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.
