Plot Summary

Play Their Hearts Out

George Dohrmann
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Play Their Hearts Out

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2010

Book Brief

George Dohrmann

Play Their Hearts Out

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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Super Short Summary

Play Their Hearts Out by George Dohrmann examines how AAU basketball coach Joe Keller exploits young athletes like Demetrius "D" Walker for financial gain, driven by a youth basketball system that prioritizes profit over player development. Keller's manipulative tactics and moral compromises emphasize the broader systemic issues within youth sports. The book explores instances of sexual abuse.

Informative

Gritty

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.5

4,743 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

George Dohrmann's Play Their Hearts Out has been lauded for its in-depth, investigative journalism into the world of youth basketball, offering compelling narratives and rich character development. Critics appreciate Dohrmann's ability to expose the exploitation of young athletes. However, some found the book's extensive detail at times overwhelming. Overall, it's an eye-opening and impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Play Their Hearts Out?

A reader who would enjoy Play Their Hearts Out by George Dohrmann is likely passionate about sports, particularly basketball, and is intrigued by the intersection of youth, ambition, and system exploitation. Fans of The Blind Side by Michael Lewis and Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger would find this exposé compelling.

4.5

4,743 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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