Historical
Dumb Jock
By Christina
Mar 7, 2010 - 1:29:58 PM

Jeff Irwin is the quintessential geek. A freshman in high school he is small, scrawny, and an extremely good student. His best friends are fellow outcasts and he knows that he will never fit in with the popular crowd. There is one popular kid who Jeff wouldn’t mind noticing him though. Brett Wilson is the quarterback of the football team and the guy everyone looks up to.  Jeff has resigned himself to admiring Brett from afar. Until Coach McDonald makes Jeff an offer he literally can’t refuse. The coach promises Jeff that if he makes sure Brett passes his grammar class then in return Jeff will get an A in Phys Ed. However, if Brett doesn’t pass his class then Jeff will fail his gym class as well.

Jeff is very nervous but excited about spending time with Brett. He is surprised to learn Brett is not at all what he expects. Not only is Brett smart he is also quite nice. The two of them begin spending a lot of time together. Jeff is thrilled at Brett’s willingness to spend time with him. As they get to know one another Jeff realizes that his feelings for Brett are far stronger than those of hero worship or even friendship. Jeff realizes that he loves the most popular boy in school—if only Brett felt the same way about him.

DUMB JOCK by Jeff Erno is a poignant story about two gay teens growing up and falling in love in a small Michigan town in the early 1980’s. Initially, I was somewhat concerned by the age difference between the two main characters. Brett is seventeen and a junior, while Jeff is only fourteen and a freshman, however as I continued to read the story I realized that the two of them actually make a good match. Jeff is very mature and responsible for his age and Brett is somewhat immature for his so the age gap is not as significant as I first thought.

The setting feels very real and to me. The author describes the small Michigan town with honesty and affection. Jeff and Brett’s struggle to deal with being different in such a close-minded community is realistic and moving. I identified with their fear and feelings of isolation and I came to care for both these young men a great deal. The secondary characters are also well-written and memorable. I particularly liked Jeff’s mother. The plot has some intriguing twists and turns. As I read I experienced a roller coaster of emotion. At times I wanted to cheer while at others I almost cried. I was never sure if Brett and Jeff were going to find a way to be together but I enjoyed following on their journey all the way to the end.