Ann Arbor South '96

I could not put this book down! Ann Arbor South '96 is wonderfully writen! I felt that I understood Eric and wanted to give him such a big hug! He truly was the hero of the story. He put up with years of abuse and never stopped going on. He contined walking with his head held up and got his diploma. Where I believe others would have dropped out. Not Eric he is a fighter. I was very moved with this story. We all know how hard it is in High School. But imagine how hard it is when your different then most people. I'm hoping everyone reads this book. I feel it will open so many peoples minds about how to treat people. Ignorace is not bliss.

This book opens your eyes to how it is in high school.....at every angle. The nerds, the jocks, the popular and everyone else. I totally enjoyed every minute of the book and will make my three girls(4yrs and twin 2 yr olds) read it before they start high school. Whether they think they will be a bully or a snob maybe after reading it will open their eyes on how to treat others in a very hard time in their lives. Hopefully it will teach them how to be open minded which is so important:) Hats off to the author!!

The moment Eric Anderson lays eyes on the class jock, Andy McCain, at the beginning of their senior year his life is forever changed. Beefy, beautiful, and surprisingly sweet, Andy ignites a quick friendship with Eric. After a seductive cafeteria food fight, an amusing bathroom face-to-face, a chilling swimming pool kiss, and heartfelt library confession, the boys cannot resist their overblown teenage hormones and fall into an intense love that will test the loyalty of true friendships. Eric is dangerously low on the high school popularity hierarchy while Andy rides it high as the school's sports superstar. Just talking to each other would be social suicide, so their romantic involvement remains strictly confidential. Although both boys are strangers to gay romance, Eric remains guarded with his heart since he is brutally harassed by his peers and has extreme trust issues. Andy is the opposite. He just cracks a bright, dimpled smile and everyone falls at his feet. His cockiness keeps him unprepared for what is about to happen. Meanwhile, Eric's best friend, Kate Crawford, an overly self-assured spitfire, just can't seem to keep her manicured fists out of Justin Drake's eye sockets. She does not share Justin's proudly homophobic views or appreciate his ruthless torment of Eric. Justin is Andy's smug best friend but unaware Andy is gay and secretly dating Eric. Kate makes it her mission to awaken Justin's closed mind, by force if necessary. (She enjoys indulging in a good afternoon parking lot brawl!) When Eric and Andy's affair is publicly exposed in the halls of school, Andy's furious friends, with Justin Drake front and center, attack Andy for the hidden homo lie. As most of the school officials turn blind eyes to the intensifying attacks, Andy's spirit is broken and he is unsure of himself or a definite future with Eric. The supporting cast of characters include: a cruel, self-righteous gym teacher, who happily facilitates the attacks on Eric and later on his own star player, Andy; a careless, bored school principal, who is nothing more than annoyed by Eric's endless office visits, asking for help, and Kate's foul-mouth and fierce fists; Andy's only ex-girlfriend, who just may be a surprising supporter of her ex's new relationship; and a wise, candy bar-loving librarian, who smiles through the chocolate and gently relieves some of Andy's pain through her words. Torn apart through a vicious fight but magnetically drawn back together, Eric and Andy decide their relationship is worth waging war on the masses. Their newfound confidence (along with Kate's unsubtle but still somehow sweet words of persuasion) helps open Justin's eyes and he slowly rekindles his friendship with Andy. Eventually, everyone's long, violent journeys see the end of the clashing, school-wide conflict and old friendships strengthen and renew and even the oddest of couples come together.

What can I say about "Ann Arbor South '96?" Simply this, I was touched. The experiences the characters go through are truly realistic. The author does not try to snub the harsh realities of being gay in high school by glossing over hatred with romance. These experiences are so true to life, you are sure to be transported back to your own high school years. Heartfelt, moving, inspiring, and therapeutic all wrapped into one. An easy read that will create an abundance of emotions all at once.

This book is a moving look into what [...] teenagers had to go through in order to be themselves. It truly pictured the hardships of what kids go through and the power of true friends. I was impressed that the author captured all the cliques of high school and just how mean teenagers of that age can be. This story really runs the gauntlet. I loved the book and it is definately one you should pick up and read.