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A review by kj468
Name From a Hat Trick by L.A. Witt
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Outstanding!!! I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed both the narration and the story itself. The representation of so many identities is incredibly well done and one of the best parts of the book.
This book deals with so many complex issues with delicate care and hope. One of the MCs is a closeted gay man — closeted even to himself for a long time. There’s discussions about comphet and understanding what is attraction vs society expectations. He’s also got clinical anxiety, and the author does a wonderful job capturing the way it encompasses his thoughts and consumes his life sometimes. His journey with his anxiety — from not understanding what it is to getting help to getting control over it — was excellent.
The other MC is an openly bisexual single dad who had a kid with a good friend. He has a great relationship with the mother of his kid, who has a husband and is involved in the kid’s life. Their entire family is such excellent representation and a great role model for how atypical family units can look. They all parent together, without jealousy or anger or competition, and are so understanding of each others needs. It was so refreshing to see.
The child, Dallas, has debilitating chronic migraines, and they’re a central part of the story. The author also did a great job with the representation, capturing how they can affect both the individual and the family unit and making it clear that chronic illness (or anxiety for that matter) is not a character flaw.
This is my second book by this author, and I’m already so trusting. The characters have great communication; even when they act poorly based on emotion, they come back together with mature, open conversations. It feels really realistic to life — two emotionally competent, communicative people doing their best and apologizing and forgiving for each other when they get it wrong.
Hockey is definitely a relevant part of the story, but there’s no actual gameplay — which isn’t a problem, just a comment.
I’m really glad I bought the audiobook! I had a feeling I’ll be rereading in the future!!
This book deals with so many complex issues with delicate care and hope. One of the MCs is a closeted gay man — closeted even to himself for a long time. There’s discussions about comphet and understanding what is attraction vs society expectations. He’s also got clinical anxiety, and the author does a wonderful job capturing the way it encompasses his thoughts and consumes his life sometimes. His journey with his anxiety — from not understanding what it is to getting help to getting control over it — was excellent.
The other MC is an openly bisexual single dad who had a kid with a good friend. He has a great relationship with the mother of his kid, who has a husband and is involved in the kid’s life. Their entire family is such excellent representation and a great role model for how atypical family units can look. They all parent together, without jealousy or anger or competition, and are so understanding of each others needs. It was so refreshing to see.
The child, Dallas, has debilitating chronic migraines, and they’re a central part of the story. The author also did a great job with the representation, capturing how they can affect both the individual and the family unit and making it clear that chronic illness (or anxiety for that matter) is not a character flaw.
This is my second book by this author, and I’m already so trusting. The characters have great communication; even when they act poorly based on emotion, they come back together with mature, open conversations. It feels really realistic to life — two emotionally competent, communicative people doing their best and apologizing and forgiving for each other when they get it wrong.
Hockey is definitely a relevant part of the story, but there’s no actual gameplay — which isn’t a problem, just a comment.
I’m really glad I bought the audiobook! I had a feeling I’ll be rereading in the future!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Chronic illness