sexy

SELECTION: Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates

GENRE: Coming Of Age/Problem Novel

ANNOTATION: Seemingly unshakable and oozing charm, Darren must come to terms with the reality of being a man of integrity and being true to oneself.

REVIEW: 16 year old Darren is the boy that everyone idolizes. His peers think sexy but shy. He's a star performer on the swimming team. Even his blue-collar father wants to see him do better than his older brother. But sometimes the pressures of life can make one's world seem as if it is imploding around him. After an ambigous car ride with his English teacher, Mr. Tracy, Darren wonders how far his looks and presence have taken him.

After their encounter, Darren starts hearing complaints from his teammates about Mr. Tracy's grading, and a dangerous scandal is formulated. In a world where masculinity is held in the highest regard, Mr. Tracy's eccentric manner is brought into question and it is up to Darren to come to the aid of the educator he admires, or keep his struggle internal.

Oates' novel is an aggressive foray into the world of adolescent literature, fully portraying the intense ethical struggle for a teen to do what he truly believes is right. The subject of homosexuality (and teenage sexuality in general) is bravely explored as well. Such a viceral novel deserves any award that it is nominated for, and so I am suggesting it be considered for the Printz award.