Gym Candy tells the story of a high school football player from Seattle, Washington that is pushed a little too far to be successful. Gym Candy by Carl Dueker is one of my favorite books by far because its so relatable to my personal life.
Mick Johnson started his football training at the age of four he was also put in school a year late so he always had the physical upperhand on all of his teammates. The reason Mick gets pushed is because his dad had a chance to be the best and he screwed it up. Micks dad was a awesome running back but when he was drafted by the chargers he didnt realize how much work it was too be good in the NFL and he was soon cut during training camp. Thats why Mick is pushed so hard. But the problem is he gets pulled up to varsity as a freshman, after being messed with and a big lose with him as the star running back he looks to find more power. So then he signs up in a gym and gets a personal trainner so he can get stronger. Gym Candy uses the theme of too high of expectations can break a person physically and mentally. Micks dad always wanted Mick to be the best person on the feild but his age altered how he played with older guys. Mick hated that the older guys were bigger and stronger so he soon decided that it needed to change. Carl Deuker will keep your attention to the book the entire time because of his fast entertaining pace style of writing. After Mick got his personal trainner he got on steroids and grew bigger and stronger but then he got power hungry and started hating his apperace because of the acne side effects. In the end Mick trys to kill himself because he felt like a disappointment. I cant really relate to Mick trying to kill himself but I can relate to his hunger for power. Ive always wanted to get bigger and stronger like Mick.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 because I could really relate to it and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading.
