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Description
At the age of fifteen, Sam Jones's girlfriend gets pregnant and Sam's life of skateboarding and daydreaming about Tony Hawk changes drastically. The plot contains mature language and sexual situations.
Quick Summary
If you know a teen who's ever felt like their life was completely out of control, "Slam" is going to hit hard. Sam is obsessed with skateboarding and Tony Hawk, spends most of his time avoiding homework and thinking about his girlfriend Ari, and then boom everything changes when she gets pregnant at fifteen. Hornby writes Sam's voice so authentically that you'll recognize this kid immediately, whether he's making terrible decisions, blaming the universe, or having those moments of genuine panic where he realizes he's actually going to be a father. It's genuinely funny in that dry British way, especially when Sam's talking to his mom's meditation posters or dealing with his slightly unhinged best friend, but there's also a real emotional honesty underneath that makes it more than just a comedy about teenage chaos. Parents should know it includes some strong language and sexual situations, so it's probably best for older high schoolers who can handle the mature content and appreciate the nuance. The book works especially well for reluctant readers who think they don't like reading, since Sam's voice is so conversational and the stakes feel real. If you've already read Hornby's "Fever Pitch," this has that same ability to make you care deeply about someone's very specific obsessions, just aimed at a younger audience.