ZJ’s father, Zachariah, is a professional football player whose career has left him with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Through a series of poems, ZJ observes the physical and cognitive decline of his hero, who now suffers from uncontrollable headaches, memory loss, and sudden fits of anger. The narrative tracks the family's transition from a life of athletic stardom to one defined by medical uncertainty. ZJ struggles to reconcile the legendary athlete praised by the public with the frustrated, forgetful man now sitting in their darkened living room.
Athletes, parents, and young readers use this book to understand the long-term neurological risks associated with high-impact sports. It provides a realistic look at how concussions alter personality and family dynamics. Readers walk away with a clearer perspective on the trade-offs between professional glory and physical health. The story serves as a tool for discussing the invisible injuries of the brain and the process of grieving for a loved one who is still present but fundamentally changed by repetitive trauma.
Inward-looking; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2020
- Language
- EN
