Book Review            
Throwback                        
by Dave Conifer
Publisher: iUniverse.com, Inc
ISBN: 0-595340067                               Review by Rosemary Rainbolt

Ben Pietrak only had one chance on the varsity wrestling team before graduating 
from high school.  He thinks he is prepared, but when everything is at stake he 
fails to deliver, and his career is suddenly over.  A year later, the pain he 
feels over the way it ended is as strong as ever.  He rationalizes that since he 
didn't have the luxury of multiple chances as some do, and embarks on an amazing 
journey.  After acquiring bogus paperwork he moves to another state and becomes 
Ben Petrovic, a relocated high school junior who happens to be a pretty good 
wrestler. 

Before long Ben realizes that there is more to what he is doing than wrestling.  
Rather than conform to the cruel social norms of high school as he did the first 
time, he has the confidence to do the right things regardless of what others are 
thinking.  Besides intervening in some bullying situations, Ben teaches some of 
the lesser-noticed students that the world shouldn't revolve only around the 
world of sports.  Eventually he meets Judy, an honor student who plays the lead 
role in the school play.  As Ben piles up victories on the mat, he is 
increasingly tormented by guilt over what he's done.  He is confused by his 
feelings for Judy as well as the realization that he may have returned to high 
school for the wrong reasons.  By then, though,  itÂ’s too late to turn back. 

The story contains many positive messages about peer pressure.  With the 
confidence that comes with an extra year of maturity, Ben mentors several 
classmates, encouraging them to recognize and be proud of their own inner 
strengths.   Wrestling fans will love the book too.  Every match is described in 
excruciating detail.  Dave Conifer obviously knows the sport well, from 
experience, and the result is a story that brings across both the glorious and 
the agonizing aspects of the sport.  Two thumbs up for Dave Conifer's 
"Throwback".

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