Underspin
"E. Y. Zhao's Underspin is an eruption of a debut. This novel displays a wondrous ability that renders both the central sport and lives that weave around it with meticulous precision and tremendous heart. The beauty of sport, the spirit of desire and the sacrifice required for greatness are all captured here in this stunner." --Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of Chain-Gang All-Stars Stay True meets Headshot in this intimate, bruising coming-of-age novel about the short and tumultuous life of a charismatic and enigmatic table tennis prodigy, as seen through the eyes of those pulled into his orbit. Ryan Lo begins playing table tennis at age eight, under the tutelage of his brilliant but ruthless coach Kristian, who sees talent in him that might be nurtured into greatness. Throughout an adolescence circumscribed by Kristian's demanding behavior, Ryan forms jealousy-fueled and mutually adoring friendships with his teammates and competitors, falls in love with fellow table tennis star Anabel Yu, and above all, wins championships. By twenty-one, Ryan ascends all the way to the German Bundesliga, the highest echelon of international table tennis, just as he was supposed to, but he doesn't stay there. It is clear to all that Ryan Lo was meant to be the greatest in the world. Instead, he abandons competition and is dead before his twenty-fifth birthday. What happened? In crisp, evocative prose, Underspin masterfully delves beneath the relentless pressure that forges a champion, considering adolescence, estrangement, and the great injustices committed within our closest relationships. A love letter to an underdog sports circuit and a tender exploration of love, loss and abuse, Underspin is a bildungsroman and literary puzzle for readers of Rita Bullwinkel, Hua Hsu, Susan Choi, and Brandon Taylor.
The Royal Box
Jack Emery is an NCAA champion struggling to make the Association of Tennis Professionals tour and fulfill his dream of playing at Wimbledon. Little does he know that a reporter, Rachel Baxter, who's taken an interest in his career, is actually a Mossad agent working undercover to stop a deadly attack on Wimbledon's Royal Box. Jack's temper and insecurities have made him a pariah with the sport's elitist establishment, while Rachel is still dealing with the guilt of a previous partner's death. The two must come together to take down a deadly terror cell committed to murdering 77 of the world's most prominent leaders and thousands of fans at tennis's most prestigious event. From the war-torn streets of Gaza to Wimbledon's refined center court, Jack's ascendancy in the game becomes integral to Rachel's formidable assignment. As they grow from acquaintances, to friends, to fighters; the two embark on a global journey, where life and death hangs in the balance at every turn. Together they will uncover what being a champion really means.
Shouting The Odds
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND, March 1995: When twenty-three year old postman Andy Cooper and his dad Ron return home from watching their beloved Notts County win at Wembley, they discover to their horror that Andy's mum Marie has died. Unable to process the death of his wife, Ron wrongly blames his son for forcing him into going to the game and becomes a drunken recluse, leaving Andy to mourn the death of his mum alone.On his way home from work a few months later, Andy is forced to take shelter from a rainstorm in what turns out to be his local betting shop where he has a life changing experience; and after almost coming to blows with his dad on the way home from the cemetery a few days later, decides he's had enough. In an effort to regain control over his life, he sets himself a one year target to win enough money on the horses to escape Nottingham and his dad for good. However, it isn't long before he discovers that even the best laid plans rarely work out the way you would expect ...
A Scarlet Knight
Heather Prince never wanted to make history, she just wanted to wrestle.In A Scarlet Knight, Mickey Copp delivers a raw and inspiring coming-of-age sports drama about Heather Prince, a fierce and determined high school girl who dares to break into the last male-dominated sport: wrestling. Facing relentless sexism, physical intimidation, and emotional isolation, Heather pushes past every barrier with strength, wit, and courage. This gripping novel is more than a sports story, it's a powerful narrative about resilience, gender equity, and pursuing your true passion against all odds. Readers will root for Heather as she pins down prejudices and fights for her rightful place on the mat. Perfect for fans of sports fiction, strong female leads, and motivational stories that challenge social norms.
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? Life Lessons From An Amateur Triathlete
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? Life Lessons From An Amateur Triathlete
Cleveland Curse Volume One
Grandpa, why do the Browns always lose?On December 27, 1964, the Cleveland Browns football team embarrassed the Baltimore Colts in the 32nd Championship Game, shutting them out 27-0. Little did fans know that it would mark the last time the Browns would win the big game. In fact, the closest they have come since then was losing three times to the Denver Broncos in 1986, 1987, and 1989, due to a combination of player mishaps and bad luck. The team's misfortune bottomed out in 2017 when they finished the season with an abysmal 0-16 record.Cleveland Curse, volume one in a series, is an entertaining allegory that offers an intriguing explanation why the team and their fans have suffered such devastating pain and suffering all these years: They are cursed. The journey begins on December 26, 1964, when team owner Art Modell meets a mysterious stranger smartly dressed in a suit and long, dark gray cashmere overcoat who presents some papers for him to sign that he says will ensure a Championship win for the Browns the following day. Is Modell making a deal with the Devil that would forever seal their fate?
Gods of Willow
Twenty-one-year-old Kabir Menon loves living in Hyderabad, has no idea what he wants to do with his life and believes that his fate is inexorably linked to the fortunes of the Indian cricket team. In the land of super-powered deities, the only ones that matter to him are gods made on the cricket pitch. But when divisive forces unspool the peace in his multi-cultural community, Kabir unwittingly finds himself embroiled in the conflict. Forced to move to Mumbai, he navigates love, purpose and a sense of belonging amongst a colourful cast of characters. The ensuing coming-of-age story is an unforgettably hilarious and pacy rendering of what it means to find your place in the world and the choices you make to get there. Set at the turn of the millennium when India was shifting gears, Amrish Kumar's sparkling debut is a story of many firsts, in equal parts charming and convincing.
