Yesterday, I finished reading Final Season by Tim Green. This sports fiction novel is about Benjamin "Ben" Redd, a 12-year-old quarterback whose dad is a former Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman. At the beginning of summer, Ben learns that his dad has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although his mom wants him to quit football, he is determined to have a winning season for his dad who coaches his team, along with his two older brothers, Rich and Raymond. Although the team is shaken up when a girl named Thea joins the team, they find a way to win game after game. As the weeks go by and his dad's condition worsens from the incurable disease, Ben wonders if this season will be his last and how his team can possibly beat their final and most challenging opponent, Penn Yan, for the championship.
This book was surprisingly addictive. I didn't expect to be so invested when I started reading the book, but the chapters were short and nearly always ended with a cliffhanger that made me want to keep reading the next page. I also thought the football games were very exciting and I loved getting to know Ben and his family. My favorite character was Thea, though, and I really enjoyed what she brought to the team and the friendship that formed between her and Ben even though he didn't like her at first. Her attitude and determination were the best and she had a lot of talent. While a thrilling book, it was also heavy and intense at times. Ben's dad being diagnosed with ALS was devastating and I understood why his mom didn't want him to play anymore. Furthermore, Ben was struggling not only with his feelings about his dad but pregame anxiety to the point of throwing up, so I knew he would have to make a big decision about his future. The end of the story was satisfying, though, and it felt more triumphant than bittersweet, even if the fate of Ben's dad is uncertain. Overall, Final Season is a fantastic choice for all sports—especially football!—fans.
