A review by crusoe
Slam by Nick Hornby

challenging funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Slam is really solid. I was a bit hesitant when I figured out it was going to be about teen pregnancy (It is mentioned exactly 0 times in the synopsis), but the way Hornby covers the topic is well-balanced. Yes, it's about the serious consequences it has on Sam's life, but it also doesn't feel like he's talking down to teens who go through this. Kind of had the ails of an early 2000s book; mildly homophobic commentary, teen protagonist who is kind of an asshole at first... but it's solid.