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Rough & Tumble: A Novel
Inspired by his years shedding blood and sweat playing in the National Football League, Rough & Tumble is Mark Bavaro’s novel about the brutal world of the NFL—and a classic sports story of one man’s determination and grit.
311 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2008
58 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 28, 2008
Bavaro doesn't write very smoothly, and the plot line is somewhat hackneyed and attempts to be too multifaceted. However, if you're a Giants fan, it's worth a look.
March 12, 2009
Please don't judge me I was required to read this for book club.
October 7, 2012
This book would make a better short story. It drags and the writing is ameturish. Also, it gets preachy on the subject of abortion.
May 9, 2017
Mark, Bavaro “Rough & Tumble” interested me with its unique style of writing.
This book taught me that people are not the same people that you think they are. Additionally, one way it taught me this is that in the book his teammate who he thought was a good person ended up being a person that bets on games and was not a good person overall. In addition, another way the book taught me this theme is that Dominic’s coach ended up betting on their biggest game when he never thought that he would do that. Also, another way that the book taught me this is that even Dominic’s closest friend was involved in betting business., which he never thought would have happened. Therefore, those were ways the book taught me this theme.
The main characters in this book were Dominic, and Salvi. Additionally, Dominic is determined, angry, and friendly. In addition, Salvi is supportive, and nice. An example of Dominic being determined is when he finds out that he has a pretty serious knee injury, but still wants to play. An example of Dominic being angry is when he gets mad at a referee over a play. Additionally, an example of Dominic being friendly is when he finds out that his teammate is involved in a bad business, but still decides to help him. In addition, an example of Salvi being supportive is when it says in the book that Salvi has been supporting Dominic throughout his career. An example of Salvi being nice is when he tells Dominic that the food is on house when Dominic decides to visit Salvi at his restaurant. Therefore, those were examples of Dominic, and Salvi’s personalities.
The story starts off in New York City, with a guy named Dominic Fucillo who is a tight end for the New York Giants. In addition, the New York Giants aren’t doing so good when their starting quarterback goes down, and every know and then Dominic Fucillo gets a fight with either the opposing team or the referee. During the season, Dominic ends up finding his teammate James inside of his car beaten up. Later on, Dominic ends up finding out that he has a pretty serious injury, but decides to keep playing and that his teammate was involved with a bad business. When they make the playoffs, they end up winning until they make the Super Bowl. Do you think that Dominic and the New York Giants will win the Super Bowl? Read “Rough & Tumble” to find out.
I would recommend this to any football fans out there. Also, one reason why I would recommend this to football fans is because I’m a football fan myself and I enjoyed this book, and out of 5, I would rate this book a 4.5.
This book taught me that people are not the same people that you think they are. Additionally, one way it taught me this is that in the book his teammate who he thought was a good person ended up being a person that bets on games and was not a good person overall. In addition, another way the book taught me this theme is that Dominic’s coach ended up betting on their biggest game when he never thought that he would do that. Also, another way that the book taught me this is that even Dominic’s closest friend was involved in betting business., which he never thought would have happened. Therefore, those were ways the book taught me this theme.
The main characters in this book were Dominic, and Salvi. Additionally, Dominic is determined, angry, and friendly. In addition, Salvi is supportive, and nice. An example of Dominic being determined is when he finds out that he has a pretty serious knee injury, but still wants to play. An example of Dominic being angry is when he gets mad at a referee over a play. Additionally, an example of Dominic being friendly is when he finds out that his teammate is involved in a bad business, but still decides to help him. In addition, an example of Salvi being supportive is when it says in the book that Salvi has been supporting Dominic throughout his career. An example of Salvi being nice is when he tells Dominic that the food is on house when Dominic decides to visit Salvi at his restaurant. Therefore, those were examples of Dominic, and Salvi’s personalities.
The story starts off in New York City, with a guy named Dominic Fucillo who is a tight end for the New York Giants. In addition, the New York Giants aren’t doing so good when their starting quarterback goes down, and every know and then Dominic Fucillo gets a fight with either the opposing team or the referee. During the season, Dominic ends up finding his teammate James inside of his car beaten up. Later on, Dominic ends up finding out that he has a pretty serious injury, but decides to keep playing and that his teammate was involved with a bad business. When they make the playoffs, they end up winning until they make the Super Bowl. Do you think that Dominic and the New York Giants will win the Super Bowl? Read “Rough & Tumble” to find out.
I would recommend this to any football fans out there. Also, one reason why I would recommend this to football fans is because I’m a football fan myself and I enjoyed this book, and out of 5, I would rate this book a 4.5.
December 15, 2025
I was a big fan of the Giants back when Bavaro played so I was intrigued when I read that he had written a novel. I didn't expect much so I was pleasantly surprised that his writing is actually pretty good. Although, I don't know how much of that is attributable to his editor. I was disappointed in all the profanity but not greatly surprised. It is athletes, so... But I had kind of hoped that someone who sounded so religious might tone it down. Although, it is Catholicism. On that note, a lot of misconceptions in the Faith area. My biggest gripe is how much the main character, who is basically Bavaro himself, complains about playing football! He goes on and on about how miserable it is but then talks about how much he loves it. Make up your mind, man. But, that's a trigger for me. People who attain their dreams and then complain about attaining their dreams. A major plotline is about players and coaches betting on their own games which leaves me wondering if that isn't a lot more prevalent than we are led to believe.
January 15, 2021
Really enjoyed a realistic look into a NFL players life/struggles. All the public sees is the glitz and glamour but this puts it into perspective. Mark's journey was awesome to read about and you can't help but root for him
January 27, 2023
Fun book- inner doings of pro football - throw in bad guys betting,a run to the super bowl and main character getting shot and you have the story
February 14, 2011
In football language this book is a Touchdown".
Mark Bravaro played his college ball at the University of Notre Dame and went on to a steller career in the NFL. He played for the New York Giants, Phildelphia Eagles, and the Cleveland Browns.
Dominic Fucillo, is a tight end for the Giants, who is facing the many challenges of life. He loves the game of football but sees his career coming to an end. He had had multiple surgeries that are beginning to take their toll. He is in love with a beautiful young lady but has scorned her for his love of football. He would truly love to get back with her, except he doesn't know how. He is also trying to hold on to his football career because he has no idea what he would do in the secular world.
This is all happening in the midst of a possible playoff run and a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Dominic is told by the team doctor that his one knee is so bad that he may not get through the season, and if he does, he will have to go through another surgery that may end his career. The doctor and team management convince him to continue playing because he is a vital part of the team, and you may get only one chance to get a Super Bowl ring. The situation becomes more involved when there is a possibility that someone on the team may be connected to gamblers and may be rigging the games.
One has to believe that Bravaro has taken some of his life experiences and worked them into the book. This is especially noticeable in the superstar status of the players and the animalistic attitude they take to the playing field. Sometimes winning takes precedence over everything.
Bravaro blends together football, romance, and religion in his book. He also shows the complexity of trying to balance these forces in Dominic's life.
A very satisfying read withno surprises, the reader will figure it all out before the end, but will have a wonderful time getting there.
Mark Bravaro played his college ball at the University of Notre Dame and went on to a steller career in the NFL. He played for the New York Giants, Phildelphia Eagles, and the Cleveland Browns.
Dominic Fucillo, is a tight end for the Giants, who is facing the many challenges of life. He loves the game of football but sees his career coming to an end. He had had multiple surgeries that are beginning to take their toll. He is in love with a beautiful young lady but has scorned her for his love of football. He would truly love to get back with her, except he doesn't know how. He is also trying to hold on to his football career because he has no idea what he would do in the secular world.
This is all happening in the midst of a possible playoff run and a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Dominic is told by the team doctor that his one knee is so bad that he may not get through the season, and if he does, he will have to go through another surgery that may end his career. The doctor and team management convince him to continue playing because he is a vital part of the team, and you may get only one chance to get a Super Bowl ring. The situation becomes more involved when there is a possibility that someone on the team may be connected to gamblers and may be rigging the games.
One has to believe that Bravaro has taken some of his life experiences and worked them into the book. This is especially noticeable in the superstar status of the players and the animalistic attitude they take to the playing field. Sometimes winning takes precedence over everything.
Bravaro blends together football, romance, and religion in his book. He also shows the complexity of trying to balance these forces in Dominic's life.
A very satisfying read withno surprises, the reader will figure it all out before the end, but will have a wonderful time getting there.
June 10, 2010
I went into this book with low expectations, and while the writing met those expectations, the story itself and the descriptions were better than I anticipated for the first half of the book. In the opening pages, I actually felt like I was in an NFL game and winced along with each hit. Then, about halfway through the book, everything that is good about this book is tackled and rendered unconscious for the remaining 150 pages. At one point, I realized I was reading with my mouth hanging open in horror at how bad it was. Worst of all, the realism of the first part of the book, what made this book so wonderful, got thrown out along with any coherent plot (ok, fine, the plot remained somewhat coherent - horrifically bad but somewhat coherent). Stuff happened that any casual fan of football would know as being false, the main character became this amorphous blob of veteran at the end of his career and innocent rookie, and, as if that weren't enough, the schmuck author tried to turn it into a morality lesson. Watching my British Literature Professor from college (who was every stereotype that title implies) play in the NFL would have been a more successful crossover career than Mr. Bavaro's literary exploits. In short, this book got to the point that it was so bad it was almost good and then actually surpassed that to enter that rare place where the English language actually wept when this book was published. I thought of a number of comments I could make about how bad this book was, but I realized none sum it up so well as this: I would willingly sit through the entire fourth quarter of Superbowl 43 again if it meant I could wipe this book from my memory. Not that I need to say this, but NOT recommended.
October 12, 2009
OK, so let me say right up front that the plot is terribly predictable, and hits on pretty much every cliche you can imagine.
That said, I'm kind of shocked (maybe unfairly so?) that Bavaro actually has a way with words. The writing itself is just flat out BETTER than I would ever have expected. So much so that it was really an enjoyable read even when you knew exactly what was going to happen next.
If you were a Giants fan in the late 80s-early 90s, you'll enjoy that each of the characters is a thinly-veiled caricature of Bavaro and his teammates, and probably spend a lot of time trying to figure out which bits are true-story autobiographical. If you weren't, I suspect a lot of the fun is going to be lost on you.
That said, I'm kind of shocked (maybe unfairly so?) that Bavaro actually has a way with words. The writing itself is just flat out BETTER than I would ever have expected. So much so that it was really an enjoyable read even when you knew exactly what was going to happen next.
If you were a Giants fan in the late 80s-early 90s, you'll enjoy that each of the characters is a thinly-veiled caricature of Bavaro and his teammates, and probably spend a lot of time trying to figure out which bits are true-story autobiographical. If you weren't, I suspect a lot of the fun is going to be lost on you.
January 26, 2010
4.5 stars
I am not a football fan of any sort. I only understand the bare rudiments of the game. I had never heard of the author as a football player. I picked up the book because I liked the cover and I try to read a wide range of genres. I really enjoyed the book. I felt that the scenes that took place on the playing field were very well written and conveyed the essence of the game in a very clear style to a non football fan. In addition I liked the story of a man who has more or less lost his way who knows it and tries to find himself again and correct some of the errors he's made. The writing was very good for a first time author, spare and clear even if some of the things that happen were not huge surprises. I definitely will try Bavaro's next book.
I am not a football fan of any sort. I only understand the bare rudiments of the game. I had never heard of the author as a football player. I picked up the book because I liked the cover and I try to read a wide range of genres. I really enjoyed the book. I felt that the scenes that took place on the playing field were very well written and conveyed the essence of the game in a very clear style to a non football fan. In addition I liked the story of a man who has more or less lost his way who knows it and tries to find himself again and correct some of the errors he's made. The writing was very good for a first time author, spare and clear even if some of the things that happen were not huge surprises. I definitely will try Bavaro's next book.
March 24, 2011
4.5 stars
I am not a football fan of any sort. I only understand the bare rudiments of the game. I had never heard of the author as a football player. I picked up the book because I liked the cover and I try to read a wide range of genres. I really enjoyed the book. I felt that the scenes that took place on the playing field were very well written and conveyed the essence of the game in a very clear style to a non football fan. In addition I liked the story of a man who has more or less lost his way who knows it and tries to find himself again and correct some of the errors he's made. The writing was very good for a first time author, spare and clear even if some of the things that happen were not huge surprises. I definitely will try Bavaro's next book.
I am not a football fan of any sort. I only understand the bare rudiments of the game. I had never heard of the author as a football player. I picked up the book because I liked the cover and I try to read a wide range of genres. I really enjoyed the book. I felt that the scenes that took place on the playing field were very well written and conveyed the essence of the game in a very clear style to a non football fan. In addition I liked the story of a man who has more or less lost his way who knows it and tries to find himself again and correct some of the errors he's made. The writing was very good for a first time author, spare and clear even if some of the things that happen were not huge surprises. I definitely will try Bavaro's next book.
June 7, 2016
This is the ultimate book about the life of an NFL player. Written with gusto and style, Bavarro not only takes you on the playing field and the locker room, but takes you inside the head of a end of the line football player. Not since North Dallas Forty has there been such a gripping football novel. This one is definitely worth the money and time. Mark Bavarro makes a stunning debut as a novelist.
November 20, 2013
I really liked this book. I am old enough to remember watching the author play for the giants and thought it was great to get this personal insight into a football team. I'm thinking that most of the characters in this book are very thinly disguised former giants players, so it was fun to guess who they were. Good story, fun to read.
April 30, 2016
So the plot was a little on the thin side but the character development was pretty good. The football references were detailed, insightful and interesting. All in all, well worth the read.
Currently reading
March 8, 2019Rough & Tumble by Mark Bavaro is about Dominic Fucillo a football player for the new york giants and his experiences he has. He Is a Tight End for the New York Giants and he runs into many problems throughout this book like injuries, break ups and he has temper issues. But he friend Salvi is always there by his side to get him through the problems. Dominic Fucillo is in one of the best seasons of his life with a chance to go to the super but he had the worst injury in his life. He is not gonna let a knee injury stop him from this opportunity because his team needs him and he is not going to let them down. Dominic Fucillo is my favorite character because he is the main character i get to learn a lot about him, like he is funny, quick tempered and super good athlete.
I can relate to Dominic because we are both tight ends and love and play football. And i feel a lot of the same emotions as him on the field as him. Like thinking about what i have to do before each play and going through the same motions. Also the awareness part like knowing i am about to get hit.
I really liked this book it is very entertaining especially for someone who plays the same position as him and can make a lot of connections with this book. My favorite part was at the beginning when he fights the ref, i like it because that is such a crazy thing to do it really caught my attention in this book. I don’t have a least favorite part. The author did a really good job with detail especially when he is describing a play and what he does. He could have done a better job with transitions and setting sometimes i was a little confused on where he was at and what he was doing.
Yes i would recommend this book to others, because it’s super entertaining and fun to read. As soon as i would start reading i could never stop. Usually i am not a big reader but this book is super fun to read. If you like football or just about any sport you will like this book.
I can relate to Dominic because we are both tight ends and love and play football. And i feel a lot of the same emotions as him on the field as him. Like thinking about what i have to do before each play and going through the same motions. Also the awareness part like knowing i am about to get hit.
I really liked this book it is very entertaining especially for someone who plays the same position as him and can make a lot of connections with this book. My favorite part was at the beginning when he fights the ref, i like it because that is such a crazy thing to do it really caught my attention in this book. I don’t have a least favorite part. The author did a really good job with detail especially when he is describing a play and what he does. He could have done a better job with transitions and setting sometimes i was a little confused on where he was at and what he was doing.
Yes i would recommend this book to others, because it’s super entertaining and fun to read. As soon as i would start reading i could never stop. Usually i am not a big reader but this book is super fun to read. If you like football or just about any sport you will like this book.
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