Out of the Pocket - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Star quarterback Bobby Framingham, one of themost talented high school football players in California, knows he's different from his teammates. They're like brothers, but they don't know one essential thing: Bobby is gay. Can he still be one of the guys and be honest about who he is? When he's outed against his will by a student reporter, Bobby must find a way to earn back his teammates' trust and accept that his path to success might be more public, and more difficult, than he'd hoped. An affecting novel about identity that also delivers great sportswriting.

Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Great book! September 30, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Wow! What a great book. OK, so quick synopsis...closeted gay football star makes tentative steps toward coming out only to be outted far quicker than he intended; throw in family, friends and recruiters and you've got yourself a novel! Every scene is well illustrated; the book is uplifting without being trite. So easily with gay/coming out fiction it can all get a bit preachy, but Bill K, does an amazing job of being both believable and surprising. The characters seem natural and well developed.

5 out of 5 stars

All Heart, All Action, Pure Genious September 29, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Memorable. A keepsake of fiction, a work of heart, expertly weaving together unforgettable action from the football field with the innermost fears and dreads and joys of teen life, teamwork and love. A coming-of-age, coming-out story like no other. Powerful and unstereotypical characters, rivoting dialogue, great twists, good laughs... and plenty of tears. Economical, masterful narrative down to each chapter, paragraph and sentence. A curious blend of sweetness and suspense sure to earn a cherished place in the hearts of teens, families... and anyone who savors the struggles and lessons of life lived to its full potential! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

5 out of 5 stars

A great story - for any audience September 28, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

It's amazing - I couldn't put this book down. Whether you're interested in football or coming-of-age dramas, you'll be hooked on this one. The characters and plot were as compelling as they come. Just like I felt like I was "in" the game as each play unfolded from the quarterback's perspective, I couldn't remain on the sidelines as Bobby's world comes unwound. The story centers on his coming to terms with being gay - while being thrust into the national spotlight without warning, role models or a plan. I was cheering and holding my breath the whole time - hoping that he'd find the strength to be true to himself (whatever that might mean), that his family, team and friends would support him, and that his dreams of winning on the field wouldn't be compromised by everything going on off of it.

I loved the honest portrayal of the range of emotions that each character demonstrated, as well as the ongoing humor and great sports moments throughout. It's a perfect book for adolescents -and their parents - who want to see what it's like "inside the pocket" and inside the world of a kid who must come to terms with who he is -and fast. Beyond Bobby's story of coming out, it's a well-crafted picture of how we all play a role in each other's lives, whether we want to or not.

Buy it. You'll be glad you did.

4 out of 5 stars

Upbeat, uplifting, and just a great read September 28, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Bill Konigsberg's novel, "Out of the Pocket," is a great addition to the field of gay sports fiction. The story of Bobby Framingham benefits from a cast of well-written, distinct characters. Bobby, his teammates, his girlfriend (of sorts), his eventual boyfriend, his parents, and even his antagonist are all well-formed individuals. You get the feeling that each of these people have lives of their own and are not there just as props for Bobby's journey.

It is great to see a gay athlete's story that is not filled with tragedy (although there are life-altering family issues that have to be dealt with--and are--along the way). What could be a cliched "big-game" ending is handled deftly and appropriately and with sincerity.

I am way beyond the age of the target audience, but a well-written story is a well-written story, no matter who the intended audience is. It was a great quick read that I would have loved to have read when I was in high school or college, but still enjoyed delving into as I approach 50.

I hope copies find their way into every U.S. high school library.

5 out of 5 stars

Out of the Pocket October 11, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is an important book. I hope that all high school students have a chance to read and reflect on this moving story of a high school football star coming to terms with his sexuality, the world and his future. This book deserves to be in every high school library, including small towns where students who are struggling with their sexuality so often feel isolated and alone. In addition to being a "good read" this book will provide support and understanding for all students, parents and teachers.

Jonathan Cohen, Ph.D.
President, Center for Social and Emotional Education;
Adjunct Professor in Psychology and Education,
Teachers College, Columbia University.

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