Trolled

Sandor, Steven. Trolled. 2016. 144p. ISBN 9781459411425. Available at FIC SAN on the library shelves.

Andy is the best swimmer in town, and he dedicates all of his efforts in achieving a time of 56 seconds for the 100 meters race. As a result, his grades, especially in math, suffer. No matter, Andy has his eyes on the Provincial championship in Toronto, thence to the Nationals in Edmonton. All he needs to do is win against his closest competitor. As team leader, also nicknamed Tiger Shark for his speed, Andy is expected to lead by example, and he thinks nothing of initiating the new guy on the team.

One of the team’s favorite activity after early morning practice is to swing from the rope attached to the pool’s ceiling and land on a kickboard, surfing as far as they can. On this particular day, Andy pulls the best jump ever, and he surfs clear across the pool. This exploit, which was recorded on a phone, goes viral overnight and is viewed by millions of people, making Andy somewhat of a celebrity.

During the Provincial championship, Andy is dared by two older boys to hug Myriam Said, the best female swimmer when she completes her race. Despite Andy’s girlfriend being in the audience, he goes over, congratulates her, hugs her and kisses her. The problem? Myriam is Muslim and follows a strict code of conduct. When Andy’s bad decision also goes viral, it gets him barred from further Provincial championships, and his ticket to the Nationals is revoked. He is also suspended by his swim team, he loses his job at the mall, and his girlfriend dumps him. To top it all, he barely passes his math class.

Hounded by journalists and by trolls on social media, Andy’s bad decision has cost him everything. Can he find a way to redeem himself? A lesson in one’s behavior, this book also explores the dangers of social media and how too much celebrity can be a double-edge sword. Fans of sports will appreciate the conciseness of this book.