Review Detail

Reader reviewed by bookworm9

This book is not for the faint of hearted. In various sections of now (when Josh is eighteen and about to graduate high school) and flashbacks (when Josh is a 12/13-year old middle schooler), readers learn (in full, graphic detail) about how Josh was seduced by his middle school history teacher and eventually had a sexual relationship with her, which is discovered only after he nearly rapes his friend Rachel. This experience colors Josh's future encounters with the opposite sex, as well as his school life, and, most importantly, how he sees himself. As Josh finally reconnects with Rachel five years later, he has to come to terms with his relationship with Eve, the teacher, who is being released from jail, as well as his family and his future.

This was a phenomenal book. It tackled a tough issue well-- and in full detail-- and it deals with other issues-- prom, college, divorce, baseball-- equally adeptly. It's a long book, but it still leaves you wanting more. And despite the heavy subject matter, it manages to be humorous, and has a fairly positive ending.