During his first year in college, Darnell safely resides in a small Kentucky town, playing Division Two college football and trying to make something of himself. Adjusting to the new surroundings proves tough, but a teammate and a girl give him hope that his future will be better than his past.
In the summer after his freshman year, he returns to the old neighborhood to be with his mother. The gang reasserts its hold on him, and the leader orders Darnell to kill a specific member of a rival gang. Nearly dying in a gang fight, Darnell shoots an enemy
gangbanger; unfortunately, it is the wrong target. This forces Darnell to re-evaluate his future. As a result, he lies to the mercurial leader of his gang, claiming he completed his assignment. After “doing work” for his gang, Darnell receives permission to head back to school and the security of small-town life.
When the head gang-banger learns of Darnell’s lie, the small Kentucky town isn’t so safe anymore.
Owensboro, Kentucky, is my hometown and the setting for the majority of Hazardous Choices. Growing up, I rooted for the local college. My
wife worked at the college and helped me set up an interview with the football team’s Head Coach. The fictional Western Kentucky State University Darnell Jackson attends is based on this college.
One of the characters, Eric Rotteli, has Down Syndrome, a form of mental retardation. My daughter also has Down. Knowing her and
coaching Special Olympics basketball enabled me to make this character realistic.
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That’s 46 or more possible entries! This giveaway is for Canada and U.S..
This giveaway will end on Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winner will be notified by email. Winners must respond within TWO days or will be disqualified.
