Explore Reid Forgrave’s book on the life of Zac Easter, and the moral dilemma of youth football and CTE.

ZAC EASTER knew what was happening to him. He knew why. And he knew that it was only going to get worse. This is the true story that Zac’s family wants the world to know—and that every parent needs to read.

In this deeply reported and powerfully moving true story, based on Zac’s own diaries, Reid Forgrave shows us how football mirrors America, from the fighting spirit the game has helped inscribe in our national character to the side effects of the traditional notions of manhood that it affirms. But above all, Love, Zac is a warning to parents and those entrusted with the care of our kids not to ignore concussions and warning signs of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). Eye-opening, important, and ultimately inspiring, Love, Zac challenges us to think carefully about the ideals and values we as a nation want to instill in future generations.

“An artful and intimate portrait that is so beautifully written it belongs on the shelf alongside classic works of literary journalism. Love, Zac is a vital contribution to the national conversation about traumatic brain injury in athletes.”
-Jeanne Marie Laskas, author of Concussion

“A detective story, a love story, and a parable about football, pain, and the consequences of the bedrock version of American masculinity.”
-Michael Sokolove, author of The Last Temptation of Rick Pitino

"The concussion epidemic has spread devastation to players in the less visible strata of the sport, especially to high school players like Zac Easter. Reid Forgrave's book shows the totality of that damage in full. Someone should staple this book to Roger Goodell's forehead."
-Drew Magary, author of The Hike

"An in-depth exploration not only of football and its risks but of the empty, meaningless culture into which we are driving young men. It will leave you unable to ever watch a football game--at any level--the same way again."
-Brian Alexander, author of Glass House

"An intelligent, provocative tale that will give pause to many parents of football players at any level."
-Kirkus Reviews