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Across the River. Kent Babb.

 

 

 



Across the River.   Kent Babb

Life, Death, And Football in an American City.   

At least once a year we get a hold of books that are gripping, compelling and immediately capture our attention.   Kent Babb’s, Across the River, does this in no small order.    The backdrop is football but the story is really about what takes place on the west banks of New Orleans, Louisiana.   The institution prominently featured is the renown Edna Karr High School located on the other side of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. 

The main character is the head coach at Karr.   An interesting, complex character who is portrayed as a gifted coach but conflicted about the right path to take in his life.   Meanwhile, the Karr football program continues to churn out successful seasons due the immense talent, ardent coaching and cemented culture.     

But life is not easy in this part of the Bayou.    In fact, it can move quite fast.   As we are introduced to the many supportive characters, we find players that do not have ideal home life and face numerous external pressures and forces.   We learn about life on the West Bank.   Crime is high.   Citizens may need to watch their steps or be wary of going beyond the gang gerrymandered boundaries.   

There are tales of homelessness, gang membership and untimely death.   The characters stretch from the coaching staff, players, parents of players and even overworked police detectives from the New Orleans Police force.    We learn that New Orleans, while among the highest in U.S. crime rates, is also notorious for an ascending list of unsolved homicides.   

The city also has a nasty habit of sucking the lifelong resident within its clutches and not truly letting them ever leave the area.    It is no wonder that many kids want to be part of the Karr football program due the many qualities it offers the often-underserved adolescents.

Yes, a high school season is chronicled and it augments the buildup of the story.  It is easy to root for this program once we learn what they are trying to do and what they offer to the community.   The book serves as entertainment for the reader but more importantly as a guide and compass to the challenges, needs and attention of many communities around the nation.   This one just happens to be in the crescent city.  

You might like to read this book if you are a fan of Edna Karr High School sports.

You might like to read this book if you are a fan of High School football stories.

You might like to read this book if you aspire to read about coaches and their relationships with players and assistants.

You might like to read this book if you are a fan of stories about New Orleans. 

You might like to read this book if you enjoy learning more about American cities and their culture.

You might like to read this book if you appreciate urban tales featuring history, drama and perseverance.

You might like to read this book if you crave well researched, insightful and intriguing stories of adversity and grit. 

Read more about the author on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kentbabb

 

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