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A review by nikolinaza
Boy Toy by Barry Lyga
4.0
RTC (if I'm not too lazy)
***
Welp, here we are.
Trigger Warning: child sexual abuse.
'Boy Toy' reminds me so much of 'My Dark Vanessa'. Spoiler not spoiler, both of the main character got sexually abused by their teacher, and afterwards, they had a hard time facing people and world around them. It's kind of frustrating to see how Josh behaves to people around them, but I can't totally blame him.
I like Barry Lyga's writing. While I don't particularly enjoy the in-depth explanation about baseball because of my lack of interest, I devour the other things just fine. The flowiness of the writing style somehoe makes it a bit easier to read (même si I can't stop facepalming everytime *that* scene shows up).
What frustrates me (and this time it has no redeeming qualities) is... anyone other than Josh. Zik, Rachel, Michelle—the so-called bestfriends—they're damn annoying. Too pushy. They literally did almost nothing to help Josh to face his suffering, actually. What kind of best friend does that?
And there's Josh's parents. Lousy-ass couple. I know most people had no idea on how to treat their children after such tragedy, but must you be that dull? All whiny and shits? Your child needs help, people.
And the most honorable mention, the people in the justice system. Josh was only twelve, thirteen tops when they brought the molestation into limelight. He was just a kid, but must they interrogate him harshly when he clearly had no idea what he was doing with a much older woman? What happen with a proper, gentle approach?
Poor Josh—you deserved better.
***
Welp, here we are.
Trigger Warning: child sexual abuse.
'Boy Toy' reminds me so much of 'My Dark Vanessa'. Spoiler not spoiler, both of the main character got sexually abused by their teacher, and afterwards, they had a hard time facing people and world around them. It's kind of frustrating to see how Josh behaves to people around them, but I can't totally blame him.
I like Barry Lyga's writing. While I don't particularly enjoy the in-depth explanation about baseball because of my lack of interest, I devour the other things just fine. The flowiness of the writing style somehoe makes it a bit easier to read (même si I can't stop facepalming everytime *that* scene shows up).
What frustrates me (and this time it has no redeeming qualities) is... anyone other than Josh. Zik, Rachel, Michelle—the so-called bestfriends—they're damn annoying. Too pushy.
Spoiler
Man, your best friend literally got molested and had some traumas, why did you keep pushing him to have some relationship with a girl who definitely has some contributions with his traumas (even though she's not the real perpetrator)?And there's Josh's parents. Lousy-ass couple. I know most people had no idea on how to treat their children after such tragedy, but must you be that dull? All whiny and shits? Your child needs help, people.
And the most honorable mention, the people in the justice system. Josh was only twelve, thirteen tops when they brought the molestation into limelight. He was just a kid, but must they interrogate him harshly when he clearly had no idea what he was doing with a much older woman? What happen with a proper, gentle approach?
Poor Josh—you deserved better.