Synopses & Reviews
Josh Mendel has a secret. Unfortunately, everyone knows what it is.
Five years ago, Joshs life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town—seems like the world—thinks they understand. But they dont—they cant. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First theres Rachel, the girl he thought hed lost years ago. Shes back, and shes 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 wont stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then theres Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Joshs past. Its time for Josh to face the truth about what happened.
If only he knew what the truth was . . .
Review
[S]uccessful...character development...Lyga's cast feels very real, and he knows how to play them against each other. —Booklist, ALA
"Lyga creates a tightly paced narrative...Authentic and fresh...Lyga's dynamic writing style creates an emotionally wrenching and haunting tale." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred
"Lyga again skillfully captures the turbulent world of high school...expertly woven humor...a powerful message."--VOYA, teen reviewer, October 2007 VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
"Heavy stuff, but Lyga...pulls it off brilliantly...Sure to be a controversial and influential read."—KLIATT, September 2007
"Lyga's skillful writing subtly reveals...in a way that older teens will find fascinating, distressing, and worthy of their attention." — School Library Journal, Starred
"[R]eaders drawn by the provocative subject matter may likely find themselves thinking more seriously about the truth behind the ribald humor." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Lyga gives a moving account of innocence lost." —Newsday
"[A] astounding portrayal of what it is like to be the young male victim." —The Chicago Tribune
"[R]eaders will be fully engaged." — Library Media Connection
About the Author
Barry Lyga is a recovering comic book geek and the author of many books, including The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy a