This book deals with some very serious issues, and can be a very hard read. I was worried about some of the things that I would read about in this story, and I very nearly passed on reviewing Heavyweight. I am so happy I didn’t make that mistake! I would have missed not only a great read, but a learning experience. Such as, did you know bulimia is not a “girls problem” or a “woman's disease,” and that many athletes have this problem as well, both male and female? It is estimated that 10-15% of anorexic or bulimic patients are male. The stats on gay men are even scarier. Please take the time to read the links I have provided if you would like to learn more about this crippling disease.
There were other strong issues in this book. Racism, child abuse and bullying by both students and adults are just a few more of the things you will read. However, the sweet romance and great characters make up for the hard stuff. This is book was an awesome book. Though it had a happy ending, the author did not gloss over all the hard stuff that happened in Ian’s life. I would have liked to know more about the end. Did the boys go to college together? Did Ian get the help he needed? Please consider a second book. There are many questions to answer, but no worries guys! Our author did not leave us hanging. This book could end here and is a great book! I’m only hoping for more! I give this book 4 Marbles. ~Timmy
Their weight can be crushing, but their release can change everything—and not necessarily for the better. Ian is no stranger to secrets. Being a gay teen in a backwater southern town, Ian must keep his orientation under wraps, especially since he spends a lot of time with his hands all over members of the same sex, pinning their sweaty, hard bodies to the wrestling mat.
When he’s trying not to stare at teammates in the locker room, he’s busy hiding another secret—that he starves himself so he doesn’t get bumped to the next weight class.
Enter Julian Yang, an Adonis with mesmerizing looks and punk rocker style. Befriending the flirtatious artist not only raises suspicion among his classmates, but leaves Ian terrified he’ll give in to the desires he’s fought to ignore.
As secrets come to light, Ian’s world crumbles. Disowned, defriended, and deserted by nearly everyone, Ian’s one-way ticket out of town is revoked, leaving him trapped in a world he hates—and one that hates him back.
Great review Timmy. I just might add this one, <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Deeze! <3 <3
Delete<3 Timmy
Thanks for a great review, Timmy. This one looks interesting. I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting! Let me know what you think when you read it.
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Going to get this one! Have a teen I can reference this one to. Thank you Timmy for preserving through the book & for the wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteI hope this help the Teen you share it with. Such a serious problem that many males don't even consider a problem for us. Sad really. I hope this book helps open eyes.
Delete<3 Timmy
Sounds like a great book. Unfortunately society assigns gender to diseases as well. As a nurse I have seen a lot ot things people would be surprised by. Great review as always. Adding to my wish pile
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise! I hope you like the book!
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Terrific review, Timmy! Looks like this is a really great one and I put it on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it Sandy!
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Great review, Timmy!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good one. I can't keep up with all your books!
Well done ❤️❤️❤️
I wish I had more time to read! Sadly I have been unable to do much reading lately.
Delete<3 Timmy
I enjoyed this book very much. I usually delete books from my reader app when I'm doing with them, but Heavyweight's still on there so I can reread it without having to reload it.
ReplyDeleteIt was an awesome book. I loved that it addressed real problems. This was a true YA book.
Delete<3 Timmy