Out of the Pocket

Very simple and written like a 7th grader.

This book isn't about coming out. It's not about having a boyfriend. It's not about marathon OR fast-food sex. It's not even about being gay. It's about heroism. You know, that stuff we're always hearing about but seldom seeing? Well, Bill's got it here in spades. This book is about being a hero by definition, that being: an ordinary person PUSHED into an extraordinary situation. It requires THINKING, another amazing and delightful change from most of what's out there. It is well written with more than believable characters. I sincerely wish I'd written it, that's how good it is! DON'T MISS THIS BOOK! JD

Sportswriter Bill Kongisberg has written a winning book with OUT OF THE POCKET. This Coming of Age story is also the Coming Out story of Bobby Farmingham, a high school star quaterback who has dreams of making it into pro football. But much as Bobby is the perfect team player on the field the secret he carries-he's gay-threatens to set him apart from the others and dash his hopes for the future. Or does it? Bobby's dilemma: how to be true to yourself without risking the affection and respect of those you care about and who care about you is one that will resonate deeply with adolescent readers. How Bobby navigates the path to greater self-actualization forms the plot of this very humane and compelling book. The author vividly portrays the complexity of teen life through Bobby's friends,fully realized characters whose flaws are revealed with humor and compassion. Thanks to Bill Konigsberg's taut writing we worry right along with Bobby about how his teammates, his quasi-girlfriend, his parents will react to his news. We feel the shock and sadness as betrayal and family misfortune complicate his senior year and make his private life a public matter. This is a thoroughly absorbing and important book, perfectly capturing the quest for identity that all teens-no matter their sexual orientation-experience.

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.

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.

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.