Book: Coin Toss

Author: Brian Amado

Genre: Contemporary

Note:  I received a review copy of this book from the author.

My Synopsis: Jeremy is more than just an athlete, he is slowing proving to be the best of the best.  Wanted by a very reputable coach to play quarter back for a prestigious rivalry high school, Jeremy must search deep within to find what is most important to him.   After being offered a position, Jeremy must decide if status and fame means more to him than friendship.

Meantime Ricky, Jeremy’s best friend, must deal with a drunken father who is never there for him, and this is after losing his mother to the horrific accident that lead his father down this dreary path. For Ricky the decision to join St. Michael high school’s football team is much easier than Jeremy’s decision is.

It is the two different home situations that impacts each of the boy’s decisions so differently.

My Review: I really liked this book!  This is a series, and this is book one in the series.  Firstly, I must start off saying that while the story is heavily centered around football, it is much more than just a sports novel.   You do not need to love football, or even know anything about the sport to enjoy this book.  I myself know nothing of the sport, and I did truly enjoy it.  You too will enjoy this book, even if you are not a sports fan.

This book is deeply centred around friendship, family and relationships. The book deals with decisions around the importance of true friends in one’s life.  It also deals with themes of Death, and Values.

The book was extremely well written, the plot was interesting, and kept me intrigued the entire time.  I read the book in two sittings.

I loved the characters in this book.  Each one had something unique to contribute to the story.

I loved Jeremey’s character for the simple fact that although he is one of the best in his field, and he knows it, he at no point in time ever lets that get to his head. He is humble, caring and holds his groups of friends close to his heart.  His kindness is proven in the story that Lauren shares with her little brother.  If I did not already love Jeremy at this point, that passage solidified my feelings for him.

I love the group of friends in general.  Having a teenage son myself, only one year older than Jeremy, I could really relate to so much of the teenage boy language, and interactions.  The boys reminded me of my own son and his group of friends.  I like the familiarity here.

I loved how Jeremy’s parents were portrayed as real people with faults.  At first, they are all about pushing Jeremy to attend St. Michael but when they are given opportunities that they otherwise would never have, all of a sudden their decision and influence over Jeremy’s decision alters. This shows they are not perfect, even though they appear to be the perfect loving family, they too have faults and are easily influenced.

I loved Jeremy’s mother’s character specifically because I connected to her, and I felt like I could relate to her.

My heart went out to Ricky throughout the entire book.  He has already endured so much heartache in his short 15 years of life, and yet remains on the right path due to the help of Jeremy and his parents being there for him day in and day out, filling the parental role.

Closing Thoughts: Overall, this was a fantastic read that captured my attention throughout.   I give this book a 4-star rating out of 5 stars.  A well written book with wonderful characters that make you to get to know each of them even more.  I am looking forward to seeing what the next book in the series brings.