Reviews
" A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture."-Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise." -Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here, [ A Chance to Win ] reads like a mix between Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger and Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc -- tough acts that Schuppe gracefully follows., "This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart."-Ron Suskind" A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage." -Daniel Okrent" A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles." -Jonathan Alter"Sobering yet inspiring, A Chance to Win is an extraordinary journey. " -Alex Kotlowitz, "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise."-Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, "Honest and gritty."- Newark Star Ledger "[ A Chance to Win ] reads like a mix between Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger and Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc - tough acts that Schuppe gracefully follows."- Bookriot.com "A lively work of literary nonfiction [that] vividly illustrates the often fierce struggles of a small group of people [and] offers a larger truth about the city. . . Jonathan Schuppe gives dignified, poetic voice to [Newark's] struggle." - Inside Jersey "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply."- Booklist (starred review)"A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well." - Kirkus "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise."-Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true., A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well., This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic., "A compelling book."- The Washington Post "Honest and gritty."- Newark Star Ledger "[ A Chance to Win ] reads like a mix between Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger and Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc - tough acts that Schuppe gracefully follows."- Bookriot.com "A lively work of literary nonfiction [that] vividly illustrates the often fierce struggles of a small group of people [and] offers a larger truth about the city. . . Jonathan Schuppe gives dignified, poetic voice to [Newark's] struggle." - Inside Jersey "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply."- Booklist (starred review)"A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well." - Kirkus "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise."-Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption., A lively work of literary nonfiction [that] vividly illustrates the often fierce struggles of a small group of people [and] offers a larger truth about the city. . . Jonathan Schuppe gives dignified, poetic voice to [Newark's] struggle., "[A] deep excavation . . . told with consummate empathy." -- The New York Times Book Review "A compelling book." -- The Washington Post "Honest and gritty." -- Newark Star Ledger "[ A Chance to Win ] reads like a mix between Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger and Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc -- tough acts that Schuppe gracefully follows." -- Bookriot.com "A lively work of literary nonfiction [that] vividly illustrates the often fierce struggles of a small group of people [and] offers a larger truth about the city. . . Jonathan Schuppe gives dignified, poetic voice to [Newark's] struggle." -- Inside Jersey "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply." -- Booklist (starred review) "A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well." -- Kirkus "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -- Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protgs, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -- Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative--brilliantly reported and passionately rendered--is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still--somehow--find a way to believe in America's promise." -- Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -- Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true." -- Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, "[A] deep excavation . . . told with consummate empathy."- The New York Times Book Review "A compelling book."- The Washington Post "Honest and gritty."- Newark Star Ledger "[ A Chance to Win ] reads like a mix between Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger and Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc - tough acts that Schuppe gracefully follows."- Bookriot.com "A lively work of literary nonfiction [that] vividly illustrates the often fierce struggles of a small group of people [and] offers a larger truth about the city. . . Jonathan Schuppe gives dignified, poetic voice to [Newark's] struggle." - Inside Jersey "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply."- Booklist (starred review)"A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well." - Kirkus "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise."-Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative--brilliantly reported and passionately rendered--is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still--somehow--find a way to believe in America's promise., "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply."- Booklist (starred review)"A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well." - Kirkus "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise."-Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply., " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise , A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture., "[A] deep excavation . . . told with consummate empathy." -- The New York Times Book Review "A compelling book." -- The Washington Post "Honest and gritty." -- Newark Star Ledger "[ A Chance to Win ] reads like a mix between Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger and Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc -- tough acts that Schuppe gracefully follows." -- Bookriot.com "A lively work of literary nonfiction [that] vividly illustrates the often fierce struggles of a small group of people [and] offers a larger truth about the city. . . Jonathan Schuppe gives dignified, poetic voice to [Newark's] struggle." -- Inside Jersey "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply." -- Booklist (starred review) "A compelling portrait of inner-city struggles . . . Schuppe's punchy journalistic style serves the material well." -- Kirkus "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -- Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -- Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative--brilliantly reported and passionately rendered--is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still--somehow--find a way to believe in America's promise." -- Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -- Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true." -- Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise, "It may be peculiar to describe a book that looks unflinchingly at urban poverty as wonderful , but in the sense that this account will open eyes and maybe a few minds, wonderful just might apply." -- Booklist (starred review) "This is one of the most powerful books of narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Schuppe has assembled an unremarkable and yet unforgettable cast -- led by a paralyzed ex-con-cum-little-league-coach -- and told their story with clear-eyed compassion and grace. The result is somehow both understated and majestic." -Jonathan Mahler, author of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning "Sobering yet inspiring, Jonathan Schuppe's A Chance to Win is one terrific read, an extraordinary journey with a cast of characters who will stay with you. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for Rodney Mason and his young protégés, and ruminating on what it really means to find redemption." -Alex Kotlowitz, There Are No Children Here "A man with no legs teaches the forgotten children of Newark how to run for glory. Amazing, and all true. Jon Schuppe has written an extraordinary book of the human spirit. This powerful narrative-brilliantly reported and passionately rendered-is a true journey of the heart. The aching heart, in fact, of a still-great nation, revealed by those left behind, who still-somehow-find a way to believe in America's promise."-Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of A Hope in the Unseen, An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League " A Chance to Win is a model of intimate reporting, an exemplar of lucid prose, and a demonstration of genuine courage. It will take most readers into a world that they do not know, and they will be rewarded for the venture." -Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition " A Chance to Win will take its rightful place as a classic of American urban life. Through superb reporting and compelling empathy, it makes us care passionately about the characters and their struggles. The story is by turns sad, inspiring, disturbing, hopeful and all true."-Jonathan Alter, author of The Promise
