Since I've no idea as to how to sufficiently and succinctly summarize Joshua Cohen's mind-blowingly disturbing debut novel, "Leverage," I shall start by pulling a fast one and stealing from the
publisher..."There's an extraordinary price for victory at Oregrove
High. It is paid on-and off-the football field. And it claims its victims
without mercy-including the most innocent bystanders.
When a violent, steroid-infused, ever-escalating prank war has devastating consequences, an unlikely friendship between a talented but emotionally damaged fullback and a promising gymnast might hold the key to a school's salvation.Told in alternating voices and with unapologetic truth, Leverage illuminates the fierce loyalty, flawed justice, and hard-won optimism of two young athletes..."
When a violent, steroid-infused, ever-escalating prank war has devastating consequences, an unlikely friendship between a talented but emotionally damaged fullback and a promising gymnast might hold the key to a school's salvation.Told in alternating voices and with unapologetic truth, Leverage illuminates the fierce loyalty, flawed justice, and hard-won optimism of two young athletes..."
...I'd say that it's "Friday Night Lights" on steroids, a tale of brutal bullying to the point of torture and sodomy (condoned by adults) so chillingly realistic that I had to start and stop countless times. Certainly, it's not for the faint of heart, it's just one of those books -- and I'm honestly at loss as to what to say. You can either read it or you can't, but if you do, it's certainly thought provoking, and something that I can, in good conscience recommend to older(junior or senior) teens, and given it's complexity, it is perhaps most suited for an AP level classroom. Then again, I think this book would be welcomed by many so-called "at risk" students as well, and it would be interesting to see how students from different walks of life respond.
As for we current and future teachers -- it should probably be a mandatory read.
I must admit, however, that I'm most intrigued as to why a book like this (hello, sodomy in the locker room?) was voted a Top 10 Teen Lit Pick by ALA, yet failed to be flagged as a 'should be banned' from the classroom / library novel. (Please note, I'm not saying that it doesn't deserve the accolades) but rather what compels censorship screamers to hate books like "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian" simply because of a few masturbations scenes, or stories like "Boy Toy" that tackle teen sexual abuse? Why is violent brutalilty less 'bad' if among peers? Personally, I think all these books have a place in every library and classroom, so being of sound liberal mind, I'm admit I'm fascinated by the inner workings of the other side. Anyone out there got any ideas???
I must admit that I was reluctant to read this one, but after reading what you have to say about it, it is next on my list. I agree with you that all of these books have a place in a library and classroom; it seems impossible to tell what is going to be considered "dangerous" literature and what will make it safely under the radar. The Hunger Games is about children mandated by the government to kill each other while the entire population is forced to watch as they all starve to death. Is sodomy that much more offensive, and is that the case because it is part of our present reality and not as far away as the Hunger Games feel? Greek mythology is full of murder and sex and unsavory behavior (to say the least), but it doesn't seem to ruffle any feathers. Is that because it's old that it's grandfathered in? I guess in the end I simply feel that it's all about providing choices and capturing interest - throw everything at them and see what sticks.
ReplyDeleteI loved your description of the book as "Friday Night Lights" on steroids - HA! Sold.