Editorial Content for Grandmaster
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Reviewer (text)
When Daniel Pratzer joins the chess club at his new high school, he can't understand why the cocky team captains think that his short, balding, potbellied-accountant dad is so special, until they explain that his name is listed in the Chess Federation as a grandmaster (a highly-rated master of chess). After the captains threaten to wring Daniel's neck if he doesn't show up with Grandmaster Pratzer at a weekend-long father-son chess tournament, Daniel confronts his dad, who grudgingly confirms his chess prowess. However, he is not willing to divulge why he has kept this information secret for 30 years. His dad accepts the tournament invitation, but the two have no idea what to expect when they arrive. Indeed, their time will be interesting, to say the least, especially when Daniel searches for the real reasons why his dad gave up something that he's extremely good at.
"GRANDMASTER has a unique young adult plot that is filled with adventure, tension and love, all interwoven with light humor. "
Written in first person, the inspiration for Daniel's story comes from Klass's own competitive chess experiences, post-Bobby Fischer era. He gave up the game but then returned to it 30 years later when his two children began playing in school tournaments. Though the overall tone of GRANDMASTER is obviously chess-based and is laced with plenty of terminology for young enthusiasts (familiar chess moves, iconic grandmasters and even a little chess history), Klass cleverly incorporates various themes to keep non-chess readers engaged as well. A prominent theme throughout his narrative, for example, is that of facing one's fears. This is evident when Daniel has to play against higher-rated opponents and when his dad has to deal with his past life and an old nemesis.
GRANDMASTER has a unique young adult plot that is filled with adventure, tension and love, all interwoven with light humor. An acclaimed screenwriter and author, Klass has created a delightful novel that also has all the makings for the big screen.
Teaser
As a teen, Daniel Pratzer's father was one of the most promising chess players in America. But the pressures of the game pushed him too far, and he gave up chess. Now, 30 years later, Mr. Pratzer returns to the game to face down an old competitor and old demons. Daniel was looking for acceptance --- but his father's secrets will force him to make some surprising moves himself.
Promo
As a teen, Daniel Pratzer's father was one of the most promising chess players in America. But the pressures of the game pushed him too far, and he gave up chess. Now, 30 years later, Mr. Pratzer returns to the game to face down an old competitor and old demons. Daniel was looking for acceptance --- but his father's secrets will force him to make some surprising moves himself.
About the Book
Freshman Daniel Pratzer gets a chance to prove himself when the chess team invites him and his father to a weekend-long parent-child tournament. Daniel, thinking that his father is a novice, can’t understand why his teammates want so badly for them to participate. Then he finds out the truth: as a teen, his father was one of the most promising young players in America, but the pressures of the game pushed him too far, and he had to give up chess to save his own life and sanity. Now, 30 years later, Mr. Pratzer returns to the game to face down an old competitor and the same dark demons that lurk in the corners of a mind stretched by the demands of the game. Daniel was looking for acceptance --- but the secrets he uncovers about his father will force him to make some surprising moves himself, in GRANDMASTER by David Klass.
