Official Review: Playing Hurt by Gerald L Nardella

[Quinto]

I like this moving story focusing on the conflicting pressures adolescents face towards sexuality, especially in the 1960s. The themes of misogyny, sexuality and toxic masculinity also interest me. Thanks for a wonderful review.

[kate_nguyen]

"Playing Hurt" sounds dramatic which is good I always have a thing for the 50s and 60s of America so I won't miss this book. Congrats on being BOTD.

[Jennifer Fernandez]

High school dramas don't interest me but this is a very well written review.

[LaTonyaK]

I think this is definitely like real games I've never been a fan but I do like when the team get into field fights and the stand join in especially if my hometown team is losing.

[Roggyrus]

I could relate to the characters, acting out of their high school personalities. The youngsters at this age are notoriously inquisitive and daring when it comes to sex. Peer pressure, the desire to belong to a group exerts its influence on the young mind, still on the stage of experimentation and inquisitiveness about life. The atmosphere seems to be of permissiveness and freedom, if not for the institutions of restraint and morality held on to by the elders. Thanks for the interesting review.

[Afincher79]

I read the first couple of chapters, but can't say that I'm too big into football drama novels. I'm going to try to read it all the way through because one can be pleasantly surprised at the quality of book towards the end. So far, it's hard to stay focused due to my lack of interest.

[jennyd2003]

Good review. Sounds interesting. A better take maybe on how females are treated by men without the men necessarily realizing this is how they are treating them.

[Jacki Mac Iver Hill]

Sounds like a fascinating read, particularly how the author was able to portray the female perspective. This story is nothing like I thought it would be, thank you for the review.

[Hannah_Vibbert]

I downloaded this book today and, after reading your review, I am looking forward to reading it! I can't recall ever reading a book that looks at both side of the coin without holding some sort of bias and pointing fingers. Reading about how peer pressure affects young teens and getting fresh perspective without all the drama is going to be very eye-opening. Thank you for this amazing review!

[Mary WhiteFace]

It's interesting that the author showed the negative side of being macho, and how it's wrong to view women as property. Most guys have a hard time admitting those issues exist. It sounds like he did a little soul searching at some point.

Thank you for your insightful and thorough review.

[klwoodford]

This sounds like such a great, relatable, and eye-opening read. Thank you for the impressive review.

[Kibet Hillary]

It's a gem of a story, and remarkably moving. This is a very nice book indeed. The review is commendable. Thanks for it. I can now read the book having read the review. I am interested in how the adolescents in the 60's handled the issue of sex and relationships since it appears that there is a big difference with how it is handled now.

[itslauren]

This book sounds like something people should read. A lot of these issues aren't addressed with teenagers, especially between parent and child. I think it'd good that this book talks about these subjects and it shows people that's okay to not know everything; It's okay to make mistakes and grow from them. Can't wait to read it!

[Ellie Gatillo]

Great review! I feel like I would see myself in Deanie, too. Peer pressure is a burden borne by many. Sex before marriage is still considered taboo in my country. Airing out some of a female's dilemma can be refreshing.

[Samy Lax]

To have a book openly discuss toxic masculinity is so refreshing. I believe readers need to get to the last part of the book to take in its full impact on Brian. Definitely a fascinating read.