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Out of the Pocket
by Bill Konigsberg
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$16.99 |
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$11.55 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. |
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$5.44 (32%) |
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Hardcover
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
ISBN13: 9780525479963
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Star quarterback Bobby Framingham, one of the most 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.
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| Left Me Spellbound and Swept Off My Feet!! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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More times than I can count I've praised authors who have produced "well-written" books. In this particular case, I do not think such a description would do justice to such a beautifully articulated story. The writer's voice of this author is purely melodic, and the flow of the prose is so natural and seamless that it literally carries the reader along until all of a sudden they've sadly reached the last page.
Out of the Pocket is without question a coming-out and coming-of-age story, but I'm reluctant to tag it with these labels simply because I fear that to do so would trivialize the magnificent effort that went into this amazing story. It is certainly an atypical coming-out drama for numerous reasons. Foremost among these reasons is the fact that the protagonist is not some angst-ridden adolescent who secretly pines for another guy. Instead we are introduced to a very strong and confident Bobby Framingham, high school football quarterback for the Durango Bulldogs. From almost the beginning of the story, Bobby expresses that he is aware of his homosexual orientation, and he decides early on that he must confide his secret to a trusted friend. It becomes a case of "and he told two friends...and so on...and so on."
Eventually a fellow classmate and reporter for the school newspaper convinces Bobby that he can be trusted. Bobby explains to the classmate (Finch Gozman) that he is certain that he's gay, but he is not yet ready to come out publicly. Gozman betrays Bobby and runs the story in the school newspaper. It almost immediately is picked up by the local media, then the Associated Press, and then the national television and print media. Suddenly Bobby is the poster boy for gay teen athletes--much to his chagrin.
Out of the Pocket is the story about how a gay teenager who doesn't fit any of the stereotypes is able to cope with the pressure of coming out publicly. It is a story about team camaraderie and family loyalty. It is a story about friendship and even gay romance. It is about finding the courage within ourselves which allows us to step outside of our comfort zone in order to do what we know is right.
My only criticism of the book was that the author often used so much sports' jargon that I felt as if I was reading in a foreign language. Frankly the description of plays and maneuvers on the football field was a litrary device that sailed right over my head. Sadly I missed the meaning of some of the descriptions and even the metaphors simply because I did not understand. I would note that the author should be aware of the target audience to whom he is writing. If he expected sports aficianodos to be his reader base, he was right on target. If he was writing to the typical gay-romance reader, I think he went a bit overboard with the sports lingo. I would add, however, that it was believable in the sense that a first-person singular narration by a teen football quarterback probably would include a lot of sports talk.
In spite of that one minor criticism, I must admit that this deeply moving and compelling story has left me spellbound. I was literally swept off my feet by Bobby Framingham and impressed beyond description by the author's masterful prose.
Out of the Pocket is an inspiring, uplifting, must-read for all who appreciate gay-themed literature. I also highly recommend it to all who value quality prose in any genre. Great job, Bill Konigsberg, and thank you for your incredible story. FIVE STARS!!
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| Realistic and interesting |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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This is one of the better novels I've read about a gay high school athlete. The character development is good, the main character very likeable, and the plot is realistic. Recommended.
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| Out of the Pocket |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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A straight forward piece of storytelling about a bent quarterback. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read with a credible plot that weaves a line between facile acceptance and overplayed melodrama. I found the book a fascinating comparison with the real life example of Brian K. Simms. I couldn't put the book down.
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| great summer read |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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not the heaviest, but a great beach read. The writing is solid, the characters well drawn, and it held my attention from first to last. all in, a very fun and entertaining gay read.
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| nice...real nice... |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I definitely enjoyed this book...glad I bought it, albeit I was a little hesitant at first, but it was a good move...i recommend this to anyone who is considering it, believe me I've made my mistakes with gay themed novels, man oh man...have I ever, but this one was a very well worth it purchase...I only wish the story were longer, as it was so addictive...
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