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Book Review: Paralyzed, by Jeff Rud

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paralyzed_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Accidents happen every day.  So when a tragic accident happens in a high school football game, is anyone to be blamed? In the book Paralyzed by Jeff Rud, he takes on this difficult question.  Mr. Rud has been a sports writer, columnist, and sports editor for over twenty years.  This is an entertaining book for individuals interested in novels with sports backgrounds.  It gives you a remarkable look into obstacles that players may face.

In this outstanding novel, linebacker Reggie Scott tells the story of his difficult journey as a high school football player facing the problem of being accused of “playing dirty” when an opposing player gets injured. Reggie is conflicted about his ability to use contact anymore.  While this is a legitimate feeling, it’s saddening to know that a great player like Reggie would be discouraged from showing off their talent.  Despite how it might appear, Reggie is not actually to blame for the tragic injury of Nate Brown, the opposing player.  Even the coach comments that “Despite how it might appear, this is not your fault.”

The rising action takes place when everyone realizes this, except Nate’s mom.  Reggie faces the wrath of Nate’s mom who blames this accident on Reggie.  “The woman’s face changed in an instant.  Gone was the mournful, confused look.  In its place was a flash of anger.  Her face grew red, and her eyelids twitched…Don’t come back ever! I don’t want you here.  Nate doesn’t want you here.  I saw you dancing around after that play.  I saw you celebrating.  Don’t think I didn’t notice.”

Ultimately, Reggie’s problem is resolved in a most exciting manner when Nate’s mom doesn’t give up on the idea that Reggie is to blame and takes things a step farther than just accusations.

-Justin W., 7th grade

Book Review: Paralyzed, by Jeff Rud

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paralyzed_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

I don’t know if you have ever played sports before, but I know that horrible feeling when you see somebody laying down on the ground injured. Whether it be on the court, on the diamond, or out on the field everybody holds their breath and hopes that the injured player is okay. Jeff Rud, author of Paralyzed, is a writer of many different sports books.

In the book Paralyzed, Nate Brown, tight end for Milbury High School poorly tackles star middle linebacker Reggie Scott from Lincoln High School when Reggie intercepts the ball. In football, tackling a player leading with your head is very chancy, and he learned the consequence. Nate Brown laid frozen on the field. It is later released
that Nate Brown is paralyzed. As time goes by, Reggie feels guilty about Nate’s injury and that really affects the way he plays football, and the way he is around his family.

Overcoming guilt is one of the great themes and also the conflict in the book. Nate Brown’s mother is an evil character in the book. Reggie tries to visit Nate when Nate’s mom sees him and stammers, “How do you think he’s doing?” The woman was shrieking now. “This is the Intensive Care Unit. How the hell do you think he’s
doing?” (22-23). That then makes Reggie feel very guilty. I really do like Reggie’s perseverance because he keeps trying and trying to go see Nate. That is also a great theme in this book.

One of my favorite characters in this book is Dr. MacIntyre. He is a sport physiologist that Reggie goes to see to help him focus with football. He is a very amenable and casual person and makes the reader feel like you want to be his friend. Dr. McIntyre says some things that make Reggie realize whether he should be visiting Dr. McIntyre or not. “‘Well, I don’t know if I actually need to be here or not,’ [Reggie] said, hedging a little. ‘But my coaches think I do, and my parents think I do, so I guess I do.’ ‘Well, Reggie,’ Dr. MacIntyre said. ‘This is only going to work if you want help. If you’re here just to satisfy somebody else, you might as well not waste your time or mine'” (69). This really helps Reggie focus and decide on his goals.

Does Reggie finally get to visit Nate? Will Nate be okay? Will Nate’s mother still be mad at Reggie for what happened? To answers these questions, you should read the book. I highly recommend.

Logan P., 7th grade