Longlisted for the 2025 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel and Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2024 “ Head Fake is about how laughter can save us." —Chris Rock, comedian, actor "An absorbing, uplifting tale of finding light and self-worth in adversity’s darkest depths.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Mikey makes everything a joke, even the clinical depression he’s struggled with for years. After a run of failed jobs, he becomes the unlikely basketball coach at a high school for high-risk offenders who are experiencing mental illness. The position becomes suddenly available after the team tried to strangle their last coach. Every instinct tells Mikey to get as far away from this school as possible. Coaching these kids, who have been arrested for who-knows-what, would be difficult for a normie . For Mikey, it could cause another breakdown and force him right back to living on the street. But he knows that if he has any chance to make his twenty-sixth birthday, he needs to keep this job, even if the school board wants him fired, and the students would rather fight each other than play ball. This poignant, hilarious, and sometimes uncomfortable novel proves that even the most damaged of us can emerge victorious . "[Gordon's] exploration of mental illness is fearless and without artifice, portraying not only the debilitating effects on those afflicted, but also the trepidation, helplessness, anger, neglect, scorn, and occasional love returned to them by family and strangers...An absorbing, uplifting tale of finding light and self-worth in adversity's darkest depths." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[ Head Fake] is a jab in the ribs, reminding us that even in our worst hour, laughter and connection can be the flashlight in the dark, guiding us toward healing and redemption." —Chris Rock, comedian, actor "Scott Gordon writes with profound candor, wit, and empathy about people on the edge, people who could just really use a few wins." —Chris Bachelder, author of four novels, including National Book Award finalist, The Throwback Special " Head Fake is a wonderful read on so many levels. So many themes touched me: coaching/support; team/togetherness; standing strong in the face of adversity; love and dedication." —Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers, 2019 NBA Champion, 2020 NBA Coach of the Year " Head Fake is nothing but net." —Mark Stevens, author of The Fireballer "This story will gut you, and change your perception of those we deem outcasts forever." —Eve Porinchak, bestselling author of One Cut "...just the right flavor of insight and fun to keep readers enjoying and thinking." —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review "Scott's ability to merge character development without slowing plot is simply amazing!" —Rodney Barnes, Writer/Producer, Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, The Boondocks, American Gods " Head Fake is a masterful debut." —Gary Lennon, Writer/Producer, Euphoria and Power "Bring on the National Book Award." —David Wolthoff, Producer of Concussion "The author's deep compassion for his cast of underdogs and misfits is infectious..." — IndieReader "I strongly recommend it!"— Los Angeles Book Review "5 stars!" — Chicago Book Review "Of course, this story's not about basketball. It's about not giving up. On anybody. Not even yourself." —Staci Greason , award-winning author, All the Girls in Town " Head Fake is inspiring, moving, and meaningful." —Gil Bellows, actor and Emmy Award-winning Producer of Temple Grandin What inspired you to write this book?   I worked as a Youth Advocate for juvenile offenders with mental illness for about seven years, a profoundly rewarding experience. The county was in desperate need of males to work with the boys, some of whom were violent offenders. I had zero experience with children, but I hoped to make a difference for some of these boys.   After a week of training, I picked up my first client, a fifteen-year-old boy with bipolar disorder and a history of violence. Upon entering my old Nissan, he slammed the door and glared at me. "I could make you disappear," he threatened, holding my gaze. He was clearly testing me. I knew if I showed any sign of fear, it would be impossible to earn his trust. I clapped my hands together and proclaimed, "Wonderful. I love magicians." My response caught him off guard, and he cracked a smile. I had found my way in. Humor. I knew that if I could make these kids laugh, I could reach them.   I ended up with a full case load and some of the hardest cases in the county. Head Fake is inspired by the courage of the kids I worked with, who taught me much more about life than I ever could've taught them.   When did you first consider yourself a writer?   In my young twenties, I moved to NYC to write the great American novel. And I did. It was about a young writer who moves to NYC to write the great American novel. Upon its completion, I cons