Andy Logan is a college man recalling his childhood and the formative incidents of his teenage years, when he was isolated from both family and peers by his weight, his intellect, and his love for books. He discovers running and conquers the weight problem— but knows he'll never please his bullying, alcoholic father. When an older boy, Evan, whom Andy deeply admires, comes out, the swift and brutal reaction of the townspeople reveals the depth of their anti-gay prejudice. Andy can't go public about his own homosexuality, but he suffers from hiding his true self. Andy's growing awareness of his gayness is handled well, with action and dialogue revealing to readers what Andy hasn't fully recognized in himself. Cart's first novel does a good job of characterization, lifting the book beyond the category of a problem novel, although Evan's coming-out scene isn't quite credible (the reaction of the community is). The emotionally satisfying conclusion wraps up a sensitive tale. (Fiction. 12+)
Pub Date: May 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-689-80749-X
Page Count: 203
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1996
An unusual, coach's-eye view of small, shy Evelyn Ashford, the dominant sprinter of the late 70's and early 80's. Despite the sometimes awkward prose (``Eugene was a dangerous place for anyone who was allergic to the numerous pollens in the air''), Connolly has a gift for making even the most routine workouts sound intriguing and gives a clear idea of a coach's multiple roles: not just physical and psychological conditioner but parent, buddy, even business manager. Herself a former Olympian, Connolly describes her innovative training techniques in general terms, plus giving many instances of sexism, racism, and financial irregularity in the world of ``amateur'' track and field; she also takes a passionate stand against drugs and steroids. Ashford comes across as rather passive and biddable off the track but totally different in competition: a day after miscarrying, she won an important race and later (1984) earned a gold medal despite a massively torn muscle. Ashford and Connolly severed formal ties after those games; aside from a very short epilogue, that's where this frank, engaging book ends. (Biography. 13-16)
Pub Date: May 15, 1991
ISBN: 0-06-021282-9
Page Count: 224
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1991
Extending her title's potent image, Hearne groups incisive glimpses of people, places, rites of passage, and assorted epiphanies under poetically descriptive headings: ``Outside,'' ``City Sights,'' ``Insights,'' ``Second Sight,'' ``Close-ups,'' ``Dark and Light,'' ``Long View.'' The outside views, like the title poem, are evocative and allusive—even here, there's more than meets the eye. But Hearne's forte is the inward-looking gaze—Penelope ruminating on Odysseus' homecoming—''Honor is the common core, like the dog/that waits beside the door...Can honor live with love, can love/survive the tests of self-respect?'' With deft touches of wordplay and wit, often rueful or quizzical but always thoughtful, an appealingly personal collection. Beautifully composed b&w photos of imaginatively appropriate subjects introduce each section. (Poetry. 12+)
Pub Date: April 30, 1991
ISBN: 0-689-50530-2
Page Count: 80
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1991
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