3.5 Stars rounded up to 4

CW: severe bullying, coarse language, drug use, injections described, dog is injected with steroids, lots of talk about how steroids affect male genitalia...like lots, sexual references, incidents of 'roid rage', death of a loved one through steroid abuse, dealing with grief

Well that was an intense 'journey' book that, whilst heavy on the education side, was still incredibly engaging.

Novels that explore body and muscle dysmorphia in males are quite rare so I think that makes this book important. According to the author's note there is an increase in men suffering mental health issues stemming from body image. David was a solid main character that felt quite authentic in terms of his decision making and thought processes as he sought to shake off the bullies by bulking up. It is so refreshing and wonderful to see a story exposing men's vulnerabilities and I think Fred did a great job of this. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of toxic masculinity in there, but it was portrayed as part of the expected behaviour of the body builders in this story. I don't have any knowledge of the accuracy of the steroid use etc but according to the author this is an ownvoice story. I may or may not have had a few tears towards the end...

I am really pleased we have a copy of this in the library but I will be sure to discuss the content warnings with anyone borrowing the book. ( )

This was an amazing book, read it in one sitting. It had Steroid Abuse, Body Dysmorphia, Muscle Dysmorphia, Body Image Issues. Written with a male POV. It was surprising to me that these topics aren't discussed more. Just like other books with female POV and anorexia/bulimia, this too can happen to boys. I think most of society plays it down when it comes to males and body image. (IMHO) This is definitely one to share with HS boys. ( )

3.5 ( )

David Espinoza is a 98 lb. weakling. He gets bullied at school and even has a "bitch slap" scene go viral. The summer vacation provides a chance for him to remake himself. He visits a local gym -- sketchy but cheap -- and begins to work out regularly. When he sees no progress in a week, when surrounded by super-buff guys, he takes drastic measures. He seeks out and takes steroids and other body-enhancing measures. What begins as exciting soon turns compulsive. The steroid effects and bodybuilding culture takes over David's life. Will he quit before it is too late? This is a hard-hitting, graphic first-hand account of steroid abuse and muscle dysmorphia. It should be required reading for young men lured by the promise of building muscle quickly. This is the often over-looked boy's perspective on this issue. The author Aceves also does a nice job of showing that physical changes don't mean that much when you're still emotionally insecure and seeing the world (your body) through a distorted lens. ( )