The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence - A Memoir

by Gary Trew

Overview

At school, survival wasn't just about fitting in-it was about making it through the day with his dignity intact. The first time they shoved Gary's head into the toilet bowl, he questioned how much more he could take. By the time they drew a swastika on his forehead, he stopped wondering.

In the backdrop of 1970s England, Gary navigates the chaotic seas of adolescence in the English coastal town of Hove. With humour and a delicious sense of naivety, he steers through a life marked by a blend of love and dysfunction.

At Knoll Boys, Gary faces vicious and relentless bullying that tests his spirit and resilience to breaking point. The horrors he endures aren't just physical-they are ritualistic and dehumanizing, the cruelty seems endless. Despite the bruises and hate-filled taunts, Gary discovers moments of unexpected joy, like the awkward thrills of first love and the surprising strength that begins to grow within him. As he navigates the unpredictable antics of his family and the dark corridors of his school, Gary's journey becomes one of ultimate transformation-a testament to his unbreakable spirit.

The Hate Game is a raw and deeply moving coming-of-age memoir that explores the power of laughter, love, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable cruelty. It's a story that will leave you rooting for Gary, laughing with him, and inspired by his indomitable will to rise above the pain and become the change he longed for.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798331441821
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	08/16/2024
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

Even though Gary has lived in Canada for over twenty years, his close friends and work colleagues still call him “that funny British guy” due to his accent and quick-witted sense of humour. He has successfully navigated careers in the police, the ministry, and in social work. His work as an investigator with abused and neglected children and youth has taught him the value of laughter in the face of life’s challenges.

Gary holds degrees in chemistry & biochemistry, and social work. He has a deep affection for Marmite, sunshine, spicy food, and Cadbury’s chocolate. Additionally, he is a dedicated fan of the Brighton & Hove Albion football club and Vancouver Canucks.

Gary added another feather to his cap by publishing a humorous crime fiction book under his pen name, Denny Darke. The book, The Man with the Pink Sombrero, is a testament to Gary’s creative side and ability to find humour in unexpected scenarios.

Editorial Reviews

The book is an inspirational journey in a harrowing package. It contends with the expectation that boys and men should keep a stiff upper lip, that they do not cry. Trew shows strength in emoting and understanding. His growth in the face of adversity demonstrates the importance of sensitivity and healing. The Hate Game is a poignant and timely true story—a recommended read for anyone in need of courage.

Independent Book Review - Elizabeth Zender

Gary Trew's gripping memoir The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is sure to make you laugh out loud as well as cry. It's a tale of survival, of change, and of the eternal power of love and laughter. It's a must-read for anybody looking for a moving yet optimistic story. It's 5 stars from me and I look forward to anything else this author decides to write as well

Annalise Reads

In The Hate Game, Trew describes his experiences in a vivid and captivating manner. I enjoyed this book immensely, largely due to Trew's excellent narrative of a very traumatic period in his life. His masterful balance of comedy and heartbreak kept me engaged to the last page.

Readers Favorite - Maalin Ogaja

The cruelty of some of the students, and the lack of control by the staff took my breath away. Before you even start reading, it states that you will laugh and cry with Gary, and I did. His story shocked and amused me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. (5-Star Review)

Readers Favorite - L. E. Clarke