Roughnecks

I started reading this for a book report a while ago. Once in a while I'd start to read but then I kept putting it down. I did this five of six times before I said to myself "I'm just gonna read all the way though it." When I started it I couln't put it down! I think this is a great book for young and old kids... Mybe some grownups might even enjoy this.

This book was great! The main character is so believable and a guy you would like to be friends with. He has faults and worries like every normal teen but he doesn't ever give up. He loves his family and works hard at both his work and his beloved football. This book was a great example of a boy who is strong both mentally and physically but at the same time he is sensitive and caring - one I will recommend to many who come in my library.

Let me just start out by telling you that anyone who wants to read a book, no matter if your a sports buff or not will really enjoy Roughnecks. Thomas Cochran truly displays his writing talents in his first ever novel. Roughnecks goes in depth with a high school senior football player who is about to play in the biggest game of his career. He portrays such a visual picture to the readers about how Travis Cody (the main character) feels, his dreams, and fears. You feel like your almost inside his head as he prepares for the biggest day of his life as knows it, the State Championship. Although the story is based on football you get a look into his life, his past experiences that tell a true story of how he has shaped as a person and background that makes the story complete. Being a peer of the character and also being a high school athlete makes this book even more powerful because I can really relate to his every thought. Even though it is just a game, to many high school athletes it means the world to them and at the time can seem like the most important thing in the world. You feel his emotions, his physical pain, the excitment building inside, and setting that is painted is incredible. The whole town of Oil Camp is going to be watching Travis go head to head with Jericho Grooms, who is a all-state linebacker in the season finale. The season is on the line and you are truly within the text of the book throughout the ride along side Travis Cody's every thought. An extrordinary book that I would recommend everyone to read and you will definitely enjoy!

This is such a great book to get male teenagers interested in reading. To read this story, Thomas Cochran puts you into young Travis Cody's mind and feelings as he tracks his final day of high school football. I didn't put this book down until I finished. The story talks about football but deep inside the message of "I Can Achieve" and "Just Do It" come out in this tale of a young boy entering a mans world. Parents please give this book to your son.