Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2015 Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to Winger (S. & S., 2013), Ryan Dean West's senior year at Pine Mountain Academy is off to a rough start. Still grieving over friend Joey's death, he's saddled with Sam, a 12-year-old freshman roommate he dismisses as a "larva in soccer pajamas." Adding to the pressure, his rugby coach wants him to take Joey's position on the field and as team captain. Resulting panic attacks and visions of a Grim Reaper-esque guy he names Nate (Next Acciden+al Terrible Experience) make Ryan Dean aware he needs help, but he can't bring himself to ask for it. Hot girlfriend Annie offers sex and parental-sounding advice, but two male relationships finally help Ryan Dean open his heart again. Sam is able to see the pain behind Ryan Dean's facade due to his own past trauma. Bound by their mutual grief, Joey's brother Nico and Ryan Dean begin a fragile friendship. The novel's heavy issues are tempered by Ryan Dean's wickedly funny ruminations and good-natured male crudeness. An ingeniously conceived subplot provides teens with a practical lesson on sexual consent. Readers are left with the reassurance that no one can be expected to handle their problems alone. VERDICT The novel succeeds not only as an emotionally satisfying sequel but as a hopeful, honest account of coping with a devastating loss.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2015 Make no mistake about it, Ryan Dean West—verbal volcano and now 15-year-old senior—is fighting with ghosts in this follow-up to Winger (2013). First and foremost is Nate (“Next Accidental Terrible Experience”), an amorphous specter who appears in the prep-school student’s comics (and in the novel in hand) as well as in panic-inducing nightmares. Then there’s Ryan Dean’s new roommate, a 12-year-old freshman whose bubbly innocence brings on a slew of insecurities related to his own past. Finally, there is Nico, brother of his dead friend and fellow rugby teammate, Joey. It is Nico’s cold shoulder that seems most to annoy Ryan Dean—which is to say he’s pretty much flummoxed by grief. With help from other teammates and his girlfriend, though, the teen starts to move on. Despite lots of tantalizing plot turns left only half explored, Smith has created a consistently interesting character whose singular sense of humor grows on readers. Plus, he nails the rough-and-tumble sport of rugby. This sequel won’t disappoint fans. Anticipate the need for plenty of copies.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Winger proved wildly popular with teens, so its sequel is sure to be a hot item. Smith’s critical success with Grasshopper Jungle and 100 Sideways Miles will also drive demand. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.