Leverage [Hardcover]

Joshua C. Cohen (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 17, 2011

A Top Ten Best Fiction Book for Young Adults as Selected by the American Library Association

The football field is a battlefield

There's an extraordinary price for victory at Oregrove High. It is paid on-and off-the football field. And it claims its victims without mercy-including the most innocent bystanders.

When a violent, steroid-infused, ever-escalating prank war has devastating consequences, an unlikely friendship between a talented but emotionally damaged fullback and a promising gymnast might hold the key to a school's salvation.

Told in alternating voices and with unapologetic truth, Leverage illuminates the fierce loyalty, flawed justice, and hard-won optimism of two young athletes.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Sports novels don’t hit much harder than this. Sophomore Danny may be a rising star on the gymnastics team, but that figures little in his daily life, where his small size makes him a target for the school’s ruling class—the hormone-pumped, college-scouted stars of the football team. A minor grudge escalates until horrific revenge is taken upon one of Danny’s teammates. Coming to the rescue, however, is Kurt, a behemoth new fullback whose scarred face and stuttering speech hint at a past that puts him at odds with his teammates. Told from the well-drawn alternating perspectives of Danny and Kurt, this is not a book about steroids; they exist, and they exacerbate the strife, but even Kurt admits that they have some short-term benefits. Rather, this is a novel about being trapped inside a web of expectations, where one’s family, community, team, and future rest on the assumed perpetuation of the established social order. Sports fans will love Cohen’s style: direct, goal oriented, and filled with sensory detail. Characters and subplots are overly abundant yet add a deepness rarely found in comparable books. Drugs, rape, language, and violence make this book serious business, but those with experience will tell you that sports is serious business, too. Grades 10-12. --Daniel Kraus

Review

Booklist Starred Review:
"Sports novels don't hit much harder than this....well-drawn alternating perspectives....Sports fans will love Cohen's style: direct, goal oriented, and filled with sensory detail."
--Booklist, Starred Review

"Cohen's debut offers a timely look at bullying....the central tragedy is gripping, as is Kurt's heartbreaking past"
--Publishers Weekly --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (February 17, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525423060
• ISBN-13: 978-0525423065
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #610,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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."

Joshua C. Cohen grew up in Minnesota and was an avid athlete in many sports but he fell in love with gymnastics and devoted most of his time to training in that sport. Despite his intense effort, he discovered very quickly, when he walked on to the men's gymnastics program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, that there was no way he was going to compete at the collegiate level. Joshua promptly walked himself right back off the team and chose, instead, to live vicariously as an elite level gymnast by rooming with and befriending members of the squad.

"Leverage" allowed Joshua a perfect opportunity to combine his love of both gymnastics and football into one story.

If you want to read more, please visit his website at leveragethebook.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Potent and gutting but a phenomenal book February 17, 2011

By flamingo1325 VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

The Short Version:
Gritty, intense and emotional, Leverage is a striking blend of friendship, bullying, and coming of age. With two stunningly well developed male protagonists and a setting that is easy for any reader to relate to and understand, there are some poignant and gutting truths presented throughout, both blatantly and subtly. Though upper YA in content and language, and holding some scenes that are hard to stomach, Leverage holds nothing back when it comes to realism and impact.

The Extended Version:
Danny is a sophomore late for puberty and small in size, but a beast in the gym and on the parallel bars. Used to being pushed around and bullied, Danny does what he can to survive the day to day in a school run by massive football jocks. He is quiet but friendly, despite his large sense of self perseverance even to the point of a fault. Danny is able to see other points of view, and generally understands the meaning of being on a team and loyalty. Despite this, however, Danny's weak and even hypocritical side is shown, fleshing him out into a multidimensional character. There are some scenes where he is admittedly someone to hate, but put in the setting Cohen has created and the build up to each of these events, his side is completely presented and understandable.

Kurt is misunderstood on so many levels, coming from a heartbreakingly rough past. Holding plenty of his own demons and baggage, he is the epitome of a gentle soul that has been broken a few times too many. He is huge in size, and certainly has hints of a darker side and a temper but as with Danny, Cohen has created the perfect blend of hints of danger and a side to dislike without letting it overrun the redeemable, respectable, and honorable sides of him.... Kurt has a stutter, and his self image is affected appropriately, but he still maintains a certain air about him that sets him apart from many of his peers, especially on the football field. The changes in his mindset throughout the book, sparked by the varying events, is captivating and engaging in a way not many authors can nail.

There are several side characters that all have a powerful role in the book, some driving the plot more directly than others. The chain of events and snowball effect of things comes through strongly, and the back and forth between the different sports groups sets the stage perfectly. From the redeemable to the downright disgusting, each one is memorable in their own way.

Throughout the book, there is a very strong reminder of the notion that it is easy to judge from the outside, but not so easy to do "the right thing" when actually in the rough position. The bullying aspect, mixed in with the prank war but certainly more dangerous than any normal prank, carries a strong part of this book and Cohen has beautifully weaved the stories of not only a prime target but someone torn between his teammates who lead the pack and not stooping to that level. The prime shifting point of this book is completely unexpected and grotesque, sending shockwaves through the reader that last for the rest of the book. The concepts of bravery and facing fears, along with a beautiful blurring of right and wrong, lurk constantly through the story. There are beautiful and memorable messages and impacts, both subtle and slap in the face worthy. Things keep a steady pace, some parts of the book progressing quickly before easing down and showing the full fall out and impact.

While there is quite a bit of language, it isn't for shock value or filler. Cohen's intentions behind the use of every word is very clear, and has a strengthening effect overall. Admittedly, this is a very testosterone driven book, rapt with the male perspective but isn't particularly sexual or even stereotypical in regards to boys. The focus of this book is on Danny and Kurt, and Cohen sticks to that endlessly and beautifully. From the steroids to the pranks to the final outcome, everything is, ultimately centered around these two boys and their responses and reactions to everything. No single event washes out the character focus, and watching the changes in both boys and their growing friendship is warming and encouraging.

Cohen does a remarkable job making the dual perspectives different, both of them distinct and readable while still being clearly something individual. While it is exhausting to read Kurt's constant stuttering, it serves its purpose in letting the reader know full force what things are like for him. There are some gutting and unthinkable scenes in this book, but they are written in a way that isn't graphic despite how clear it is what is actually happening.

With several explosive scenes and a few smoothly inserted and unexpected twists, Leverage grabs the reader from the first page and doesn't let go even at the last one. With a soft but potent focused on right and wrong, and a lasting chain of events, this one shows many sides of human nature and differing personalities while throwing a shocking gauntlet at the characters. Cohen's overall striking and beautifully developed characterization carries this book in a bold way, giving it a long lasting impact with lingering messages, presented in a very straightforward but effective way. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Well written but tired and manipulated April 23, 2012

By S. Fulmer

Format:Hardcover

Because the writing is good, I'll give it 3 stars, even though it really irritated me in places. I found the bad guys to be one-dimensional stereotypes (steroid crazed, sadist rapist football players, along with the win-at-all cost high school football coach, opportunistic foster mom, corrupt policeman). The "good guys" are stupid and/or cowardly for most of the book. Why would you go hunting (alone in the woods) with the evil guys that already want to kill you? Why would you finally take your evidence to the authority figure you trust the least? While incidents serviced the plot, they frustrated me as a reader wanting to sympathize with the protagonists. But the thing that grated on me the most was the bully/torture scenes (of which there are many) that went on and on and on....All of this builds toward a long-await, pent-up desire for a payoff, which I guess is good story-telling. Unfortunately, by the time we finally got to the ending, I mostly felt tired and manipulated.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very intense and very good. April 8, 2011

By Just Another Book Addict

Format:Hardcover

Orginally published at: [...]

Title Thoughts: I like it.

Cover Thoughts: Love, love, LOVE. The veins popping out the of arm to the fist to RAGE in red. It's definitely an attention getter and I love it. There is another cover here and I think it really fits the book as well, but I'm already in love with this one.

WARNINGS: Some parts are difficult to read.

Woah. This book...it's amazing, scary, heart breaking, and intense. It was even worse that it reminded me of my own school, where the people live for Friday night football games. Everyone knows the football players. Everyone knows that the coaches keep an eye out for them. Everyone knows that the coaches make sure then keep their grades up because they need to be in the game Friday. There was even an incident where a guy didn't pass the drug test. That automatically gets you kicked off any sports team. But we are talking football and that player was only benched for two games. So it really freaked me out to read Leverage and be able to see parts of my school in Danny and Kurt's school.

The writing was just stellar, if at times hard to read. There's no telling how many times I teared up or had to put the book down because I needed an emotional break. It took me longer than usual to read this book because of those emotional breaks. It was just unbelievable how it was all over a game. Sad part is I know first hand how believable it is because while it isn't like the school in Leverage (steroids), our football players do get special treatment because of a game. Football is all this small town has.

Even writing this, I tear up from the intensity and close-to-home feeling. But let's move on. The characters, Danny and Kurt, are just two very real kids.... Danny is a small gymnast who tries to stay out of the football team's way. Kurt is a huge football player who's past is hell and being on the football team, a winning team, seems like the light at the end of the tunnel. Horrible circumstances bring them together.

Addict's Last Words: Cohen writes beautifully a haunting story that is so haunting it's sure to stay with you long after you finish.

To Buy or To Borrow: Buy. You won't regret it.

Disclosure: I participate in tours with The Teen Book Scene and a copy was provided to me by the author, publisher, or another third party source. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars There are not enough words to describe how AMAZING this book is! March 28, 2011

By Patricia Leppla

Format:Hardcover

[[Reader Beware, this is not a short review....]]

Kurt is the new football star at Oregrove High School. Danny is on the Oregrove gymnastics team. Both boys have a past, full of sorrow and pain. An unlikely friendship between these two boys is formed when pranks made between the football team and the gymnastics team get out of hand.... way out of hand. 'Prank war' is an understatement; things go beyond 'war', creating consequences more severe than one could think possible.

(My Review...)
As the book's synopsis implies, steroids becomes a factor in this 'war'. I am always drawn to books that focus on 'social issues' and taboo subjects that most authors dare not touch. If Joshua C. Cohen was afraid to write about steroid use in high school athletics, he does not show it. Kurt and Danny are both given the opportunity to have their say, from their own personal point of view. As a reader you learn about Kurt's and Danny's past and how it in turn it is affecting their present day decisions. Cohen's use of first person narrative makes you feel sympathy, understanding, and sometimes anger at each character; but you walk away with a better understanding of who they are.

(Breaking down the Characters...)
Cohen does not shy away from giving real and raw characters. Danny is a hard worker with one goal in mind: to get a full ride to college through his gymnastic skills. His quiet demeanour in the school halls is far from his loud actions as a gymnast. While he is terrified of the 'steroid-infused' jocks that rule the school, he proves he is anything but scared while doing dare devil moves in the air.

Kurt comes from a very sad and brutal past, one that you cannot put into words.... Having experienced things that many are lucky to not know about, Kurt hides behind his shaggy hair while out in the real world and a football helmet while on the field. The only place he feels at 'home' is in the gym exercising or helping his teammates score touchdowns.

Both boys' sense of security and safety are shattered when the pranks between the two teams get way out of hand, invading the few places they feel safe. The ripple affect is greater than you could imagine, even as the reader. That brings us to the many supporting characters. While Kurt and Danny are clearly the starts, each supporting character plays a very important role in this novel. You have the 'steroid-infused' football players who literally blow your mind in terms of "How can anyone act that way, and think its normal?". Then you have the tiny small gymnastics team, who work hard to show their place in high school by trying to stand up to the jocks. Without these supporting characters the novel would not be complete.

(My Final Thoughts)
As I said, no matter how hard I try to come up with something negative to say about this book, I just can't. I first thought that because I couldn't read this book in a few short sittings that this was not going to be as amazing as it was... on the contrary, I found taking this novel in small bits, at least for me, was perfect. I was able to absorb every aspect in their entirety. This book is RAW, GRITTY, and REAL in such a severe and affecting way. Because of that, my mind had to grasp the severity of the topics and themes. There were times I cringed and cried, and had to take a step back. Other times, I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next, on the edge of my seat.

I believe that a novel of any kind should affect you on some level, in some way. You should walk away from that novel with a new perspective or insight into something, especially from a novel that dares to tackle a 'social issue' or taboo topic. Joshua C. Cohen provides this in the most perfect way! I am forever changed by this novel. If you are not afraid to confront such a raw reality that most people ignore, you MUST MUST MUST read this book! Read more ›