John Holland

Link: a Chain is Only As Strong As Its Weakest Link John Holland

Link is based on actual high school experiences of the author, J. H. Holland. Holland's high school football team was nationally ranked in 1974, during a season that culminated with a thrilling state championship game. While the story chronicles many of the common experiences and challenges that high school students faced thirty years ago, those same experiences and challenges are relevant even today. The book follows the life of a fictional character, Jimmy Watkins. Jimmy's family has moved from Texas to Southern California's Orange County following a recent tragedy in their lives. Jimmy is dealing with his own trials and tribulations, yet he is still capable of motivating those around him by staying true to the standards he has set for himself. Because of his perceived weaknesses and the mystery that surrounds him, Jimmy is affectionately named "Link" by his coaches and teammates. Jimmy's attitude consistently exudes positive ideals and beliefs; this attitude is one of the most significant threads sewn throughout the story. The mystery of Jimmy's health condition provides an intriguing element to the story line of the book. Witnessing how Jimmy is influenced by those around him like his father, friends and coaches, inspires readers to remember the wonderful influences others have had in their own lives. Jimmy heeds those influences and uses what he learns to positively impact the people around him. Jimmy's attitude is infectious to all who encounter him, as does this book which has proven to be difficult to put down. This book is great for casual reading or would serve junior high or high school English classes. The language is clean and not offensive even to the sensitive reader. The concepts and life challenges in the book although mature, are handled positively and sensitively.