This one wasn't really for me. I wish I hadn't requested it because I feel bad leaving a negative review when something isn't really my taste, but at the same time, a powerful writer could have made me care about the characters and subject matter.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

Unfortunately I was unable to finish this book. It could be because it was so centred on boxing rather than the rest of great story.

Boxed In
by N.E. David

3 stars

A good yarn.

Barry Mullins isn’t the sharpest tool in the box. But he has a particular talent - he knows how to fight.

Generally, the book is an easy read that men will lean back and enjoy. The story line is gentle to follow, with the words painting a picture of the life and times of Barry.

This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com

This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.

# BoxedIn #NetGalley

I absolutely love boxing and loved this book, but I feel like even readers who aren't fans of boxing would enjoy the story. It's such

I was not sure I would like this book, as I am not a fan of boxing or any other sport, for that matter. Yet, as I read, I began to appreciate the person Barry is and how he maneuvered his way through life despite the many obstacles he encountered. Barry is lovable but flawed. Early on, he followed his love of boxing, while working on cars to earn a way. Little did he realize or know that the two men who gave him a job really were out to exploit him. He kept at his boxing under the tutelage of Albert at the gym. Can he finally succeed at what he wants? Is it possible in today’s world? This is Barry’s story about his life and his aspirations, trudging along through the many pitfalls he encounters.

I like the book, because it brought home how different life may be from what we have envisioned, with many surprises. It showed me that you can achieve what you want, only that it may take effort, time and perseverance. This is a good coming of age story that can and will inspire. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like this book as I'm certainly not a fan of boxing! But I was pleasantly surprised because as a retired high school English teacher, I am a fan of teacher/mentors seeing the unrecognized potential in students and fostering that drive to help them find their passions and succeed. So of course I adored Barry from the beginning and cheered him on as he found his inherent nature working with cars and followed his nascent talent for boxing. Barry is a lovable, flawed young man who has beaten the odds, and as he falls in with Ronnie and Terry who give him a job, he has no idea how they are plotting to exploit him. And yet he finds solace and a desire to push himself physically at the gym where Albert teaches him to be a true athlete. What fate has in store for Barry is the rest of the story, but let's just say I inhaled this book as I was hooked from the beginning! So while I may never attend a boxing match, I recommend this book as a lovely coming of age story that reveals how life has its surprises, but if you believe in yourself, have a work ethic and a conscience, you can achieve incredible success and get ahead of life's inevitable pitfalls and live your best life.