The Wrestling Season

The Wrestling Season, by Laurie Brooks, tackles subject matter seldom addressed but relevant to every young adult: the search for identity and the peer pressure that accompanies it. Using only the setting of a wrestling mat, eight young people look for meaning in an environment of name-calling, violence and the loss of innocence. Issues explored include peer pressure, teen sexuality and bullying. In the story, Matt is convinced that his whole future rests on his performance in this year’s wrestle-offs. Two other students use innuendo about Matt’s "too close" friendship with Luke to break his concentration. Matt is under enormous pressure to excel from parents, coaches, friends – and himself. The rumours, gossip and a violent attack cause Matt to lash out himself towards the one person who only wants him "to sit close."