All Eyes on Him

By Colby M.

               Lexington High School student-athlete Terrell Jamerson is the best high school basketball player in America. The agents, shoe companies, college coaches, and other representatives are all over him. In Foul Trouble, New York Times Bestselling sports novelist, John Feinstein, tells the realistic fiction tale of how tough life can be with the spotlight shining bright.

               Point guard Danny Wilcox, son of Lexington's head coach and best friend of Terrell's, is often left in the shadows by the talent of his teammate. He too is an exceptional basketball player and future Division 1 college player, but with Terrell getting all of the attention, he is underrated and overlooked. Terrell is definitely a good kid, but one day he is convinced to hang out with "the dudes" and an agent named Eddy J where he smokes pot for the first time. Danny knows that the dudes are trouble, but they are Terrell's long-time friends. Even he knows that he must not make let them lead him into a dark path, and focus on assuring himself a bright future.

               Terrell narrows down his college choices to five schools, none of which are similar. At Atlanta and Mass State, he would become an instant millionaire. At Duke, North Carolina, or UCLA he would become a better basketball player and have an easier time converting his game to NBA level. He wants the best for his mom and himself, but has no idea what to do. As pressure increases, and suddenly Terrell gains more and more "friends" that "only want the best for him", he must decide what he wants to do and realize who his true friends in life are.

               This book was near flawless in my opinion. It kept me turning the pages and never bored. Although sometimes repetitive, this was clearly Feinstein's plan to get his point across. It is very well written and provides great detail and descriptions. I really enjoyed this novel.

               This book is strongly recommended if you are interested in basketball, or any sport for that matter. John Feinstein gives great insight to life of a rising star and his grueling journey headed into college. Even if you are not interested in sport, although there are certainly better books for you, this book is not all about basketball. In fact, it focuses more on life off the court than anything. As a reader, you will be taught life lessons and be likely fully engaged, with suspenseful moments in each chapter and a perfect conclusion.