We're all told that high school athletics are good for teens, providing the positive engagement that correlates with academic achievement, boosting their health, and providing valuable life lessons such as time management and teamwork. It probably does for many kids. But what if adults--not only coaches, but influential community members--are so invested in their school's continued championship that they'll do whatever it takes--legal or not--to keep it up? The students can pay quite a price for their misdeeds.
That's what Heather Buchta deals with in her roller coaster ride of a chiller: All For The Game.
"What if he found actual proof that EastPay (East Pages High) football was cheating somehow? Would he keep quiet? If he didn't play for EastPay, what was the point of everything? Moving his grandma. Losing his friends. Struggling with his relationship."
Finn has been raised by his beloved grandmother, his father being MIA, his mother addicted to drugs. He's determined to provide her with a secure, comfortable life as her health declines. He sees going pro as the only way to do so. He's staked their futures on EastPay. But what if that was a big mistake?
"Other opposing players were out here and there during games against EastPay. The average person would never notice. Student players missed games. It happened.
The week Finn played EastPay [on the opposing team] last year, his grandma was ill. Food Poisoning. Had it [tainted food] been meant for Finn?"
Meg, Finn's girlfriend, is still at his old school. She's having strange experiences. She got a message to meet Finn at the EastPay gym at a time he wouldn't be there only to be treated with extreme hostility by his coaches. And she's seeing other disturbing signs.
"Spencer had said to lay low, but Brit was going for invisibility. In class, she kept her head buried in her books. During passing period, she walked with the briskness of a lawyer late for court, eyes straight ahead. Britney Wallace, Fearless Flyer.
What a joke. She was terrified."
Brit, Finn's cousin, is the EastPay cheer co captain. She's getting the feeling that her squad is keeping secrets from her. When she tries to figure out what's going on an extremely cruel hoax is played on her.
It starts small with Finn noticing an unusual pattern. When the EastPay team plays no threat teams their starters are there in full force. But they play powerhouses some of their starters are mysteriously absent. It happens too often to be mere coincidence.
But there are other disturbing incidents. The death of a young man. Warnings and threats. A sinister chat room. The three are trying to bring the truth to light and bring an end to what amounts to a reign of terror.
But with the odds definitely stacked against them...
...If you're anything like me the story will come vividly to life and you won't want to put the book down.
On a purrrsonal note, I am having the most purrrfect Christmas anyone could have. Eugene and I exchanged gifts and looked in our Santa stockings. Then he made breakfast. But the weather was disturbing--a full blown storm that we weren't supposed to get. We were afraid it would prevent Katie, Jacob, and Adam from coming up from Southern Maine. Fortunately it didn't. We met up at Amber and Brian's where we chilled and exchanged gifts. Brian made the most delicious corn chowder and grilled cheese sandwiches. I had seconds on both. I ate more in one meal than I usually do in one day. Then Katie, Jacob, Adam, Eugene, and I went to the in-laws for their traditional Christmas party. My best gift was the chance to spend time with loved ones. Of course I did get thoughtful gifts including money, journals, gift cards to Hannaford and Goodwill, handmade (by Amber) owl earrings and so much more. The most unique gift--my own copy of the book manuscript Amber just wrote. Anyway it was a purrrfect Christmas.
A great big shout out goes out to all who contributed to making today so special.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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