Three words: drug-addicted prostitute. Need I say more?
Poor Joe never suspects that a simple doctor's visit will end up being a turning point in his life. Joe, a nice boy from a nice family, suddenly finds himself plunged into a world of drugs, crime, and prostitution when he gets involved with Candy. Meeting Candy as she hangs out in the train station, Joe falls for her right away. He's absolutely crazy about her. Does it make sense? Of course not, but those things never do. Soon Candy is the only thing Joe can think about and the normally low-key Joe finds himself skipping school, lying to his dad, and fighting off pimps and their posses.
I learned about Candy from one of my students who says that it is the best book she read all year. It's definitely among my favorite books of the year, too. You can't help feeling sorry for Joe - and Candy too - wondering what will happen to them next. Will Joe help Candy get her life back on track? Will Candy drag Joe down with her? I guess you'll have to read it for yourself.
LAME FACTOR: A zero on the lame scale.
YOUR PARENTS WILL FREAK FACTOR: Candy involves very adult themes and there is some description of drug use (which, I assure you, should be enough to keep you from using drugs). While Candy is a prostitute, there is no description of her professional activities - basically, there's no sex. There is quite a lot of violence.
BRAIN POWER: Candy is well-written with a reasonably sophisticated vocabulary. It should be an average read for a typical high school/advance middle school reader.
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