Inside Moves by Todd Walton

Inside Moves is a tender novel about friendship and courage, dealing with the sensitive issues disabled people face, brotherly love, and second chances.

A classic film was made of it in 1980, starring John Savage and an Oscar-nominated Diana Scarwid.

Roary freely admits he scares people looking like he does. He's pretty gross-looking and walks funny because he is a cripple (his words, not mine). A landmine in Vietnam left him paralyzed for over a year, then he surprised everyone by learning to walk, leaning in a side shuffle. He was a high school athlete, so this is a bitter pill, unlike Jerry, who was born a cripple.

Roary met Jerry at Max's, a San Francisco neighbourhood bar with nothing to advertise it and a mainly disabled clientele.

Max has no legs and sits by the register all day, Stinky plays cards with the guys despite being blind, Benny is a pimp, and Wings has a terrific body but no arms. You suffer for a long time before meeting people who know how you feel. You have to find your own kind.

Jerry was born with gimpy legs, and when he isn't bartending, he works in a box factory. Unfortunately, his ratty girlfriend Ann is a junkie whore who spends what he earns. Roary and Jerry bond quickly over the Golden State Warriors basketball team, going to games whenever they can. Jerry boasts he could beat all those players, and he's actually good. He has found a doctor who claims an operation could restore Jerry's legs, and Roary arranges a loan for the money. Soon, Jerry is recovering, joining tryout teams, and even making it to be a Warriors power player.

The two share their hopes and failures without pretense. Their bond is stronger than brothers, with Roary helping Jerry realize his dream. Jerry leaves Ann for good, and Roary dates Louise, the new waitress at Max's who has one leg shrunken from polio. She fits right in with the family at Max's.

This reminded me of novels of the time like Ordinary People and Coming Home. The second half, as Jerry leaves his friends at Max's behind to pursue his basketball career, is sports-heavy, and fans of the game will enjoy the play-by-play of his success.

The 1980 film is faithful to the novel and became a quiet cult favorite.

The excellent writing makes this a gem about outsiders with nothing to lose, and supporting friends and family in whatever dreams they have left.

1978 / Paperback / 218 pages