THE WALK ON

A cliffhanger of a football novel bristling with social, personal, familial and ethical issues to complement the gridiron action, from best-selling sports writer Feinstein.

Alex Myers is newly located to a town outside of Philadelphia after his parents' divorce. He will be entering his freshman year in high school, and he has designs on becoming the first-string varsity quarterback. This is a bit of a stretch for both Myers and Feinstein, because freshmen—even Joe Namath—don’t typically get invited to varsity practices. Moving on, it becomes apparent that Alex has one heck of an arm, even to the starter, who just happens to be the coach’s son, a friendly and encouraging kid. Coach, on the other hand, might as well have come straight from Camp Lejeune. Feinstein’s writing strives for the boyish but has a sophisticated undercurrent. The story has a steady stream of sports for those with a jones for that genre, but it is also a mystery and a testament to misplaced ego (both youth and oldsters), along with touching on puppy love, the sting of jealousy and parental affection. Oh, not to forget, the freedom of the press as well. Just a few minor issues, all handled with appropriate delicacy or firmness, as required.

All the goods for the sports enthusiast—and more.