More Than a Game (Avalon Romance)

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Summary: Female 1st yr.teacher learns from students and life.
Review: More Than a Game

a book review

by Kathy Maloney

More Than a Game is Mike Gaherty's second novel for Avalon Books. Set in Minnesota, this novel traces some of the trials of young, first-year teacher Lisa Dawson as she struggles to establish herself as a competent history teacher at Parkview High School. At the same time, Lisa must confront the problems of making a winning team out of her girls soccer players. She quickly learns that girls' athletics take second place to boys' athletics at the school. The best practice field is the territory of Brad Reynolds, a hunky football coach. Lisa quickly earns the affection and loyalty of the girls on her soccer team, especially that of Maria Vencenzi. Maria's lack of agressiveness would have resulted in her being cut from another team. But, because Maria's father has provided a practice field for the team outside his plant, and because Maria is a hardworking team member, Lisa doesn't want to cut her from the team. When two other girls unexpectedly have to quit the team, the problem is solved. The school year gets underway with its mix of lesson plans and soccer practice, and her on-again off-again romance with Reynolds. The weeks go by until several strands of the story cross each other. First, Lisa's team is ready for soccer play-offs for the state championship. At the same time, a local news reporter named Claris Lane who has dated Brad in the past, puts together a misleading story about Lisa's involvement in encouraging football players in her class to take part in activities which would result in eligibility violations. Furthermore, the reporter's story suggests other coaches (Reynolds) were aware of the infractions but failed to report them. If the accusations are proven, the football team coached by Reynolds will have to forfeit games ruining their standing. It is a blatant attempt by the jealous reporter to embarrass Lisa publically. Claris' television report succeeds also in creating additional problems for Reynolds. Reynolds initially, believes the reporter's story to be true which crushes and angers Lisa. How the two coaches solve the teams' problems and their personal ones brings the novel to a satisfying conclusion. This novel, like his first, shows again how Gaherty knows his characters inside and out. Lisa is just the right mix of assertiveness and naivete so characteristic of first year teachers. Brad Reynolds is believable as a coach whose athletes come first in his life. However, he is a coach with intelligence too. Claris Lane is a perfectly drawn as a self-centered, manipulative blonde. Several supporting characters come to life as well. One is Dodie, Lisa's irrepressible roommate, who is an elementary teacher. Principal Woolery who seemed out of touch with his teachers, comes round with support exactly when Lisa needs it. Maria's father, Alberto Vincenzi, also is believable as a single father running a business and caring for his teenage daughter, Maria. Gaherty creates genuine characters whom readers care about. The events of the story are never forced nor gratuitous but reflect true-to-life situations. The characters behave, talk, and think the way real teachers would. Also, it is refreshing to read a sweet love story. This novel is satisfying because it shows people who, even if they occasionally have childish moments, are able to solve problems in adult ways.