Hazardous Choices by Joseph Rinaldo

Western Kentucky State University's football team takes the spotlight in this wonderful novel by Joseph Rinaldo. We are taken into the lives of not only the players, but also the coaches and their families. Darnell is an intelligent college student who left behind a gang and a record to make something of himself. Troy tries really hard to lead his team to victory and to make good choices, even though he slips sometimes to have fun.



The coach’s son, Eric, has Down syndrome and his mother gets the idea to have him take a sign language course. Maybe then she can have a conversation with him that includes more than grunts. His sister, Nicole, takes the class with him so she can teach their parents.


But as the team practices and goes into a new season, someone from a player's past comes to visit and brings with them tragedy and destruction. Will they be able to make the correct choices or will it be too late?


Hazardous Choices is an engaging read with an eccentric cast of characters who all bring something different to the story. There are many subplots going on that merge into the main storyline beautifully and keep the reader entranced. The only disappointment I had was the ending; it was too abrupt, although I understand why it was written in such a fashion. If you like reading about college sports and about choices that can change your life, you'll enjoy Hazardous Choices.