Hot Sexy Fuck

Sexy is a novel by Joyce Carol Oates. First published in 2005, it is her third book written for young adults.

Plot summary

The novel concerns Darren Flynn, a member of a high school swim team. He is not overly confident and blushes when he hears the girls call him "hot" and "sexy." Darren attracts the attention of his English teacher, Mr. Tracy. When Mr. Tracy offers to give Darren a ride home during a snowstorm, Darren begins to feel uncomfortable even though nothing inappropriate happens between the two. Embarrassed, he tells his friends nothing of the incident, yet battles with his psyche trying to make sense of "what happened." During Christmas break, Darren participates in an assault of a young man who he and his friends believe to be gay. Some time after, to get back at Mr. Tracy for their bad grades, some of Darren's friends try to get the teacher into trouble by sending gay porn to the police with a fake note from an eleven year old child alleging abuse. Tracy is questioned by the police, and is asked to resign. After a desperate time during which he repeatedly asks Darren to attest to his character, the teacher dies in a car accident that may have been suicidal. Darren wrestles with his thoughts as to where his responsibility lies in the matter. Throughout the story Darren questions his previous friendships, and he is unsure of his feelings towards close friend Molly Rawllings, who has great affection for him. Later, at a party, Darren bumps into two of the friends that started the smear campaign. Severely beaten, Darren is cared for by an older girl, Jill Brockmeier, the host of the party. Jill and Darren end up having sex in her bedroom. As they chat afterwards, Darren makes plans to leave town for the summer.

Controversy

The novel is quite controversial as "Teen Lit" because of its themes of pedophilia, homosexuality, and pre-marital sex, and its usage of the words "shit" and "fuck." Several religious groups tried, unsuccessfully, to have it banned.

References

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