This month’s book followed the life of a boy who faced hardship from the very beginning. He was born to a mother struggling with addiction, lived with an abusive stepfather, and was surrounded by kind but struggling neighbors. He passed through a broken foster care system, met family he never knew, and eventually rose to fame as a football star. The story is full of raw emotion, heartbreak, and real-world challenges.

What stood out most was the story’s connection to the opioid crisis that swept across the East Coast in the early 2000s. The book explored how drug companies marketed and sold addictive painkillers, often hiding the truth about their dangers. It revealed the manipulation and lies used to increase profits—at the expense of countless lives.

This was one of the most somber discussions our book club has had. We opened up about how the opioid epidemic has touched our own lives—directly or indirectly—and how we might respond if someone we loved became addicted.

In January, we read a book about covering up an accident, so we found ourselves drawing parallels between the two stories and how people deal with guilt, responsibility, and truth.

Discussion Questions:

How far would you go to protect a loved one struggling with addiction?

How do you balance love and support without enabling harmful behavior?

Have you ever worked in a job where the company’s morals didn’t sit right with you? What did you do?

In the book, the main character found comfort and encouragement through art and from people outside his family. Have you ever had someone like that in your life—or have you been that person for someone else?

This was a longer read, and not everyone finished it in time, but many went back to complete it afterward. It left a lasting impression.

If you’re interested in learning more about the opioid crisis, there are other books, documentaries, and shows that dive deeper into this important topic.