Raiders night is a interesting realistic fiction book taking a look on into a HS football studs life and what he goes through with struggles and highs. A little graphic but overall a good book if you like realistic fiction 3.5 out of 5 stars

Hard-hitting look at the world of high school football. Matt Rydek is a senior and captain of the finals-bound football team. Sure, he does 'juice' but everyone does... what could be wrong with that? When one of his teammates takes a hazing too far, Matt is faced with difficult choices and dire consequences. Mature content. ( )

i hated this book. i wanted to take a shower when i was done and wash it away. ( )

Best for older teens because of abuse scene. The main charachter wrestles with moral decisions amidst a team and father to whom winning means everything. ( )

This is definitely a story for older teens. The Raiders football team has been part of Matt's life forever. He began dedicating himself to football two years ago, and this is his senior year. In the summer prior to football camp, Matt has acted like a captain - keeping people on their lifting schedule, working out, spending time with the younger players. But when football camp begins, the other co-captain begins to bully and manipulate, and Matt just stands by and watches. There is a graphic male rape in this book, as well as some other illegal, unsavory things. Matt is on what his father calls "safe" steroids. This book is pretty action-packed, including an attempted murder. However, it seems like Lipsyte (who consulted with a sports psychologist) has tried to pack too much stuff into this book - there is a bullying sports dad, the steroids, cheating on his girlfriend, worries that he's gay - no wonder Matt is having a hard time concentrating. While it might be a good read for boys that are into sports, I think it was a little too scattered for me. ( )