A review by gretchenplz
Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie S. Allen

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

TW: non-consensual drugging, hazing (why are there not tags for these?) 

I've just come to accept these days that any hockey book I read will cut me deep down into my core. 

There are a few things that Allen gets absolutely correct in this book:
  • The sport of hockey
  • The sport of swimming
  • What it's like to be a 16-year-old girl
  • What it's like to be a victim of a date rape drug and sexual assault

Her writing style is perfect for Michigan, for the young girl she is, for her thoughts, for her feelings, for her wants, needs, desires, everything. 

As a victim of a date rape drug, Allen perfectly captures what it's like to experience this, and does so with empathy and deep, deep care. I wish I couldn't relate to everything Michigan went through. I really do. But I know, intimately, what it is like, and I hope those who aren't victims read this with that in mind. Of how confusing, embarrassing, and isolating a thing it is. That telling the truth feels worse than keeping it to yourself. How bad it hurts the day after, physically and mentally. 

I cried for a lot of this book, but not just because of my own trauma. I also cried because of the beautiful community Allen gifted Michigan. Her girls, her teammates, her family. Trent gives me hope for the future. Jordan gives me hope for the future. 

Hockey is a toxic place, but I really hope that it's not beyond repair. That things like this that happen in real life are also backed by people like Officer Graves and Mr. Hastings and Jack and Trent. 

That those who love the game and the people who play it will be the ones who end up saving it.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings