GAME: an American Novel

by Phil Truman

Vietnam vet Donny Doyle has a job no one coaching Tsalagee High’s basement-dwelling football team. And despite the school’s decade-long record of failure, he promises to deliver the backwater Oklahoma town a state championship. But the only way to do it is to recruit a terrifying, mammoth kid straight out of juvenile detention. Battling his own PTSD, Coach Doyle struggles to tame his ticking time bomb of a player into a disciplined gridiron beast. And after a fast five-win start, Doyle’s fears come true when a celebration-gone-wrong turns into a possible season suspension for his undefeatable star. Can the gritty former Marine engineer a drive to the Promised Land before his entire squad self-destructs? GAME, an American Novel is a fascinating insight into high school football. If you like deep character studies, winning against the odds, and the triumph of the human spirit, then you’ll love Phil Truman’s feel-good story.

Genres: Fiction, Sports, Football, Contemporary, Amazon, Drama

282 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2007

About the author

I'm a Heartland American who still believes in God, country, and apple pie (ummm). I've been married to the same woman for 40 years and plan to remain so as long as she and God permit it. I'm a father of two, grandfather of two, a Protestant, a veteran. Some would call me a curmudgeon (and have); I prefer conservative. I left the business world in 2007 to become a full time writer. I have three published novels - RED LAND OUTLAW, LEGENDS OF TSALAGEE, GAME, all of which have been #1 Best Sellers on Amazon. The 4th & 5th novels are in the pipe. I am a regular contributor to the Western Fictioneers blog http://westernfictioneers.blogspot.com/ . I never read books about teenage vampires, probably because I'm a former high school teacher; and have not, nor will I ever, read a Harry Potter book. The thought of flying, magical children frightens me.

Reviews

[Thom Swennes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Football isn’t just a game; it is a way of life. Organized school sports are a large part of a total learning curriculum. Not just the social aspects are important but the ability to work as a team, have pride in your school, endeavor and self. The never say die, never give up attitude is one of the most important lessons of life and the one constant that makes anyone a success at life. Donny Doyle can attest to these afore mentioned truths. They served him well in Vietnam as a marine lance-corporal and after in college and life as a teacher and high school coach. He plays a crucial role in, not only the lives of his students, but indeed the entire town of Tsalagee, Oklahoma. High school sports and the athletes that participate in them are of major interest to these small town citizens. From Oregon to Florida and California to Maine these Friday night warriors are the pride of their communities and their most valued asset; as they represent and embody the future. This is a story of American small town life, customs and values. The readers are introduced to characters such as Danny Doyle, “Chunky” Bill Mundis, Willis “Blade” Cross, Jorge Estavez and Leotis McKinley (not to mention a supporting cast of characters clearly spawned by kissing cousins or closer) and how this group of social misfits create a thing of beauty; a football team that operates at a well oiled, disciplined and talented unit that do more than win games but give a backwash town a reason for being. An obscure rural hamlet can establish its existence on a state map by winning a district or state championship. Anyone that has watched and enjoyed the TV series Friday Night Lights is sure to enjoy this book. Football is America. More than Chevy’s at levees and apple pie, football defines America in a way no other sport can define another country because it surpasses the realm of sport and defines life. In my opinion there are far too few books written about this great American institution and its countless number of participants that epitomize Americans and their way of life.

[Jeffrey Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an endearing and nostalgic story high school football. What I found most interesting, on a personal level, was that the story took place the same time my high school football team, the Lasalle-Peru Cavaliers had their Cinderella season, reaching the state playoffs. That alone made this a most enjoyable read.

I really liked the storyline about a coach, a Vietnam veteran, who resurrects the high school's football program, overcoming adversities, both personal and professional. It's as American a story you've ever read before. What didn't work for me were the ethnic stereotypes and the tendency for the author to approximate dialects which made the story drag at times. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for authenticity, especially when it comes to language, but the author had the tendency to overdo it which a got a bit tiresome after a while.

Nonetheless, this is a nice little story which will have you cheering the coach and his players.

Jeffrey Miller,
Bureau 39

[Ken Orton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book but probably only appeals to those who love high school football and further that like small-town mania over same. Not in the class with "Friday Night Lights" at all but still interesting light reading about the subject in Oklahoma this time. Some character development and background but it comes at spotty times.

[Larry Kurmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This yarn has it all!

Sometimes one needs a soul feeder to pick you up and, in a fundamental way, dustoff your perspective and refresh your view of things. This book does that. Well structured, fluid in narrative and credible.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gotta read

I was introduced to small town football when I lived in Texas while in service. There is a lot of truth in this fantastic book and I really enjoyed reliving that experience. Thanks for a great stroll thru a memorable year.

[David Sailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just excellent

I loved the writing. Very expressive and great character development. I love football, living in New England with the Patriots, how can you not, but still had some difficulty following the play by play. That was hardly an issue, just a great story.

[Bob Mielke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some may enjoy it.

This book would probably be enjoyed more by an adolescent than an adult. The football segments were well done and the description of town life seemed plausible.
I didn't care for some of stereotypes of minorities though.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a game

Excellent read; lives changed through a small towns effort to resurrect his football team but in reality so much more than just a game.

[Ernest Bevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

This was a very enjoyable book to read. Being a sports fan the characters were brought to life which made the book hard to put down.

[Erik Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town football obession at its finest. Entertaining read.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many reviews have said 'you don't have to like football to enjoy this book' and I suppose that's true. But loving HS football, and understanding the plays being called and positions in the game make Truman's novel richer and a joy to read.

With all respect to the real-life characters involved in "The Blind Side", "GAME" is the fictional, action filled, non-chick-lit alternative. Uplifting, inspiring without being maudlin.

The synopsis is available, so I won't repeat the storyline...but the characters in GAME are what pull you in and keep you there, wrapped in small town Oklahoma high school football. From Coach Doyle to his young team members and especially his "recruits" with troubled lives, I found myself not only believing the characters but truly caring about them.

I recommended this book to a friend remarking that, during the first few chapters, Truman does skip back and forth in time--but instead of finding it distracting-- I learned the depth of each young man in the novel. Eventually and inevitably, GAME ends up on a high school football field, circa 1970s Oklahoma.

This is an important note to some readers: I was nearly halfway through GAME before I recognized the absence of something; PROFANITY. Truman has written a book about HS football without finding a need to have anyone cursing. I'm no prude, but I found it remarkable that Truman has gathered all these men and boys in a sports setting and made it VERY realistic sans vulgarity. I mention it here, because it surely IS a book men and boys will enjoy, and you can feel safe in giving it as a gift to anyone from young adult on up.

I LOVED "Game". It IS about football, but it's even more about heart, fellowship and deciding to control your own destiny.

GAME is a touching, realistic sports oriented novel. An excellent, inexpensive Kindle book that I heartily recommend. This would be a great gift not for the sports lovers in your family, but to those who enjoy a heartwarming tale of growth and spirit.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really a departure from norm for me. As such I thought it was going to be a difficult book for me to read let alone review. It is one that I would really consider to be a "guy" book. So I was pretty much thinking what am I going to say? Imagine my surprise when I liked this book. This was an amazing book for me. Going in not expecting to like it and coming out loving it shows what an excellent job Phil Truman did writing this. The book is filled with action so it moves along quickly. But not so quick that you cannot get to know the characters. You will know and care for them deeply. This is an inspiring book. There is no adult themes, (aside from war and violence), in it so it is perfect for high school football fans. It is a great book for either sex and one that mothers and sons can share and talk about. This book would make an awesome gift for football fans. It is small town football at its best.
*I received this book from the author for review. No compensation was received. All opinions are mine.*
A full review can be found at www.alaskanbookcafe.com

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I enjoyed the book. A fast-reading book. I liked the football stuff, the way the players responded to adversity, the story line was terrific. BUT...I would've liked a longer book with a few added items: There were three players brought in, but the author chose to follow, in detail, only one. He hints at the other two, but no development until the Epilogue. That was disappointing. The other two were even more going in the wrong direction but there was no telling of their turnarounds. Secondly, the coach was highlighted in the beginning but then dropped. No more looking into his thinking, doubts, fears, wonderings, relationship with his wife, the town....nothing. The one player took over the book. Now, regarding that one player, he had a literature/English teacher that took a interest in his abilities. Why was that not developed as well? That turned out to be big part of his life. See....include all those things and the book would've been longer, but, with all these parallel stories, it would've been more complete. (in my opinion of course).

[Pat Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book a lot. It reminded me of Friday Night Lights and Texas football in the 50s. There is more play by play than I thought necessary, but for guys that played the game in high school, I can see the appeal. It is a quick read, but the author gives you sympathetic characters that the reader can identify with. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Jeffrey Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game by Phil Truman is a gripping sports thriller that tackles small-town politics and corruption with real grit and authenticity. Truman clearly knows his subject matter - the football scenes pulse with energy, and the Oklahoma setting feels vivid and lived-in. I appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from the darker side of high school sports culture while still celebrating the genuine passion people have for the game. The protagonist is likable and principled, facing impossible choices that kept me invested throughout. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace with enough twists to keep things interesting. My only reservation? Some dialogue occasionally felt a touch heavy-handed. But overall, this is an engaging, thought-provoking read that’ll especially resonate with sports fans and anyone who loves a good underdog story!

[Srempfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a reader has never been to a location in person but can "feel" the setting, vividly picture the places the author takes them, something incredible has been accomplished. This book does just this that and more.

For those who love competition, especially football, this is a must. Yet, the greatness is the accessibility of the read for those outside the chalked lines. People root for people, identify with others, and give their hearts to incredible characters. Leotis McKinley is that character, we as readers long for. His story line, alone, is well worth the ride, but there is so much more. The town 'locals" have big personalities and they feel authentic.

Well done, sir. Well done.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book five stars, but it was in desperate need of an editor. There were so many typos and inconsistencies that I found myself almost annoyed, and it did detract somewhat from my enjoyment of the story.

With that said, I loved this book. The story is riveting and the characters are rich. You can actually hear their voices while reading, which is something I can say for few other books I've read. And you don't even need to be a football fan to enjoy it, though it would certainly help.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly Loved this novel! It's American football at its best, taking place in Tsalagee, Oklahoma. The characters from Coach Donny Doyle to the loner Leotis McKinley get right into your heart and you feel you are in the stands cheering on the hometeam listening to the red neck bantering of the crowd. If you are a fan of high school football or just love a good old fashion American story, definitely read GAME!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not, nor have I ever been a football fan. I am a sucker for football movies like Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side, and for this book. a lot of the plays described I skimmed, because frankly, they all look the same to me, but the story itseld, beyond the football game was a heartwarmer, rife with tears and laughter and hope for the characters. if you like football, you would love it, but even if you don't like football, you can still enjoy it.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not have thought that this book about a small town high school coach bringing his football team into contention would be as entertaining and interesting as it is. The story line is well developed with a good appreciation of the how the history of all the main and secondary plays fit in the story. The achievements are to some extent inspiring and there is a satisfying ending for all. Well worth the read. I will look for other books by Phil Truman.

[James Currin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book, I thought. The author covers the game of football and all its aspects - the players, coaches, supporters, spectators - and makes a very interesting story out of it. I was in the spectator category and always looked forward to our Friday night games. I particularly enjoyed the lesson on not giving up. The characters are all well developed and real, including the heroes.

[Florence Primrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a small Oklahoma town football is king. After many losing years a new young coach, Don Doyle, has come. To improve the team they have recruited three young men who due to poor decisions and background could be in jail but are brought by a mission to get them out of Tulsa.

Doyle works to I still the sense of self and team. Interesting story as the team jells.

[Kevin Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not normally a big fan of sports stories. The formula is normally predictable. In that respect, this book was as expected. However the pacing was good and the characters were engaging. I read the book on a long plane flight and it was an enjoyable way to pass the time.

[Don Paske · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could benefit from a good editor. While it had good character development, decent dialogue, and an engaging plot, all the writing/proofreading errors were a HUGE distraction. Clean it up some and it easily would get my four stars.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was rather predictable, right down to the epilogue at the end. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it (I'm a sucker for the little guy), although I have to admit I skimmed through the game details. I'm sure some people would find that interesting, but I didn't need it to get into the story.

[Jim Krotzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main complaint about a novel that takes place in 1975 is that it didn't coincide with the times. Players knocked knuckles after a good play or win. The author did seem to know football. The main premise though seems to be that a school or booster club has to cheat to provide a good team.

[Greg Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game: An American Novel

My favorite Phil Truman Book so far. If you love sports, traditional military values and America, you will feel this story in your heart and soul. Not a book for ivory tower elitists, but for those with grit.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best football book I've ever read. I come from a small town centered around friday night high school football and he catpured everything perfectly.

[Claudia Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. About football team in a small town in TX in the late 70's. Reminded me alot of Friday Night Lights, one of my all time favorite TV series.

[Melba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasure to read, and if you like football you will enjoy this one.