, that makes sense. However, the pressure of gender roles on men is also important, both in terms of individual men, as well as society as a whole. Thanks for the review.

[Gravy]

Interesting way for the author to explore toxic masculinity.

Thank you for the review.

[MarisaRose]

I enjoy coming of age stories, and the fact that this one is set in the 60s intrigues me. Something about the culture of that time has always fascinated me. Thanks for the insightful review!

[Cheryl12]

In the book "Playing Hurt" by Gerald Nardella tells about young High School teenagers going through that phase in life and trying to understand their sexuality. Some of these kids are faced with peer pressure while others trying to fit in with the sports popularity group or the group that likes to socialize and party.

Even though parents who handled teenagers of the 1960's, the concept to abstain from sex before marriage would be considered too "old school" or for some the Christian way. Brian and Deanie fall to peer pressure to fit in. Things became out of control where Deanie and her Xboyfriend got into a physical fight.

Moreover, it can be be difficult for young kids coming from a dysfunctional home and have no home training. This set can become a problem at school and later a problem to society. Hence, it takes a long time before these young teenagers learn the hard way. But the set of teens that listen, is coachable will survive and become leaders by example.

CMcDermott

[todwyer01]

A very interesting story that combines the real life aspects of teenage life in the 1960s with well-crafted characters and a plot that seems to touch upon a number of different aspects. Well done.

[Scerakor]

Between the reversed gender expectations, the toxic masculinity address, and the rivalry drama, this sounds like a slam dunk for those looking for this kind of book.

[FictionLover]

Brian's character was, arguably, more impressive. Toxic masculinity is so rarely addressed in media, and Brian buys into it full force; its harmful side effects hit him hard, particularly towards the end of the novel. It was amazing how well Nardella portrayed the ways that seeing women as property can damage men, ranging from jealousy and self-esteem issues to outright violence. This was quite eye-opening to me, as I hadn't often considered how our culture's gender expectations can harm men, too.

Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed review.

A book that delves into the topic of how men can be damaged by toxic masculinity it new to me also. I don't think I've ever read anything like that. Thanks for pointing this out.

[CinWin]

Thanks for he review. I read the sample and they only talked about a football game gone bad and a cheerleader and jock going steady. Your review helped me make more sense out of the teenaged sexuality component.

[elizab8]

Interesting review! You detail the book "Playing Hurt" with such awe, about teenagers sexual relationships. Your review would encourage readers to read it. Because it focus on waiting until you are fully ready to hold a sexual relationship and that is good for our teenagers today. Again great review.

[Ahllea]

In the book "Playing Hurt" by Gerald Nardella i feel I am one of the character in this story because some of the line I can relate the most..

[Kdebbie7]

True this book is good for our teenagers today. The author brings out the realities of teenage life, and makes me think of my days when I was a teenager how I felt and now how do I support teh teenage girls in with me to abstain. very interesting story I have read it over and over.

[kfwilson6]

I don't particularly care for the themes you highlighted. I can sometimes get into a teen drama but more so in shows than in books. I just really don't care for teen dramas that focus too much on sex. I think high school is too young to be engaging in that type of relationship so I really don't enjoy reading about it. This one is definitely not for me.

[Vickie Noel]

From your review, the author apparently struck the balance concerning peer pressure on both genders quite aptly. The heavy themes sound like juicy content to be dissected in a bookclub discussion. Yet, my love for happy stories prevents me from diving headlong into this, for now. Thanks for the details!