With a large cast whose lives weave together throughout the book, the Christy Award–winning Moser (Time Lottery
) turns the mere act of holding up a sign at a football game into a transforming catalyst for her many characters. Tragedy in a football-crazed Midwestern town leaves grave doubts in Roman Paulson's mind about God's existence. Bitterness, greed and ambition for his son to play football have driven him to push others, and God, away. The tragedy also upsets the lives of several college students, whose decisions are openly discussed with believable dialogue and strong action. Moser uses sensitive and vivid descriptions of how characters might experience grief and lays out the plot's dilemmas expertly. College-age students will enjoy the book for the recognizable binds the characters get into, and cheer when they find ways to redeem poor decisions. The football setting is only window dressing: readers expecting strong riffs on football culture only get a shined-up plasticized coach and a few players saying nice things. However, plenty of plot twists and just that touch of sport setting make this a fitting read for autumn. (Oct.)
