Jim Cangany populates his new book, On The Rebound, with interesting characters. Protagonist Greg Miller grew up in a family that ate, drank and breathed basketball. He was a star in his own right and on his way to a successful career coaching college Men’s basketball when disaster struck. The entire coaching staff was fired in disgrace due to a grade fixing scandal. After two years without work, he is offered an Assistant coach of women’s basketball position at Irving University. (What a come down!) He’s determined to make a success of the opportunity and work his way back to the world of Men’s basketball. Along with coaching, he’s assigned the task of being academic advisor to Shay, a high school basketball star who wasn’t properly prepared for the academic challenges of college. Through his task of advising Shay, Greg needs to work with Ciara Monaghan, academic advisor, who seriously opposed his hiring. At their first meeting, the expected sparks of disagreement fly. But could there be other sparks flying in the room too? Marie Grayson, Ciara’s sassy assistant and best friend, decides what’s best for her friend and wants to help her achieve that. Then there’s Greg’s family and other assorted University characters adding to the story.
Cangany weaves these characters into an interesting story centered on the women’s basketball team of Irving University set in Irving, Indiana. There’s no doubt that Irving is based on our own Irvington. The team name is the Lions (Our Lady of Lourdes?) and colors are scarlet and gold (Scecina?). Greg lives on Julian Avenue and the descriptions fit Irvington to a “t”. The basketball setting/theme is just enough to be interesting but not boring — even to someone not particularly interested in sports. The book is a very pleasant read and appropriate for all ages. I look forward to the sequels and learning more about the lives of those at Irving University.
Meet Cangany at 2 p.m. on Sun., March 6 at Bookmamas, 9 Johnson Avenue.
