Screwed by Joanna Kenrick
Allen & Unwin, 2008.
(15+) The words 'Warning explicit content' on the back cover give a
clue to the controversial contents of this absorbing novel. 14 year old
Marsha and her friend Faith are having a competition about who can
screw the most boys. For Marsha it is all casual, she believes that
boys are only out for one thing and she doesn't want a relationship.
But when Faith bets Marsha that she can't get Rich, a naive school
mate, Marsha finds that it is possible to be friends with a boy.
This is a honest gritty book that comes to grips with underage
promiscuity but never forgets the emotions and fears of the girls. The
difficulties of friendships are explored when Beth, a new girl comes to
school, as well as the jealousy and pain that occurs when Faith gets a
boyfriend and leaves her friend behind. The lack of communication and
poor relationship Marsha has with her father is vividly depicted. The
developing friendship that Marsha has with shy Rich is a welcome
contrast to the casual encounters that she has previously had. Within
the context of the story the author gives some solid information about
sexually transmitted diseases in a non preaching way and offers some
helpful sex education for those who may not get it from home. She also
explores the effects of single families, peer pressure and poor self
esteem.
The author has honestly examined in a gripping story a topic that most
adults, especially parents of teenagers, won't want to think about. One
of the reviews on the first page of the book was from a 14 year old who
said she would definitely recommend the book, 'just don't let your dad
read it!'
Pat Pledger