Tradition

TW - sexual assaultGrowing up in the 80s I was an art kid. Theater. String Orchestra. Band. Reading. I was sensitive, but outside those spaces it wasn't allowed. In sports, with guy friends, to show those emotions was to be ridiculed at least, sometimes outcast, oftentimes for me it was to be physically attacked. In sixth grade I told a close friend I loved him. He called me homophobic slurs, and hit me in the face with a fist-sized rock. That's "toxic masculinity." It doesn't mean that all men are bad, but what it does mean is that our culture has trained us in a very narrow way as to what a "man" is supposed to be, the emotions he's allowed to express, and how he's allowed to express them. Toxic masculinity is teaching boys to view each other, and women in a very narrow way. Toxic Masculinity isn't misandry, it's not hating men. It's hating societal norms that create men in this mold.In TRADITION by Brendan Kiely there's a moment where he hugs another guy friend, and it's like this perfect moment of friendship, and intimacy. It was something I needed when I was a teenager."He pulled me into a hug. 'I think we both need one of these.' And he was right. The weirdest thing was that I couldn't remember ever hugging a man that long. Not my father, for sure. He could barely get through a mutual pat on the back. Not any friend or teammate. It'd always been girls. Why? How ridiculous."That was my favorite part, that and there was a minor character named Greg that was a decent guy, and I'm going to imagine it's based on the teen me I could've been.Anyway this is a book I can't wait to have in my 8th grade classroom. It's a very realistic look at sports, and the excitement of the game, but also does a good job unpacking the issues of toxic masculinity within a team structure. It looks at how to push back against it, while still being part of that world. It shows deep friendships between guys and girls that aren't based in romance or sex. It deals with sexual violence, and how people try to silence victims. More importantly it shows ways to deal with sexual violence, to be a survivor, and how to support friends after an assault.I want this book in classes, on summer reading lists, in book clubs for teens, and for guys and girls to have discussions around these topics. I want teens to be able to unpack what they see around them, what they've learned, and try to figure out the things they need to unlearn. As a teacher, I couldn't recommend this book more.

Brenden Kiely pens a YA novel that should be required reading for all teenagers.Two very different narrators alternate telling the tale of Fullbrook Academy, a place that appears idealistic and posh, yet has seedy actions around every corner.James Baxter is new to campus, coming for a second chance after a rocky exit from his hometown. He arrives wounded and wary of others, yet his chivalry and character make him likable from the very beginning.Then, there's Jules. I freaking love Jules. She is powerful, passionate, and bold. She knows what she wants and she's driven as she goes for it. I loved her snide remarks, her comments to the brainless jocks who try to bully everyone, her bravado in class and her unabashed flaunting of her intelligence made her even more amazing in my eyes.This book is about sexual assault, double standards held about women toward sex, and sexism...yes, but it is also about classism, feminism, homophobia, and character. It is about honor and loyalty and friendship and love.It is about growing up as a teenager today, a harrowing ordeal, and it is so well-done. Fantastic.

Characters developed in superlatives - biggest, loudest, most conquests, most girly, most passive, richest - all in a school with blatant disregard for the most relevant discussions. No protocol in place, no celebrations for voice, and no parents except for the literal helicopter dad. Beware - there is no tidy ending as Kiely seems to communicate that it’s how it is. My gut is it’s not Kiely’s story to tell. Girls entering a boys’ school with no plan in place. There is no respect for women anywhere in the story and the loudest voice is Heather, the new kid’s ex back home (and she is the only character of color that we never “meet”). I could never teach this book to the targeted audience- there are better choices out there to open this conversation. I’m eager for Kiely’s next topic.

Great male character instead of the typically toxic masculine personalities. Story was a little slow at moments.

The book looks good but I would also say it " don't judge a book by it's cover "So it was good to read to be honest one can read it if he/she likes book but if it's your first than I don't recommend on reading it but also to be honest it shows us mirror of some social problemsAt the end I would say ,Tradition is not a excuse ...

I loved all the issues that were shon light in this book, especially with their words of truth. It’s a powerful book that’s well-written and hard to put down.However I felt the ending wasn’t satisfying; awareness was spread but justice was not taken. It gave the message that if you are white and rich you can get away with assault and the survivor will be fine as long as they have friends.Good book with an important message but the ending message wasn’t good.

I really like campus novels. I like having a sneaky peak into a world that I may be unaware of. I like it when those novels tackle difficult issues and Tradition definitely tackles a difficult issue. Kiely looks at the privilege that is shown to sports stars within private schools and how that privilege can manifest itself in insidious sexual attacks that are brushed under the carpet.With a dual narrative, we see what life at Fullbook is like from Jules perspective – she was once part of the privileged group but now abhors it. We also see it from Jamie’s perspective who has landed smack bang into that world and doesn’t fit in.The toxicity of this environment drips from every page and makes you genuinely uncomfortable. It is a book that should be read and shared as much as possible.Tradition by Brendan Kiely is available now.

I have to say, this is not my usual genre of book. However, Brendon's reputation and the subject matter persuaded me to give it a go. I actually very much enjoyed it - especially given the #MeToo campaign and the issues that is raises. I have to say it is pretty hard hitting but as I say given the context I did very much enjoy it.