October 26, 2014

Review: Press play by Eric Devine

Summary-
Greg Dunsmore, a.k.a. Dun the Ton, is focused on one thing: making a documentary that will guarantee his admission into the film school of his choice. Every day, Greg films his intense weight-loss focused workouts as well as the nonstop bullying that comes from his classmates. But when he captures footage of violent, extreme hazing by his high school’s championship-winning lacrosse team in the presence of his principal, Greg’s field of view is in for a readjustment.
Greg knows there is a story to be told, but it is not clear exactly what. And his attempts to find out the truth only create more obstacles, not to mention physical harm upon himself. Yet if Greg wants to make his exposé his ticket out of town rather than a veritable death sentence, he will have to learn to play the game and find a team to help him.
Combine the underbelly of Friday Night Lights with the unflinching honesty of Walter Dean Myers, and you will find yourself with Eric Devine’s novel of debatable truths, consequences, and realities.
 
Review-
This book is a solid four star book and would be a five star but I felt that author Eric Devine got a tad bit too confusing when his characters discussed their thoughts and plans. However, the book in its entirety was absolutely awesome! The premise is a high school geek who is overweight, wants to be a film-maker, and tends to fudge when he makes school documentaries. He uncovers a lot of secrets his junior year--hazing, sexual molestation, bullying, etc--and decides to finally man up and start telling the truth to save those around him.

The book was very fast-paced and action-filled. Devine captures the craziness and intensity of youth very well, which is no surprise considering that he is a high school English teacher. Greg, the protagonist, and his band of misfits, Ella, Quinn, and Ollie are likable and sympathetic characters that teens will easily identify with. And the outcome? Well, let's just say that it knocked me for a loop! Happy Reading:)
 
Publisher-Running Press Kids
Reviewers Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Cindi Clubbs
Thank you to the Publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!!

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