“Against overwhelming odds, five Hollywood teens are coached by an unlikely pair of off-duty police officers and rise above drugs, gangs, and the potential pitfalls of the street when, as teammates and friends, they unite in a citywide competition by learning to overcome the agony of defeat and finally taste the sweetness of victory.”

This is the description of “Takin’ It Back,” a new novel by renowned writer, John Kuri. The book focuses on a group of kids from various backgrounds who are joined together through basketball and the Hollywood PAL program. Kuri explains his inspiration for the writing the novel as follows:

“I grew up in Hollywood. The pool and playground along Cahuenga and Cole, north of Santa Monica Boulevard, are the same as they were then and the possibility for a kid to find trouble hasn’t changed either. In the more recent years, as a dad attending many games on similar grounds, watching my sons and daughters, and marveling at parents who gave so much time to coach and mentor those kids, I could not help but realize what a gift that was.

And for the kids who don’t have the blessings of a big family, organized school activities, all those privileges so many take for granted, there is a force across this nation that is 80,000 strong. It is the Police Activities League and it’s made up of off-duty officers, men and women who give their time to make a difference in a kid’s life. Hollywood PAL is one of the finest examples of mentors at work for kids and the community.

“Takin’ It Back” pays tribute to both those kids who want to reach for a high goal in their young lives, and it salutes the mentors who help those kids find their way towards those goals. In that it is a fictional story, I do want you to know it is based on truth. Many of the events have happened in one way or another, some to me and others I observed.

Ultimately, if anything at all, it is my hope that the kids of this world realize that there are no boundaries preventing their turning their dreams into their reality, as long as they believe in themselves and are willing to work hard for what they want. And to the adults that have the ability to influence those same kids, you do make a difference whenever you give some of yourself to them. Maybe it listening, answering the perplexing question, or helping them understand how to overcome that moment’s obstacle.

For me, the title “Takin’ It Back”, conjures up taking back control over ones own life. It’s about personal responsibility and choices. We all make them every day, and for kids, it’s really important to understand that we are in control of ourselves, and therefore our own destiny.

Each book purchased through Amazon.com will earn money for Hollywood PAL. It is a non-profit organization that depends entirely on contributions to support the costs associated with the program that is run by these fine volunteers.”