Sins of the Tribe

by Mark A. Salter

Amazon Best Seller in Football Coaching & Sociology of Sports 2023 National Indie Excellence Winner in Sports TRIBE FOREVER Sins of the Tribe , by author Mark A. Salter, explores the impact of intense tribalism and its resulting dehumanization in a setting that’s popular, wildly flawed, and hiding in plain college football. Wally Hestia is on top of the world when he becomes a member of the Bastille University Tribe football team, a six-time national champion powerhouse with a pristine reputation and a nationwide following. But he’s only on the team as the holder for his mentally deficient brother, Henry, a kicking prodigy and the person who gives Wally purpose. But over time, Wally sees morality trampled for the larger cause of tribal dominance. When Wally finds himself in opposition to Bastille to the point where he and Henry are in danger, he must choose between the adulation of the larger tribe or embrace the idyllic virtues Bastille had draped itself in, even if it means losing everything. Sins of the Tribe explores these hard morality is subordinate to tribalism and the need for domination through violent proxies is real. Sins of the Tribe will appeal to football fans as well as fans of fiction.

Genres: Sports, Contemporary, Fiction, Thriller, Literary Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

Published July 12, 2022

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should start with saying football is not really my thing. I still wanted to check this book out because the characters sounded interesting and often sports stories are more about the people in them than the sport. The first chapter of this book was so bizarre and unappealing I wasn’t sure I would make it through the rest. I did finish it and the story did get better, in some ways. This story is about how college football uses up their players giving them a half assed education in exchange. This story is about corrupt systems full of powerful, white, men. This story is about child abuse and ongoing physical abuse. And while Wally’s moral compass does hit some of the sins I see he engages in some others that I think are still part of them problem. Wally and his adoptive brother Henry are stuck in a tiny town with The Minister but Wally knows how to get them out. Henry is undiagnosed but has some delays and deficits cognitively and socially, but he is a super star kicker. Wally has dreamed of being part of The Tribe, fictional Bastille University’s football team. I did like The professor and Samantha, but I didn’t like most of the characters. Overall I gave this one 2.5 stars rounded up to make up for football not being my thing. I didn’t really like this one, but if you like college football this one may be more your style.

[Inés Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very, very good. I am not a fan of sports, i do not know anything about sports but you don't need to know to read this book. It was such a captivating book about college football.

The inside, the ugly, the things we don't see and know while standing in on the stands or watching it on TV. It was heartbreaking to read about how less the players are actually cared for, they are used to win a game that no longer feels like a game at some point. It was an emotional read for me, but i am happy i got to see this side of college football. I was not sure about this book at first but curiosity won me on this and i have no regrets.

This book was as bare as the skin on me. It was very well-written. One of the lines from the book that i felt as i read was from Dion "I lost hope; it was going to be part of me forever. Time would pass and the memory would recede but the hole in me would grow."

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I requested this book as my husband has been a high school football coach for 45+ years and I wanted to get a sense of the enthusiasm that always envelops him. What I didn't anticipate was how emotional I would become as I was drawn into the story from the very first page as it sucked my heart and soul out of my body (and then replaced them, fortunately)! Wow, I can't even begin to explain how deeply it affected me. Protagonist Wally is given a chance to play for The Tribe because his brother, Henry--though he's on the spectrum--is a fabulous kicker who lets nothing deter him. But this team has its own problems as they fight for superiority. Fortunately, there are also incredible mentors like Wally's professor and even Samantha, the journalist who Wally is suspect about at first. Plot aside, this novel is just incredible in its humor, its pathos, its understanding of football, and most of all humanity with all its pitfalls and challenges. I cried through much of it, but I feel like I am a better person for having read this book. I will never watch another game the same way and without thinking of this incredible novel; should be required reading for players and families!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a college football fan, this book is a must read, for sure. The story centers around two brothers, who are walk-ons to a powerhouse college football team. Of course, the powerhouse college has secrets of their own. Anyone part of the fandom, players, coaches, etc. can act however they want as long as the team wins. There are consequences if they lose.

I am a huge college football fan as well as diehard Chicago Bears fan, this book really caught my attention and I enjoyed it a lot. When reading this it really made me think of the pressures college athletes feel to perform their best especially when on a scholarship or have aspirations for professional sports. There are also hopes and pressures from family. I enjoyed how this book explored all these issues.

Highly recommended. It was intense and relatable.

Thanks to Netgalley, Mark A Salter and Greenleaf Book Group Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 7/12/22

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m writing this review long after finishing this book but on some level, that may be best because it shows how much this book stuck with me. Months later I can still recall how tragic this story was. Although I was confused in the very beginning about the decompensation experienced by our protagonist, as the story went on, it became a clear signal of just how wrong things ended up going. The characters were well developed, the football scenes were not overly descriptive such that they lost a football novice like myself, and the drama was high stakes. This wasn’t as simple as boy meets girl and then loses her. This was, as near as possible, actual life and death as well as future prospects as opposed to bright lights fizzling into obscurity. I loved how the author treated the character of the brother, never taking his dignity. I recommend this to anyone who loves football or loves someone who loves football.

[Liz Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sports fan generally, and the parent of a former college athlete, I was intrigued by the concept of "tribalism" as reflected by the game of football.

What I didn't expect was an ambitious and well crafted story about two young men, whose set up in the first chapter is a bit clunky, but is overcome by incredible storytelling for the rest of the book. What we experience through the eyes of a young man "almost" talented enough for college as a quarterback, as he become the holder for his more talented but on the autism spectrum step-brother (a kicker) is both emotionally crushing and enlightening in equal measure. The macro story about toxic cultures in college sports (which I have experienced first-hand) is artfully explored via the microcosm of a single, fictional football team in a way that is worth every page read.

I'm a fan of college and pro football which makes me feel guiltier every season. This book, while not exactly helping me feel better about my fandom, does explain it to me in a fictional way that sort of snuck up on me. I got lost in the storytelling, the football game descriptions, and especially the Professor character and before I knew it I was cheering for Wally and Henry, who move from abusive home lives straight into abusive situations, masquerading as "coaching." and "supporting the Tribe."

Football as an analogy for life has been done before, but never in such a thought-provoking or disturbing way. I thank Mr. Salter and the Professor for this explainer: "Tribalism is the strongest dynamic in humanity; stronger than morality, kindness, rationality, even sovereign constitutions – unless of course a nation defines its tribe by that constitution."

Many thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.

[Andrew Langert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this hard-hitting book through NetGalley.
Sins of the Tribe is a no-holds-barred portrayal of the toxic environment that so often exists in big-time college sports. The tribe in this book consists of the players, coaches, the college administration, alumni and fans of a fictional big-time college football powerhouse. The tribe worships the team and its players, where any and all acts are forgiven as long as the team wins.
The story revolves around two brothers, who are the same age but born of different mothers. One of the brothers is a star high school quarterback, but not talented enough to be a starter in college. His brother, never diagnosed but mentally handicapped in some way, is an amazing placekicker, truly capable of being a star kicker in college. The kicker's holder is, of course, his brother.
The boys dream of playing for their favorite big-time college programs turns sour when their dream becomes reality. The author portrays how players are used and abused by their coaches and many other forms of corruption can be part and parcel of a big-time sports program. The reader can easily associate real-life coaches and real-life universities that resemble the fictional school in this book.
The book started a bit slow and seemed like a coming-of-age story about the two brothers, but quickly became a fascinating, though troubling, story.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that you don't have to be into sports to understand the aspects of this book. This is such a fascinating read.

The depth in which the author tells the story is captivating. You get a peek inside the grueling lives of football players-the lives we don't see while sitting in front of the tv or in the stands. If you don't like football (like me) this book will still grab you and teach you a bit about how tribalism affects the world we live in.

I loved the football scenes despite not knowing much about the sport other than the basics.

All of the characters stood out, especially The Professor.

I did not enjoy the timeline jumps all that much though I understand why they were needed. This book would work wonderfully as a movie.

This was definitely an intense book and fans of the game will love it. I read this outside my normal genre, but I am glad I did.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a fascinating story about first, child abuse, group tribalism and college football. The first chapter was a little confusing but after that, It talks about two young men, one with “issues”. This young man has a talent. He can kick football field goals with incredible accuracy. However, he will only do it with his brother planting the football. This is how both end up as walk ons on a college football team. This school team has policies for student athletes, requiring education, honesty, commitment to each other and the team. All goes well until the long tenured coach passes away. Now everything changes abruptly when the new coach arrives. After I got through the first couple chapters, I found myself unable to put the book down until I finished.

[Amy Magnuson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look inside college football and a great story about the relationship of two brothers.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful look at tribalism through the lens of collegiate football. Done carefully enough to bring to mind the larger tribal takeover of the GOP and the damage that tribalism does to the world we live in. There is a lot of game play minutiae but it’s essential to understanding the characters and the theme. There is discovery on every page, learning about the world away from what you’ve always known, moments when character is revealed, lives that are restructured as the campus is, and as the characters’ actions and reactions cause them to become. It is a moving story which causes the reader to re-examine institutions through the lens of the cultures they encourage or reinforce. Highly recommend. It is a book to spark reflection and discussion.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel about a fictional university while also being an unflinching assessment of big time college football programs, inspired by real events and headlines. I love college football, but can also recognize its problematic aspects. This book gives space for both, and my favorite character was the Professor, who helped explain why we love it *and* why its so problematic.

What worked for me:
-- The football descriptions were mostly great and very immersive. Although I've never played a down of football, I've watched plenty. The author's descriptions do a great job of really putting you fully in to practices and games, and also understanding the extreme demands placed on the young men who play.
-- The Professor. Great character, great vehicle for explaining and examining tribal dynamics
-- I was rooting for Wally & Henry the whole way through. I was bought in and desperately wanted them to find their way to a happy ending. I was so frustrated with some of Wally's choices, but I never questioned his motivation.

What didn't work as well:
-- Timeline jumps. I'm ok with a book that has a prologue that starts in a different time than the main narrative, or books with a dual timeline/dual narratives. The problem I had with this book is there were timeline jumps back within a chapter, page, or even paragraph. I found myself re-reading sections to make sure I was clear on where we were. It kept pulling me out of that focused reading enjoyment zone.
-- There were a couple football game descriptions that would jump from very cursory to very detailed. Based on scores, it was clear that field goals had been kicked during the period elapsed, but no explanation given for why we didn't hear about them. Readers not into football may not even catch it, but those into football will, and I think we could have used a reminder about the two kickers and how they were being used. (at least for the first big game scene)
-- First person narrative. It worked pretty well to get us deeply immersed in Wally's perspective, but became awkward when other perspectives were needed to finish the plot. Dion and Samantha's narratives seemed like bolt-on devices to bring the story home.

Building on that last point, in my opinion, what kept this from being a great book was the first person narrative choice. I think it would have been much stronger and more impactful in third person. And I think there was a missed opportunity with the tribe, which could have been its own "character." I've read other books that have used similar "characters" as kind of a greek chorus. (The church ladies in The Mothers by Brit Bennett comes to mind). I found the tribal stuff fascinating and that's probably why I loved the Professor so much.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This was an ambitious undertaking and pretty darn well done.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC, in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sins of the Tribe by Mark A. Salter wasn't a bad book, per se. It just......wasn't very good.

And that makes me sad, because I was all giddy about winning it in a Goodreads Giveaway _and_ having a college football book to read the night before "my" team's first signifcant game of the season.

I told my husband this morning that after I finished the book I read some reviews of it by other Goodreads users, and they were all, like, "Oh, I don't even like football and I just LOVED this book!" Which I found weird, because the storyline was implausible, many of the characters were caricatures (especially the younger brother and the professor), and there was--not to put too fine a point on it--a shit-ton of on-the-field action.

But then it hit me: I'm spoiled for books like this, because I have been so immersed one way or the other in SEC football for quite literally as long as I can remember. The stories I have followed in real life, either as a journalist who covered both high school and college football or as a diehard member of The University of Alabama "tribe," have been more interesting to me than this fictionalized treatment. And because I've followed so many stories, I felt like in reading this book that I was seeing lots of real-life people and events in a lot of what Mr Salter wrote. It's like he took Mike Leach, Urban Meyer, Jimbo Fisher, and Mark Richt and put them all in a blender and hit puree to distill the nastiness of the new coach, while on the flip side he'd done a nice mix of Bear Bryant, Bobbie Bowden, Nick Saban, Sylvester Croom, and Eddie Robinson for the old coach. He also seemed to have drawn on the whole awfulness of the Jameis Winston saga at Florida State, and maybe even some of that long-ago institutionalized misogyny when Peyton Manning was at the University of Tennesse.

I did find it quite telling that The University of Alabama played such a prominent role in the book. Love us or hate us, "we" can't be denied, can we?

Well, I'm kinda rambling, and the Alabama-Texas game is coming on here shortly, so I guess I'll wrap this up the best way I know how.......by saying that if you want to read a really, really good book about college football, then get **The Courting of Marcus Dupree by Willie Morris.

Oh, and Roll Tide!

** https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins of the Tribe
By Mark A. Salter

This book is ostensibly about college football and what harm can be done by a program which runs amok. But it is about much more than that – the football program at fictional Bastille University is a microcosm of society in general. That the team nickname – the Tribe – actually is part of the message here becomes evident early on. As the Professor explains to Wally: "Everything is tribal…tribalism is the strongest dynamic in humanity; stronger than morality, kindness, rationality, even sovereign constitutions – unless of course a nation defines its tribe by that constitution."

Wally is a young man from an abusive home who has spent his childhood trying to protect his brother, Henry, from their father's drunken abuse. He has followed the exploits of the Tribe under Coach Oldham, an honest and compassionate coach who builds his program to nurture the young men in his care. Wally's naïve belief is that this wonderful program can save him and his brother (who, though undiagnosed, seems to be autistic). Through a quirk of fate Wally and Henry manage to make the team – Henry as a phenomenal kicker and Wally as his holder. Their year with the Coach is a dream come true – though an eye opener for Wally in many ways.

Then things change and the heaven Wally and Henry enjoy turns into a hell on earth. The coaching staff becomes abusive, divisive – dishonest. Wally becomes more and more unsettled – not liking what he is experiencing but unable to leave because of Henry.

What happens from then on is shocking – until the reader sits back and really takes a look at the tribal mentality. What really is shocking is when the reader understands that the Tribe reflects what is going on in America – and the world – today.

Thanks to Mr. Salter for writing a real eye opener.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wally is a naive young man who loves his favorite college football team known as “The Tribe”. When a team scout unexpectedly comes into the diner where Wally and his brother, Henry work, Wally manages to convince the scout to watch Henry kick field goals. We learn that Henry is a special needs young man who is extraordinarily talented as a kicker as long as Wally is the holder. Henry’s skill earns both boys spots on their beloved team but “the tribe” takes on a much more sinister meaning as the sociology underlying the sport can go from cohesive to destructive.
The world of college football is something that I know nothing about but this book involves so much more. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it. I have no idea if this kind of corruption and coverup really occurs but since the author’s bio says that he played football in college, I’m assuming that it is unfortunately accurate. This book takes readers on an emotional roller coaster and is a great story even if you’re not a football fan. The author is very skilled at portraying the emotions of the characters, especially Wally, the narrator. I really liked the way he focused on the concept of “the tribe” and all the sociology underneath the relationships and how people interact based on different influences. The resolutions of all the “wrongs” committed is probably not realistic but made for a very satisfying ending. The character development was great! My only criticism is entirely personal and probably unique to a non-football fan - the detailed descriptions of football plays was boring for me but I’m sure fans of the game will love these inclusions. And describing football plays is certainly not the primary focus and these inclusions are few and far between.
Thanks to BookishFirst and Greenleaf Publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know it's offseason when I'm reading about football and while there have been many books written about football, this fictional story had a unique slant. My father loved pro football, my mother despised it, along with most sports. At five I figured out if I wanted his attention during his rare down time, I needed to understand what he was watching. I made him explain every play as only a pesky child can. It was black and white, remotes weren't invented. Thus I've been addicted to the NFL a long time. That said, I know nothing about college sports, not offered where I was. The story gave a new perspective and detailed play by play of college football's toxic culture. None of the greed, violence, partying, drinking, drugs and sexual behavior was unexpected, yet it was eye opening. The primary characters were what set this story apart.
The setting in Florida describes the educational journey for Wally and his brother, Henry. Their father, the Minister, was a self serving and cruel man. Henry has an intellectual disability which Wally covers and compensates for. Their experiences at prestgious Bastille University are hearbreaking, heartwarming and thought provokingly realistic. The characters include students, teammates, coaches, reporters, media, alumni, family, and buddies. The academia world at a sports centered university is like it's own planet.
This story had characters that I cheered for, some broke my heart, some belong in jail, some failed and some suceeded, and a few will stay with me. The issues were compelling, relevant, timely and thought provoking. This was a new author for me. I would read his books again and highly recommend this one.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance digital copy of “Sins of the Tribe” by Mark Salter, and to Greenleaf Book Group. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given vokuntarily.

[Amber Smego · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the way this book was written to start with. It seemed like it was well thought out and put together very well as well. I loved all the characters and found most of them easy to relate to which is always a huge positive for me because it makes it so much easier to get caught up in the book and makes it way harder to put the book down even when i know i need to be doing other things. I really loved the story as well it was very easy to get lost in the story, the characters and everything that was going on in the story. I hope to see more from this author in the future and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from her.

Now the cover was awesome. It caught my eye immediately and i love how it connected with the story. There's a trend of doing flowers on the covers lately so I'm very glad that it breaks that trend and went in it's on direction which was a perfect fit for this book.
I really loved the way this book was written to start with. It seemed like it was well thought out and put together very well as well. I loved all the characters and found most of them easy to relate to which is always a huge positive for me because it makes it so much easier to get caught up in the book and makes it way harder to put the book down even when i know i need to be doing other things. I really loved the story as well it was very easy to get lost in the story, the characters and everything that was going on in the story. I hope to see more from this author in the future and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from her.

Now the cover was awesome. It caught my eye immediately and i love how it connected with the story. There's a trend of doing flowers on the covers lately so I'm very glad that it breaks that trend and went in it's on direction which was a perfect fit for this book.

[Ceelee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a native Texan and love football so a novel about football is an easy choice for me. You don't need to be a football fan or part of a football program or support group to read this book . The book is a great story. At first I wasn't into it because the first chapter was a little hard to take. I decided to leave it awhile then I came back and got into the real story about Wally and Henry and their experiences as part the fictional Bastille University football team, The Tribe, a six time national championship school in Florida.
We learn about the brothers' home life with The Minister who was strict with the boys. to the point of cruelty. One night at the barbecue restaurant where they worked, a coach from Bastille was having dinner. The owner Miss Diane encouraged Wally to go talk to him. The result eventually brought an offer for both Wally and Henry to join the Tribe. Henry, who has undiagnosed mental issues but was an amazing kicker, was the coach's main interest with Wally holding The brothers discovered that while The Tribe had flashy exterior it was not ideal but that seems to be the way with many of our dreams and aspiration.. I followed along with them and the excitement, pain and tragedy. and moral, and ethical issues they faced every day. I knew it would be this way but hoped it wouldn't.

Author Mark A Salter had written a novel that is beautiful and tragic and believable. His characters are realistic too and I am sorry to say, some did not surprise me.
Thank you NetGalley,and Greenleaf Group Press and author Mark A Salter for my free copy of the book. Very much appreciated and my opinion of The Sins Of The Tribe is my own.

[Karen D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really powerful and dark, and I really enjoyed reading it. This has some similar themes to Beartown (but with football), but is handled in a really different way.
*
This is about Wally and his brother Henry and their dreams to play football for Bastille, a fictional powerhouse in college football. Henry is a star kicker but because of his mental deficiencies requires Wally to help him in school and with the game. When their beloved coach dies, a new coach comes in and changes everything they loved about the team and the sport.
*
I don't think the topic of toxic masculinity or corruption within football, or any elite sport, would surprise anyone. What stood out to me was the comparison between the original coach and the new one, and what that did to the atmosphere of the team. It makes it so obvious how much of a role one person can have in creating a healthy (or unhealthy) environment, and how kids react when they're trained a certain way in a sport, and how that relates to life.
*
There's a lot more to this than just the coach being mean -- there's a lot of politics behind it all, and what a school is willing to do to keep donor money coming in, such as overlooking problems with academics or even heinous crimes.
*
I wouldn't consider myself super knowledgeable on football, and I did not see that as a deterrence here. Maybe I would have understood some scenes differently if I knew all the terminology, but I still thought it was easy to follow and had some exciting scenes.
*
My only thing keeping this from 5 stars was the ending, which honestly felt pretty sudden and a bit too perfect. But otherwise I very much enjoyed this! Just beware of some serious trigger warnings for sexual assault and abuse.

[Megan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up for fairness. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A bit out of my wheelhouse but I love a good juicy coverup story. Sins of the Tribe starts out innocently enough, luring us into the collegiate football world of Bastille University, a top-tier program in both performance and morals. After some sudden misfortunes the programs takes a terribly sinister turn and the real demons come out.

I loved this book for so many reasons, the first of which being, I LOVE college football. College football has an atmosphere unlike any other spot, and the author does an amazing job of capturing this - this strange world where lines can blur a little bit all for the sake of a tribal victory.

I took a couple college courses with football players (D1 but not a major playoff threat), and I can confirm that the treatment these players receive is not only preferential, but permissible. I had countless interruptions from players who simply couldn’t be bothered to show the professor any common courtesy. I use this example because if something this base and annoying is happening at my alma mater, imagine what’s happening at the big schools.

This story has a few major elements that I love so much: hope and redemption. Despite all the muck and coverup and corruption, there’s a really powerful ending that I really enjoyed.

Some of the segments that were a little too wordy on game-time play could have been cut down or omitted in my opinion. I understand why they were there but, anyway. Also some sentences ran on for a bit too long, but they didn’t take away from the meat or context of the book.

Highly recommend.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins of the Tribe, written by Mark A. Salter, is a riveting story from the first page to the last. It delves into the life of a football college team student, Wally Hestia, attending the University of Bastille, referred to as "The Tribe." Wally is just an average player, but his brother, Henry, is a talented division one level field goal kicker who needs Wally to succeed. The Tribe has a premier college football team with Coach Oldham as its leader, someone who is a highly respected leader in every aspect of coaching. Intertwined with the brothers is quarterback Dion McAres who is unbelievable at his position, with aspirations of being picked as a top NFL draft pick.

When Wally first enters "The Tribe" he considers it a very respected and desired university to attend, but situations occur that shift his view of the team’s morals and reputation. Key characters - Wally, Henry, the Minister (Wally’s Stepfather), Dion the quarterback, the Professor, Sly Ellington, Coach Dixon, Coach Castritt, and reporter Samantha - bring a lot of interesting perspectives of a university football team striving to be the National Champions at almost any cost.

I found myself really involved in the life happenings of all the characters and wanting to read every spare moment. Without sharing any spoilers, you will want to read this to see the passion of the team and fans, and their team cry, "Tribe Forever."

I received an ARC copy of the book, and all comments and thoughts are my unbiased opinion. Thanks to #bookishfirst #SinsoftheTribe #MarkASalter #GreenleafBookGroupPress

[Rebecca Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much, and a reader absolutely does not have to know the rules of football or even be a die-hard fan of football or other sports in order to enjoy the story. There are troubled people, ambitious people, careers ruined... you name it. The opening pages will probably prove my point. Readers meet Wally who slams on his brakes to pick up a large, road-kill raccoon as free food for a gray wolf, but good-hearted Wally also has his aunt reminding him to help her with a problem before he gets high.

Readers who know the game of football well and who are familiar with what's involved in building a team each season will probably nod their head at many scenes, realizing that this author is describing things truthfully. From fancy locker rooms with team insignias woven into custom carpets to university politics, there is something for everyone. I received a copy of this book through Greenleaf Book Group and BookishFirst - and I am so happy that I won because I may not have picked up this book in a book store. I probably would have thought that this was a book that only current or former football players or coaches would like. I would have been wrong and I would have missed a good book!

[Grittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookishfirst and Green Leaf Book Group for this gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

CW: domestic abuse, sexual assault

Sins of the Tribe by Mark A. Salter is about tribalism in college football. Wally Hestia loves Bastille University more than anything, except for his mentally deficient brother, Henry. Henry is a kicking genius, and by a stroke of luck is recruited to Bastille to be their kicker. Wally joins him for the ride since Henry will only kick the ball if Wally is holding it. They are then thrust into a world where the tribe is above all else, including other players, and innocent women. Wally then finds himself against the thing he loved most because Henry and himself are in danger. Who will win? Wally or the Tribe?

I do not normally read sports fiction, but this was a book where the sport itself was not actually the main focus. It examines the tribalism of the sport, and what it means to different people. I do think that if you're not a football fan, some parts may be harder to understand because they do use a lot of football terminology. There was an intense feeling of wanting to know what happens that kept me going.

I recommend this for football lovers and fiction readers.

[Voldy Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Book Review: Sins of the Tribe by Mark A. Salter

First, I want to say I’m not the biggest fan of football. However, I recently finished the latest season of All American and for some reason and it had me super intrigued to read this book.

This book reminded me so much of the latest season, as it portrays the toxic environment of college football. We all know there are always high expectations for the players and it came added some toxicity.

I really enjoyed this book and following these characters… not only did it have players, but also coaches, alumni, and fans. It was such an interesting read and I’m surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.

This story revolves around two brothers - same age, different mothers - as one of them isn’t good enough for college football and the other is a star kicker in the college league.

These brothers dream of making it to the big league but have to come to terms with the reality and harsh community.

My only issue was that it started off a bit slow. I personally didn’t mind the talk about football, it was so interesting as I don’t read many sports books.

I was very surprised by this book and the enjoyment I had with it. I would definitely recommend it!

[Vickey Uhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could understand how dedicated sports fans might be offended by this book. I thought it was amazing and will remember it for a long time. I consider myself a sports fan, not rabid, but I love football especially. Wally and Henry are recruitted to play football at Bastille University. The only reason Wally is accepted, is to hold for Wally, his mentally deficient brither who is a kicking prodigy. While Wally thinks that he has managed to get his brother and himself out of an abusive household, they have only moved on to an abusive institution. What starts out as a perfect year, quickly turns to a battle between good and evil.

This book gives a great explanation of tribalism and how it is affecting our communities, as well as our country. There is a lot of football in this book, but look beyond the plays and practice to find a deep seated social problem that we all need to do our best to elevate and demand better morals, kindness, and empathy. This is a sad story with an acceptable ending, but one that will leave you frightened for the state of our society.

[Steph Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins of the Tribe by Mark A. Salter takes a deep dive into the dirty underbelly of college football. It follows Wally Hestia and his special needs brother Henry as they become members of the Bastille University Tribe football team. Henry is a kicking prodigy and Wally is his holder, the only holder that Henry will work with. The Tribe is pretty much as awful as you would imagine. Full of bullying, brutality, and corruption, it is the side of college football that most people do not see. The characters are very well-written and the setting is realistic. There are a few time jumps that can have you backtracking to check that you are following along correctly. The decisions Wally makes can seem very frustrating at times, you wonder what on earth he is thinking, but we also have to realize he is trying to look out for Henry and doing the best he can. As a football fan, I loved the book, but I think those who are not into football will enjoy it as well.

[Bookworm1701 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to be honest, I am no great lover of football. Like at all. My limited knowledge of it goes only as far as the little bits and pieces I've subconsciously learned while it's on in the background on Thankgiving. That being said, I did find this book to be a good read. Of course, I have heard about the real life instances of football tribalism. Dind of the Tribe by Mark Salter does an exceptional job of bringing attention to these issues through a fictional lens. The two brothers go through a variety of trials as a result of being associated with the football team. The physical and mental abuse, not to mention the outright crimes perpetrated by bith the coaches and football team are enabled by the men in power. Nothing matters so much as the "image" of The Tribe. I couldn't get truly into this book since I was completely uninterested by the football aspect, but it was a timely read for current issues.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this interesting book. This is my first book by this author which I look foward to reading more from in the future. This is a well written book that is full of sports and triabalism. It is a book that pulled me in from the beginning. It had me coming back for more and hard to put down. He made me want to know more about what was going on and what would happen next. It is a fast paced book that most people would enjoy. It is another way to look at things when you are looking at sports and tribes. I found the cover inviting and colorful and it also pulled me in. It certainly made me want to know more about it. This is a great book that has a ton of information. The author did a great job of transitions and keeping the reader engaged. It does have some violent situations that could be triggers for some. It does not matter if you are a fiction reader or nonfiction reader, if you enjoy football you would enjoy this book.

[Readingwiththeroberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Sins of the Tribe by Mark A. Salter

Rating 3.75/5 stars

This book shows you behind the curtain of college sports. It shows you that it isn't always an amazing thing and that it can be a toxic environment. In the book it shows that as long as the team wins the games then any and all acts can and will be forgiven. Yes this is a fictional team, but it begs the question: How often does this go on in the real world?

The book follows two brothers who both play football where one is a quarterback, just not a starter and the is a other non-diagnosed handicapped kicker. The holder for the kicker is his brother.

The book did start of slow, but once I got into it, it was a really fascinating read. If you are a big football fan you will love how detailed the plays are in this book, if not then you will just have to try to read through them. Thanks to BookishFirst and Greenleaf Publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Linds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sins of the Tribe was a book that really surprised me. I honestly don't care for football at all, but I didn't find this book boring like I would watching football on TV. The relationships between the characters kept me interested. This book started off super weird with our main character Wally trying to help a raccoon that got hit by a car. His train of thought is easy to get lost in and fascinating. I liked seeing Dion's point of view and wanted to know what happened between the two of them. Wally just joined the Bastille University Tribe football team. This is because his star brother is on it. I don't like how his brother is described as mentally deficient in the synopsis. He was one of my favorite characters and gives the main character Wally a strong purpose. I really liked the professor, the aunt, and learning a little about football!