I thought the author did a wonderful job with the descriptions in the book and setting the scene. Even if the reader has no earthly idea what the foundations of football are they will still manage to fall in love with Wyatt and be able to relate to him. However, although the book has some very sad moments of body shaming, the author still managed to make the book very funny. It’s clear that he lacks some self-awareness, in particular when it comes to his anxiety about his weight. Wyatt has a very distinctive voice, and even though his character is slightly awkward, you can’t help but love him. This book’s plot center around the thoughts and feelings of Wyatt Parker. He currently lives in Boston with his 2 sons (Eric Kester, n.d.).

His writing has been described as a twist of Twain, Salinger, and Sedaris from prior critics. He has previously contributed to writing for The Boston Globe,, , and is currently a featured writer for. Author BackgroundĮric Kester was born in Boston and graduated from Harvard University where he wrote for a column for the undergraduate newspaper titled The Crimson. Wyatt has to decide if he will keep his brother’s secret or let someone know why will stop him from playing football. When Brett gets a concussion during a football game one evening he asks Wyatt not to tell anybody so he can still have a chance to play in a big game that could get him a football scholarship with a one way ticket out of MA. Wyatt’s father takes out all of his anger on him and glorifies Brett leaving Wyatt constantly feeling unloved. Wyatt has very poor self-esteem and can only ever concentrate on how he is overweight. His father is a fisherman that has been devastated by the red tide, an environmental disaster that kills all of the fish and sea life on their coastal town. Playing for the team could hopefully mean some time with his brother Brett, and some time away from his alcoholic father whose favorite past time seems to be belittling him and reminding him that he will never be like Brett. Wyatt tried out for the team his freshman year and got cut, but now that he is a sophomore, he has finally been given a chance. His brother, Brett, is the star football quarterback at his local high school and his dad loves living out his old glory days vicariously through him.

Reading Level/Interest Level: Grades 8-12ġ6-year-old Wyatt lives in a small fishing town in Massachussetts where football rules the land.

Gut check eric kester