Pressing Hard: Perry Skky Jr. Series #2

In Prime Choice (Book 1) Perry Skky, Jr. had rededicated his life to God. When Book 2 begins, he allows himself to be talked into drinking alcohol when it isn't something he really wants to do, and it surely isn't an act that's pleasing to God. One minute Perry is claiming to be high on life and moments later he's gulping down four beers in a row. In other words, he gives in to peer pressure. He is repentant, though, especially when the alcohol he consumed takes a toll on his athletic physique. He's also repentant a few more times throughout the story when he makes other decisions that he immediately regrets. Seems he's learning that it isn't easy to be a Christian in this world. Perry sure has a whole lot to deal with in this book: His boy, Damarius, gets him caught up in a dangerous situation. A fatal accident takes away a friend, and there's still much drama in his life when it comes to females. I purchased Book 2 because I wanted to find out if Perry and Savoy (the girl he was with at the end of Book 1) would stay strong in their Christian beliefs and remain abstinent. But Mr. Skky gets a bit confused and can't make up his mind about who he wants - Savoy or Tori (the girl he broke up with in Book 1). It seems he has feelings for both of them, and he ends up hurting both of them. He does, however, take responsibility for the pain he causes. And about Perry's Christian beliefs as far as premarital sex is concerned, I had to wonder why a guy who is committed to abstinence would have a condom in his nightstand. I guess even though his spirit was willing to abstain he figured there would come a day when his flesh would be in control and he'd better be prepared. That isn't total commitment. Total commitment would be never even thinking about buying a condom, never taking a girl up to his bedroom or her bedroom or wherever, and doing his best to never put himself in a situation where sex could happen. I'm thinking the author was trying to show the reader that Christians don't get it right all of the time, and that when the wrong choices are made, God is right there ready to forgive. Perry says, "Being an eighteen year old black male is a lot of pressure." In order to cope with all of the pressure, Perry prays to the heavenly Father. But he doesn't always pray just for himself; he also prays for family and friends. And it seems that, by the end of this story, more than pleasing himself and his parents, Perry Skky Jr. wants to please God. I plan to purchase the next book not only to see how that works out for him, but to find out if he ends up with Savoy, or Tori, a new girl, or if he just decides not to have a relationship with any girl so he can focus on football, his education, and, most importantly, his relationship with God.

I read this book after my son (the non-reader) devoured it in 2 days and it was great. Ms. Perry-Moore writes like she was 17 herself, the language, attitude, and actions displayed by the teens in this book were so typically teen and the lessons learned were invaluable. We look forward to book 3 and hopefully more to come for our sons.

What happens when knowing what's right and doing what's right become enemies? What about when doing what's right is simply not cool? Perry Skky, Jr. is the star wide receiver of his high school football team and is also trying to live a Christian life. His friends and adversaries see him as Mr. Do Good. All around Perry are the temptations that come along with being a teenager today: drugs, alcohol, sex and a hefty dose of peer pressure. Graduation day is fast approaching and he is almost set with an athletic scholarship to the college of his choice. One night as he discovers his best friend's involvement in the drug industry, he allows himself to be coerced into breaking his vow to abstain from alcohol, and finds himself in an uncomfortable position. As he deals with his knowledge about alcohol and drugs, he witnesses the effects of them on his friends and enemies alike. Perry is also very much interested in a relationship with Savoy, however, his ex-girlfriend has different plans. She now realizes what she wants and feels the lack of sex is what destroyed her relationship with Perry. Savoy, grounded in Christian faith also, wants to wait on sex and let God guide her and Perry in His plan for them. As Perry fights the lure of sexual enticement, tragedy strikes and he finds the best laid plans somehow are tossed out the window. How does a young man of faith deal with the drama that surrounds him? Stephanie Perry Moore does an excellent job characterizing the temporal influences the typical teenager faces in a realistic fashion. PRESSING HARD, the second book in the Perry Skky, Jr. Series, is full of situations teens find themselves in. Not only does Moore address each situation, but she gives conclusions that are both successful and not so successful. She isn't preachy, but gives it to you in an "it is, what it is" manner. It is interesting and satisfying to see a young black male in a leadership role dealing with his failings as well as his triumphs. The message that stands the tallest is God is in control and we should allow Him to lead us at all times. We usually mess things up when we try to take the helm from Him. Adults, as well as teens, will find the book educational as well as uplifting. Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

All I can say is if you have a teenager GO AND PURCHASE THIS BOOK !!!!(And the previous book) You will not be disappointed!!