Boy Toy, Barry Lyga

Summary: Five years ago Josh’s life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town—seems like the world—thinks they understand. But they don’t—they can’t. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there’s Rachel, the girl he thought he’d lost years ago. She’s back, and she’s determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not. Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then there’s Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh’s past. It’s time for Josh to face the truth about what happened. If only he knew what the truth was . . . My Review: Barry Lyga holds no bars when he wrote this book. He writes about a taboo subject that will cause any parent to cringe when they read it. But you know what? It's a story that needed to be written! THIS is the type of book that authors should strive to write. Snappy dialogue, witty retorts and language that will rock your socks. Josh is now 18 and five years ago, something happened that he cannot forget. Plus when the whole town knows what happens it becomes quite difficult. So Josh gets lost in baseball. Baseball is his life and he knows he's good. The coach knows he's good, the school, the town. But is baseball all there is for Josh? Now there is Rachel who liked Josh five years ago, but when something happened, he stayed away and kept staying away until he bumps into her at her place of work. Rachel just happens to be the best softball player on the high school team, and she wants to know why Josh avoids her like the plague. By telling this story in snappy flashbacks, you get the whole of the story, but yet, also wonder if what Josh is remembering is exactly what happens. What we learn from Josh is traumatic, and dramatic, yet Rachel is there for him. All Josh has to do is open his heart to her. This hard hitting novel gets 5 bookmarks because it engaged me so much. I loved the storyline, I'm glad that Lyga wasn't afraid to go where he did with the story. I'm especially pleased that it wasn't toned down for any reason either. The way Lyga weaves a story is incredible. Lyga has become a favorite author and I really do rank him up there with Nick Hornby who really takes no crap when it comes to his writing.