I started my book review blog in 2009 and I have read so many outstanding books that I wanted to share them again with my followers on #SegueSaturday.  I first posted this review in June 2012.  Leverage‘s message of tragedy, courage, and justice sticks with me almost 7 years after discovering this amazing story.  A must read that you most likely will never forget.

From Fantastic Fiction:

Joshua C. Cohen began writing “Leverage” after reading a news account of a horrific attack by a group of high school seniors on their fellow underclassmen. When the victims reluctantly came forward, instead of receiving offers of help, they were ostracized by the surrounding community for sullying the reputation of the school and causing a cancellation of the football season. Joshua’s fascination with that part of human nature–the need to keep quiet when awful things occur and how that leads to victims getting wronged twice–is what started the whole story that eventually led to “Leverage.”

MY REVIEW

This YA book leaves you feeling emotionally raw. It’s a story about Danny, an up-and-coming gymnast, who has an unfulfilling relationship with his dad especially since his mom died.

It’s about Kurt, an up-and-coming full back with a speech impediment, who is starting at a new school and living with his new foster mother.

Danny and Curt feel they don’t have anything in common until tragedy strikes and Danny’s teammate commits suicide. Only Danny and Kurt truly know what really happened to Danny’s teammate and their lives are in jeopardy unless they come forward with the truth.

This is an excellent audiobook narrated by Kirby Heyborne and Paul Michael Garcia about friendship, obligations, bullying, justice, and courage. You will not be able to put this book down. It’s a hard-hitting, gut-wrenching look at bullying and the perseverance to overcome the odds. Triggers include drugs, rape, language, and violence.

BUY THE BOOK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joshua C. Cohen is a former collegiate gymnast who now lives with his wife in New York City.