The Game Player

by Rafael Yglesias

The critically acclaimed novel from a master of contemporary American fiction.
A story of genius, performance, and the psychological forces that drive the competitive spirit
Brian Stoppard is blessed with prodigious natural talents. Howard Cohen, less so. Starting in middle school in New York, Howard watches Brian effortlessly win at everything he tries: He's a natural chess champion, a perfect athlete, a brilliant student. As the two move through life as friends and competitors, Brian's easy success is a constant source of envy, awe, and inspiration for the ambitious but less-gifted Howard."
"Told with great humor and style, "The Game Player" is a story of those born to greatness and those who must strive for it."

239 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Rafael Yglesias (b. 1954) is a master American storyteller whose career began with the publication of his first novel, Hide Fox, and All After, at seventeen. Through four decades Yglesias has produced numerous highly acclaimed novels, including the New York Times bestseller Fearless, which was adapted into the film starring Jeff Bridges and Rosie Perez. He lives on New York City’s Upper East Side.

Reviews

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the Audio version of The Game Player, which is a feel good story about two young boys whose friendship over about a dozen years develops into brotherly love as they grow up into young adults. Written by Rafael Yglesias in 1978, the story starts with middle-schooler Howard Cohen moving from New York City into the suburbs with his parents. There, he observes that all the girls are blonde and all the boys are athletic. In other words, the students in his middle school are all perfect and very different from him.

Howard specifically observes Brian Stoppard who seems to win at everything he tries. To Howard, Brian appears to be a natural athlete, a straight-A student, and a perennial chess champion – all without exerting much effort. As the story develops, the focus is less on the competition between Howard and Brian and more on the friendship that develops between these two young boys as they get to know each other (and eventually respect each other) through high school, college and post-graduate work.

Paul Heitsch did an admirable job narrating. His voices “matured” as the boys grew up, which is particularly important when the characters start off young and end up as adults. His descriptive powers made the chess games come alive and exciting for me.

[Angela(demonsangel) Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review is posted on Audible

Overall a descent story. It wasn't the type of story that I love but I listened to it anyway. I think the narrator did an excellent job with this story. If Paul Heitsch wonderful narration I probably wouldn't have made it through this story. I felt as if Paul kept me involved and my mind in the story.

So thank you Paul and I can't wait to listen to The Devouring, that one will be my next audio book I listen to by you. I do believe it's a YA, so lovers of Audible and YA(Teen) genres go check it out. I'm sure it's a great story. I know the narrator is great, and that has everything to do with making a story a great listen.

[Joel Swokowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! Coming of age story about two boys growing up together! Two very different people who made each other better! The ending was exceptional and surprising!