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The Playbook

A Novel

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

A guitarist, a philosopher, and a natural-born leader with a ponytail walk onto a football field.

In the heart of a small mountain town where football reigns supreme and tradition casts long shadows, Ms. Chelsea Deal defies the norm. Amid the echoes of clashing helmets and the roar of a crowd, Chelsea, a former big-city lawyer now cast as the interim head coach for the undefeated Rabon Knights, becomes the unexpected mentor for two young players whose dreams echo her own. Palmer, a reclusive teenager brimming with untapped talent, and Ty, an old soul fighting the gravest of battles, join forces with Chelsea to overcome their differences and fight for a championship.

As the season unfolds, so do the lives of these characters as each one strives to defeat personal challenges. Chelsea, with her keen instincts and generous spirit, seeks to rewrite the rules in a town slow to accept her. Palmer, elusive and insecure, navigates the pain of a dysfunctional family and the pull of interests beyond football. And Ty, the quarterback whose bright future is threatened by a deadly adversary, searches for strength in the power of unlikely friendships.

From the smoky aroma of Southern barbecue to the indomitable spirit of a team that refuses to yield, The Playbook captures the essence of what it means to fight for every inch, every down, every dream. as a team. This story reminds us of the possibilities when we allow our instincts to take charge-when the game is no longer just a game, but a catalyst for life-altering experiences.

Join us on the field and beyond, as Chelsea, Palmer, and Ty show us that sometimes, the most profound victories don't come with a score. Sometimes, when we break through our defenses, both literal and metaphorical, we find glory in unexpected places. And, sometimes, the games aren't just played, but felt, and the characters aren't just written, but lived.

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    • Publisher's Weekly

      September 2, 2024
      This heartwarming and inspirational tale by Parker (author of The Constantine Conspiracy) offers a unique perspective on small-town dynamics, personal growth, and the transformative power of sports. Set in a picturesque mountain town where football is more than just a game, Parker’s compelling narrative centers on three characters whose lives intersect on and off the field: Chelsea Deal, interim head football coach for Georgia’s Rabon Knights; new transplant Palmer Norman, whose music holds “a touch of darkness born by suffering”; and quarterback Ty Rogers, brimming with natural talent—and haunted by a dark, threatening disease.
      The novel's strength lies in its well-developed characters and their intertwining storylines. Chelsea, a refreshing protagonist who brings a unique perspective to the male-dominated football world, boasts a journey from big-city lawyer to small-town coach that is both believable and inspiring, and the young players under her wing are equally compelling, each grappling with personal demons that add depth and relatability to their characters. Parker's attention to detail in describing the atmosphere of high school football in a small Southern town is commendable, from the crowded diners to the tension on the sidelines, allowing readers to feel as if they’ve stepped onto the fifty-yard line themselves, dazzled by bright lights and the roar of the crowd.
      Though some of Parker’s sports drama feels predictable, he avoids clichés by focusing on the characters' personal growth rather than just their athletic achievements, granting them the space needed to navigate their troubles and accept each other for being flawed, and, above all, united against the heartbreak life pours their way. The pacing slows at times, especially during the more reflective moments, but those sections ultimately contribute to the story’s emotional payoff, and Parker’s skill at capturing the essence of teamwork and the impact mentorship can have—as when Palmer notes that Rabon “ my family… me up when I fell down”—resonates.
      Takeaway: Thoughtful exploration of community, personal transformation, and believing in yourself.
      Comparable Titles: H.G. Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights, T.L. Simpson’s Strong Like You.
      Production grades
      Cover: B+
      Design and typography: A
      Illustrations: N/A
      Editing: A-
      Marketing copy: A

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  • English

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