Review: Head Games

Jan •  3 •  2011

Title: Head Games
Series: Pretty Tough #3
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Author: Keri Mikulski
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: January 6, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

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“Taylor Thomas is a total all-star on the court. Off-court, not so much. She may be model-tall, gorgeous and quite a catch, but try telling her that. With a showcase game and playoffs fast approaching, Taylor’s basketball career is totally on the line. She doesn’t know which way to turn first when her BFF ropes her into a fashion show and she finds herself torn between Zach, the super-tall, super-off limits basketball star and Matt, the super-sweet guy from her English class. Can Taylor stop her head from spinning long enough to strike a pose, land the boy of her dreams, and win the game?”

I can’t begin to tell you how much I likes this book. It made me feel like a teenager again. All insecure and giddy when a guy talks to you. And this book definitely had game. Major Game.

On the court, Taylor is untouchable. She is fierce and alive with fire, flying across the courts making all the points. Then her world is turned upside down. With the sudden interest of Zack turns on her, she is bewildered and unsure what to do. With all the stress of a big game, scouts, and meeting her people pleasing expectations, Taylor finds herself in one big mess.

This book was great. From the start, my emotions were racing. With every page turn, I learn more about Taylor and was able to connect with her well. Taylor’s life revolves around basketball. She is constantly practicing, with trying to do everything else on the side. I loved  how well Ms. Mikulski was able to bring her character to life. Taylor was your typical teenager dealing with all kind of stresses and drama in her life. Boys, girl fights, basketball expectations, meeting parents expectations, etc. So much that Taylor is doing is pulling her in all kinds of directions.

I like seeing the vulnerability of Taylor and her inexperience with boys. I was like that in high school, so I related to her well. It made the book so much more interesting, seeing her try to juggle everything at once. The ending was one I did not see coming. But it was one that I did experience in high school. Stupid list. It broke my heart when I found out, but I was happy to. At least I know it was all a game.

The sport of basketball was also written well. I like reading all the sports talk and enjoying how it entwined with Taylor’s life. It showed the prospect of how stresses of life can have an effect on your game. Taylor went through that and so much more. But in the end, she was able to get her head on straight and get her head in the game. Ms. Mikulski made all the sports talk easy to know. I for one, did not know much about basketball, but after reading this, I think I can go to game and finally get it. LOL

This book is totally sweet, enduring, and full of great literature. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and learning more about sports!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

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Posted by on Jan 3, 2011 in 2011, Keri Mikulski, Review, Young Adult | 5 comments

5 Comments

  1. Willa
    Jan 3, 2011

    This book sounds so CUTE and great that I just have to read it! Thanks for reviewing it!

  2. Akasha Hale & Lexus Salvatore
    Jan 3, 2011

    This book sounds like a interesting read. I love the cover art as well.

    Great Review

  3. Anna
    Jan 3, 2011

    Haven’t heard of this book but sounds really interesting!Basketball player!I used to play basketball and i really want to see how that sport would work in a book!

  4. Melissa
    Jan 3, 2011

    I have never heard of this, and the cover wouldn’t normally strike me or make me want to pick it up, but I love your review for it! I’m definitely adding this to my list. Great review, Savy! 🙂

  5. Just Your Typical Book Blog
    Jan 3, 2011

    I’ve never heard of this, but now I want to read it!! Thanks for the review 🙂