CBS Radio’s Benji Cole interviews Gerald L. Nardella, the author of “Playing Hurt”
Gerald L. Nardella, the author of “Playing Hurt,” was interviewed by CBS Radio’s Benji Cole. The interview in the program of People of Distinction is about the discussion of the message of the book as well as the author’s purpose for writing this masterpiece.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Benji Cole, the host of the program, is a world-class interviewer, video formulator, Los Angeles actor, and filmmaker. He’s shared the acting stage with superstar Tom Hanks.
“Playing Hurt” by Gerald L. Nardella is a romantic fictional narrative about two teenagers. This story tackles the issues of peer pressure, struggle with intimate desires, betrayal, jealousy, insecurities, and fear of the future that every teenager encounters while growing up.
Gerald L. Nardella was born and raised in Livingston, Montana, and he served in the U.S. Army. He married Peggy, his high school sweetheart, in 1962. They have two children: Michael and Terri.
Gerald received a degree in accounting from Montana State University, Bozeman, in 1968. He worked for a national CPA firm before starting his own CPA practice in Billings in 1974. Gerald enjoys golfing, reading, and working on the family cabin in the Crazy Mountains.
The author was inspired to publish this masterpiece due to the fear and insecurity of growing up in a small town that offers little opportunity and few role models, exacerbated by an uncertain future and pressure from emotions difficult to control.
“Playing Hurt” by Gerald L. Nardella is highly commended by Amanda Hanson of the US Review of Books, who underscores that “Nardella dives into the characters’ emotions and psychological state. For instance, she shows how Deanie is conflicted by her sexual activities. She feels guilty and remorseful, which leads to tears after she has sex with Brian. From there, she wants to take things slowly. She had planned to remain a virgin until marriage. However, as a result of her actions with Brian, she feels like she has broken a promise to herself. Nardella uses a confessional technique popular in narratives by having her protagonist reveal these thoughts to her friend, Karen. Deanie then establishes a sharp contrast between Karen and herself. Karen was able to stand firm and refuse to sleep with her boyfriend, while Deanie feels that she gave up too easily. Deanie’s intense struggle with her thoughts and emotions helps make her relatable to the reader. Many will likely appreciate this book because the characters express their emotions with honesty.”
Get to know more about the author and his book as you listen to the full interview below: