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A review by beautifullybookishbethany
Tradition by Brendan Kiely
5.0
I don't know why more people aren't talking about this book! Tradition is brilliantly written look at toxic masculinity, rape culture, and privilege, set at an exclusive boarding school. The author demonstrates perfectly how men can be allies of women AND how straight men can support gay men in a positive way. He brings a much needed perspective to these critical issues of the day.
This book is a dual perspective narrative set at Fullbrook Academy, a place where tradition institutionalizes rape culture and toxic forms of masculinity.
- Jules is a senior at Fullbrook who is shunned for being an outspoken feminist and being "crazy" after breaking up with her popular boyfriend the previous year. (Can we talk about how this narrative demonstrates women being minimized and made to feel crazy for speaking up against injustice and sexist behavior? Because it's a real thing, and we definitely see that here.)
- Jamie is a new scholarship student recruited to play hockey. Because of his massive size and involvement in sports, he has been pushed into damaging masculine behaviors, but beneath the surface he wants to listen and genuinely cares about what is right.
There is also a gay side character who experiences bullying and judgement for his sexual orientation. The author deftly handles his story in a way that is illuminating and empowering.
At times difficult to read, this is a hard-hitting story that is everything we need right now. Be aware that there are scenes of sexual assault and discussion of past sexual assault. And the way it is done effectively demonstrates that what counts as rape is not one-dimensional. Overall, I loved this and definitely recommend it.
This book is a dual perspective narrative set at Fullbrook Academy, a place where tradition institutionalizes rape culture and toxic forms of masculinity.
- Jules is a senior at Fullbrook who is shunned for being an outspoken feminist and being "crazy" after breaking up with her popular boyfriend the previous year. (Can we talk about how this narrative demonstrates women being minimized and made to feel crazy for speaking up against injustice and sexist behavior? Because it's a real thing, and we definitely see that here.)
- Jamie is a new scholarship student recruited to play hockey. Because of his massive size and involvement in sports, he has been pushed into damaging masculine behaviors, but beneath the surface he wants to listen and genuinely cares about what is right.
There is also a gay side character who experiences bullying and judgement for his sexual orientation. The author deftly handles his story in a way that is illuminating and empowering.
At times difficult to read, this is a hard-hitting story that is everything we need right now. Be aware that there are scenes of sexual assault and discussion of past sexual assault. And the way it is done effectively demonstrates that what counts as rape is not one-dimensional. Overall, I loved this and definitely recommend it.