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The Walk-On
By: Richard Podkowski
Publication Date: February 2, 2023
Published By: Acorn Publishing
315 pages
Find It On: Amazon | Goodreads
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Book Synopsis
In the twilight of his NFL career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago Storm, Mike “the Steelman” Stalowski masks his physical pain and mental anguish with alcohol and painkillers. The fan favorite has a rebel image and a notorious reputation, and he plays a violent gridiron game fueled by inner rage.
While estranged from his wife and living in the fishbowl environment of professional sports, he unexpectedly meets the fresh-out-of-college Kim Richardson. She sees through Mike’s star persona to who he really is—a kind guy from the Southeast Side of Chicago who has never forgotten his humble blue-collar roots. The lives of the star-crossed, seemingly mismatched couple collide during a whirlwind romance that culminates in a tragic series of events.
The Walk-On is a timeless tale of love and loss that explores the consequences of personal decisions and the rewards of faith, redemption, and hope.
My Review
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I was going to enjoy it! The book follows Mike “the Steelman” Stalowski as he navigates his way through his career and his personal life. He experiences love, loss, pain, suffering, as well as hope and redemption. As he is experiencing these things, the reader feels and experiences them as well. The author’s writing style is easy to follow and he developed characters that are easy to get attached to! While I attached to the love story a bit more, the author did a fantastic job of bringing the reader into the football game and behind the scenes. I’m not a football fan, but I enjoyed seeing what happens between the player and team and coaches off the field. The book provides the prospective of the athlete and how much pressure they put on themselves, and what they are willing to do to keep win and keep up appearances. I highly recommend this book to all sports fiction fans, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Bio:
Richard Podkowski, a native of Chicago’s South Side, began writing fiction while studying criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago.
As a United States Secret Service special agent, Richard protected U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries and investigated major domestic and international financial crimes until he retired in 2003.
Richard’s projects include a Christmas romantic comedy screenplay and a crime story, both currently in the works. In his free time, Richard enjoys riding his road bike, working out, and making Christmas ornaments. He currently resides with his wife in Los Angeles.
Website: https://richardpodkowski.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.podkowski
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_podkowski
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