Gym Candy By Carl Deuker

Gym Candy by Carl Deuker

Author’s Note: This is a letter from a fan to Mick in the book “Gym Candy.” What was the purpose to pull the gun out on Drew at the end of the story? Also, why did the author cut off the book?

            I chose this book because out of all the books I’ve ever read, Gym Candy is my favorite. Gym Candy is about a freshman named Mick Johnson. Mick wants to be a starter for the varsity football team his freshman year.  But when he makes a mistake that causes his team there spot in the playoffs he makes the worst decision in his life.

Mick Johnson has been training since he was four with his dad. This freshman running back will do anything to be starting on the varsity football team. In practice he works harder than everybody. He knows the game better than his competition. But when all of his hard work goes to waste in a game that causes them their spot in the playoffs.

He starts the summer determined to do something different. He hits the gym every day. But when his trainer offers to sell him pills guaranteed to enhance his performance. Thinking about what happened last year, when they lost the game, he buys them. At first, Mick isn’t sure about how he feels taking steroids, but by the time training camp rolls around, one thing is certain, the pills work.

Mike makes the starting team on varsity his sophomore year, and stops using the steroids before the season starts. In his first two games, Mick breaks a string of school records. Then he follows with three alright games. Suddenly a freshman Dave Kane starts to show Mick up in practice. Afraid of losing everything he did over the summer, he starts taking the steroids once again; only this time he takes a stronger dose that heightens the chance of roid rage and depression.

Mick‘s team had to play their last game before the playoffs. Both teams are undefeated and this is the same team that ruined their chances last year to get into the playoffs. This time they made it to the playoffs. When Mick got home he dumped his duffel bag out, but couldn’t find the steroids. Then suddenly the phone rang, It was Drew.

Drew went into Mick’s bag and took the steroids. They met up at the park at one in the morning. Mick says “what are you planning on doing?” Drew says “the only thing I can do, tell coach.” “Don’t do it, Drew.” Mick replies. Mick reaches in his pocket and grabs a hold of something. He feels the metallic coldness of the gun. Drew starts walking back to the car. Mick yells “Drew. Stop” Drew turns around. Mick pulls out the revolver and points it right at Drew.