The April 14, 2025 issue of Publishers Weekly features “Playing Hurt” by Gerald L. Nardella

ARPress is honored to partner with Publishers Weekly Magazine in featuring and marketing outstanding published works by dedicated and passionate authors. Every year, millions of books are released, but only a select few are featured by Publishers Weekly—a credible and globally trusted magazine in the publishing industry.

Publishers Weekly (PW) is a long-standing and highly influential trade magazine, often referred to as the “Bible of the book business.” Established in 1872, it serves a professional audience that includes publishers, editors, agents, librarians, booksellers, and authors. The magazine is best known for its pre-publication book reviews, which are concise, authoritative, and carry significant weight within the industry. A starred review from Publishers Weekly is regarded as a mark of excellence and can greatly influence a book’s success in terms of bookstore orders, library acquisitions, and media attention.

In addition to reviews, the magazine covers industry news, emerging trends, rights deals, and weekly bestseller lists. It also publishes special issues spotlighting specific genres, seasonal releases, and international markets. While based in the United States, Publishers Weekly has a global reach—reporting on major international book fairs and developments across the worldwide publishing landscape. Its content serves as a valuable resource not only for industry professionals but also for readers and writers seeking insight into the inner workings of the literary world.

“Playing Hurt” by Gerald Nardella is recommended and advertised at American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) page.

ARPRESS and the American Association of Retired Person (AARP) are now working together to support their respective advocacies. ARP has been publishing and marketing books written by dedicated and determined authors who dream of sharing their stories and insightful information that helps and guides readers to live life better. 

“Playing Hurt” by Gerald L. Nardella, published by Author Reputation Press, was one of the nominees for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award. It was highly praised by Amanda Hanson of the US Review of Books, highlighting that “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.” Eric Hoffer Book Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers.

This masterpiece was also displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference. The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services.

“Playing Hurt” by Gerald L. Nardella was also among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California on April 20–21, 2024. LATFOB is one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. It has been held every year since 1996 with the goal of bringing together the people who create books and the people who love to read them. It is attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.

Additionally, the book reached an international audience when it was showcased by ARP at the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 18–22, 2023. The Frankfurter Buchmesse, reportedly known as the world’s largest trade fair for books, opened its doors to participants around the globe celebrating books and their authors. The massive book fair also celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. 

“Playing Hurt” 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.

Recently, this masterpiece, Playing Hurt, was featured in the February 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) magazine. The New York Times Book Review is a weekly magazine supplement included in the Sunday edition of The New York Times, where current fiction and nonfiction books are reviewed by professional critics.

Gerald L. Nardella was also interviewed by CBS Radio’s Benji Cole. The interview in the program, People of Distinction, is about the discussion of the message of the book as well as the author’s purpose for writing this masterpiece.