"This is an amazing first novel. On and off the football field, the characters rise to challenges in ways that will have readers turning pages quickly to see what happens next. The author's knowledge of sports is impeccable and his understanding of the social interaction of teenagers weaves the story together to make it funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Readers will find it hard to come away from this book not cheering for Bobby Framingham (whether he winds up at Stanford or not)."
-Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy
"The best teen novel I've read in ages. This book seamlessly combines two genres, the sports novel and the coming-out story, to tell of a star high-school quarterback who's coming to terms with being gay while caught in a national spotlight. Konigsberg avoids all cliches and instead fills his book with funny, fantastic, surprising characters. He also makes each football game a riveting, high-stakes event."
-Mark David Bradshaw, Watermark Books
"A thought-provoking, funny, and ultimately uplifting story of self-actualization that masterfully defies stereotypes about both coming out and team sports."
-School Library Journal
"...the elements in this story, told in Bobby's authentic first-person voice, ring true, from Bobby's initial struggle with his sexual identity to the sometimes hostile reaction of his teammates. ... a thoughtful, powerful novel."
-Booklist
"It is simply a book -- and a good read for anyone irrespective of age -- that can do an enormous amount of good in addressing the fact that some people are gay ... and so what? Also publication is timed beautifully to coincide with the campaign in America to get youngsters to think before using the "so gay" words. ... Oh, and one bit of advice: have a Kleenex handy when dad finds out -- and speaks to Bobby!
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-UK Gay News
"...Out of the Pocket demonstrates the author's sizeable knowledge of the sport but is enjoyable even if you have no clue what the title means. The book is a light read but still engaging. In fact, in the world of football, this book is less like a pro game and more like a game of touch football with friends. And just like playing that game, it's not a bad way to spend an afternoon."
-Insight Magazine
"Konigsberg's writing style has two exceptional things going for him in this book. For one thing, being a professional sportswriter, he's able to write about every aspect of this story with ease, and when the story becomes technical, it's still got a clear vision. Secondly, Konigsberg has a fine ear, and he has a fine sense of language, especially creating realistic dialogue that sounds like the way teenagers talk these days."
-White Crane
"In this unusual hybrid that juxtaposes hard-hitting, play-by-play football action with scenes of psychological soul-searching, a gay high-school football player is publicly shoved out of the closet and then has to cope with the aftermath. ... The story concludes realistically, leaving the final consequences of his actions unclear. What is clear however, and what readers should take away, is that despite the price, there are great rewards to being who you are."
-Kirkus
"The characterization is vivid and detailed, and while this is a relatively short book at 264 pages, I felt I knew all of the characters well by the end of the novel. ... The book is a fast and enjoyable read. It will keep you entertained and move you emotionally several times. Even if you are not a sports fan, as I am not, the writing will involve you and may even rekindle memories of high school football games."
-EDGE Publications
"Konigsberg tells a tale of triumph and self-actualization in a predictably unpredictable environment."
-Ramon Johnson, About.com
"Debut novelist Konigsberg depicts Bobby's soul-searching with penetrating honesty; the author also brings a hard-hitting authenticity to scenes of on-field action."
-Richard Labonte, Book Marks
"Refreshing and compelling, Out of the Pocket never succumbs to trite cliches. It scores, big time."
-Out Front Colorado
"I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I figured I would like it because of the gay storyline, but was a bit apprehensive at the sports angle since I'm not exactly a sports buff. Even with the sports angle though, it was still an easy-to-understand and fun read. Bobby is a very believable character, and his road to acceptance is not an easy one- it requires time and patience from his parents, his peers and football mates, and his friends. It's very hard to put this book down, and I breezed through it because I wanted to know what would happen next. A highly recommended read, especially for guys who enjoy sports."
-Book Chic Blog
"The themes are universal here, so even if you aren't the star quarterback of your school's team, the story still applies. If anything, it reinforces how so many people are going through the same struggle, often alone, and that people we might perceive as being against us might be on our same path. You just won't know until your high school reunions."
-Oasis Journals
"Out of the Pocket tells the truth. Bill Konigsberg has created a funny, compelling, hauntin story about growing up different, and in the spotlight. This book is for anyone who cares about understanding bigotry."
-Chris Crutcher, author of Whale Talk and King of the Mild Frontier
"It's tough enough completing your pass as the linebackers blitz, but when your private life is also crashing in the game is about survival. A hard-hitting first novel about quarterbacking your life."
-Robert Lipsyte, author of Raiders Night
"How I rooted for Bobby, and all his imperfect, complicated, oh-so-human friends."
-Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of Dairy Queen and The Off Season
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Bill Konigsberg scores a touchdown with OUT OF THE POCKET, a heartfelt story that captures the intimacy of sports and the complexity of teens."
-Alex Sanchez, author of Rainbow Boys and The God Box
