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Play the Game
Play the Game is a gripping and sensitive story of a boy coming of age during a turbulent time in American history. Colorful characters and witty dialogue bring the story to life and leave us reflecting on the circumstances that shape who we become.
It’s the 1960’s and the Beatles make their first appearance in America; Russia ships missiles to Cuba, creating fears of nuclear holocaust; and civil rights demonstrations occur across the country. According to Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again.� In rural Texas, eight-year-old Ryan Hutson dreams of becoming a Major League baseball player. After years of emotional highs and lows—and infatuated loves—the young man finally gets a call from professional baseball. He hasn’t even packed his bags when he receives notice that Uncle Sam wants to send him off to Vietnam. And it’s one, two, three, What are we fighting for? This change of events leads to escapades in places far from home, which redefine his idea of honor, sacrifice, and the game of life.
It’s the 1960’s and the Beatles make their first appearance in America; Russia ships missiles to Cuba, creating fears of nuclear holocaust; and civil rights demonstrations occur across the country. According to Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again.� In rural Texas, eight-year-old Ryan Hutson dreams of becoming a Major League baseball player. After years of emotional highs and lows—and infatuated loves—the young man finally gets a call from professional baseball. He hasn’t even packed his bags when he receives notice that Uncle Sam wants to send him off to Vietnam. And it’s one, two, three, What are we fighting for? This change of events leads to escapades in places far from home, which redefine his idea of honor, sacrifice, and the game of life.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
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1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 17, 2025
Play the Game, by Tim Routch, should have been titled Gorilla Glue, because once you pick it up, you cannot put it down. Tim had me hooked on the prologue. This book was so excellently written that I felt as if I watched a movie, not read a book! The way Tim described the characters, the furniture, and the outdoors, brought it all to life. To top it all off, references to songs from the 60’s were added to the context to make this book a multi sensory experience. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, everything in this fascinating story brought back memories of years long ago. This book would also be beneficial for those that have no idea how the controversial Vietnam War changed lives, crushed dreams, and sadly, ended the lives of so many who were just embarking on their future. A family is fractured and life changing decisions are made, and through it all, a dry sense of humor brings a smile to our faces. Movie producers should be lining up to make this into a motion picture. Our world needs these lessons now, more than ever. To those that choose not to read this book, I can only say, GOOD TO KNOW!
April 12, 2025
The characters are engaging. You quickly become emotionally invested in them. They have quirky personalities and witty dialogue. Although an emotional story, it is laced with humor and interesting facts .The representation of life in the 1960's and 70's is spot-on. Well written and and good pacing.
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