Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert is a gripping story that tells of one boy’s struggle to understand who he is and where he came from. Conviction is one of those books that will resonate with its audience on so many levels. Kelly Loy Gilbert has created a novel that provides readers with a relatable protagonist, deals with many issues that need to be explored, and uses baseball as an amazing analogy to tie it all together.
Title: ConvictionAuthor: Kelly Loy Gilbert
Also by this author: Picture Us in the Light
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Rating:
Ten years ago, God gave Braden a sign, a promise that his family wouldn't fall apart the way he feared. But Braden got it wrong: his older brother, Trey, has been estranged from the family for almost as long, and his father, the only parent Braden has ever known, has been accused of murder. The arrest of Braden's father, a well-known Christian radio host has sparked national media attention. His lies in his son's hands; Braden is the key witness in his father's upcoming trial. Braden has always measured himself through baseball. He is the star pitcher in his small town of Ornette, and his ninety-four mile per hour pitch already has minor league scouts buzzing in his junior year. Now the rules of the sport that has always been Braden's saving grace are blurred in ways he never realized, and the prospect of playing against Alex Reyes, the nephew of the police officer his father is accused of killing, is haunting his every pitch. Braden faces an impossible choice, one that will define him for the rest of his life, in this brutally honest debut novel about family, faith, and the ultimate test of conviction.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert
❀ Braden is Flawed
Braden, the main character in Conviction, is a teenage boy who appears to be an all round American kid. He is well liked by everyone in his town and is the star pitcher for the town’s baseball team. There are some family secrets, however, that Braden must keep to himself and come to terms with. It is easy to understand Braden’s struggles and his character flaws make him an even more lovable character in this story. Readers will feel his pain and empathize immediately with Braden. Kelly Loy Gilbert sets the stage for what is to come by brilliantly making you fall in love with Braden.
❀ Many Social Issues Addressed
There are an unbelievable number of social issues explored in this novel. From race relations to homosexuality, to family and faith. Braden is coming of age in Conviction and is sorting each of these issues out for himself. It is through Braden that the reader is taken on a journey of self discovery and how a teenager must deal and decide upon his/her beliefs. Braden struggles with his own political convictions while his father awaits a decision regarding his own legal conviction.
❀ Baseball is an Analogy
It is the method that Kelly Loy Gilbert uses in her novel, Conviction, to aid Braden on his journey of self discovery and help readers to understand that sets this book apart from others. Baseball becomes an incredible analogy throughout this story to explain life and Braden’s struggles. It is baseball and the understanding he has for how the game is played that sees him through and guides him towards an understanding.
❀ Amazing Debut
Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert is one that really gets readers to think and question themselves. It is also a story that deeply explores various social issues. It is a book that will make you explore your own beliefs.
About Kelly Loy Gilbert
Kelly Loy Gilbert is the author of CONVICTION and PICTURE US IN THE LIGHT (Disney-Hyperion, spring 2018). She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I’m not so sure about books with crime side plots. The social issue aspect sounds interesting though and I’m actually contemplating gettign this right now.
This sounds… tragic, but compelling too. Like I want to read it, but I’ want Braden to have a happy ending, but I’m not sure he’d get it — some blurbs make me react this way, still don’t know why lol
Ooo this one sounds like it’s gonna be a deep read, and I’m kinda interested in how it’ll explore some of the different issues you mentioned in your review. Can’t wait to read this one! Great review 😀