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The Gym Show
The Gym Show tells the story of a man faced with a seemingly impossible set of circumstances.
The social structure governing America’s youth experienced a stark transformation near the end of the 1960s, but change came late to the small town of Mercyville, Pennsylvania where the rules had yet to be written. When high school principal Jim Adamson discovers two of his students engaged in an activity that can only be described as taboo, he is at a loss as to how to manage this troubling situation. His efforts to do right by the students involved in the incident begin to uncover a wickedness that threatens the entire community.
Jim’s own demons compel him to re-examine his values and ask himself to what extent he should be protecting his students from the depravity residing within his beloved school. He challenges the powers in Mercyville, who simply want to sweep these troubles under the town’s rug, and with the help of a most uncommon ally, he finds a solution, but in doing so, he risks everything.
Against the backdrop of the high school’s annual crowning event, The Gym Show takes the reader through seven months in the lives of Mercyville High School’s students and teachers, the community and its leaders, and the man who does things his way—thoughtfully, but without regret and without apology.
The social structure governing America’s youth experienced a stark transformation near the end of the 1960s, but change came late to the small town of Mercyville, Pennsylvania where the rules had yet to be written. When high school principal Jim Adamson discovers two of his students engaged in an activity that can only be described as taboo, he is at a loss as to how to manage this troubling situation. His efforts to do right by the students involved in the incident begin to uncover a wickedness that threatens the entire community.
Jim’s own demons compel him to re-examine his values and ask himself to what extent he should be protecting his students from the depravity residing within his beloved school. He challenges the powers in Mercyville, who simply want to sweep these troubles under the town’s rug, and with the help of a most uncommon ally, he finds a solution, but in doing so, he risks everything.
Against the backdrop of the high school’s annual crowning event, The Gym Show takes the reader through seven months in the lives of Mercyville High School’s students and teachers, the community and its leaders, and the man who does things his way—thoughtfully, but without regret and without apology.
458 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2014
2 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Springer
4 books7 followersBorn and raised in western Pennsylvania, Kelly Springer earned a B.S. in Education from Penn State University. Following graduation, she transplanted herself to Indiana and has been a Hoosier ever since. She earned a Masters Degree in Language Education from Indiana University and is a 25 year veteran of Indiana’s public schools. Currently a technical writer, she lives in suburban Indianapolis with her husband of 22 years, a set of extraordinary and hilarious twin daughters, one wily and precocious son, and two very poorly trained Labrador Retrievers. The Gym Show is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 21, 2014
This novel is set in my old stomping grounds (Western Pennsylvania), and about the time I was in high school (1969-70). Maybe I slept through School, but I missed most of the action that forms the narrative of this work! That is not to say, I found the story of a sleepy town's High school (students, teachers and administrators) completely over the top, but when I finished I was exhausted and in mild disbelief.
I appreciated the closely observed slices of life and scenery described in this novel - the language brought back many memories. The first 100 pages were particularly vivid, but once the narrative began in full force (with a homosexual student on student rape), I must admit I was lured in. Add to the rape; seductive teachers, interracial dating tensions, disconnected school boards, and the principal of the school engaged in the darkest of crimes (but motivated by the 'welfare' of his students), and you have a full blown Peyton Place.
At some points in this novel, I thought the writing style was aimed at the Young Adult market, but with this serious subject matter, I was hoping that was a misconception. I did have to keep telling myself this is a period piece, because the portrayal of gay people, and to a certain extend Black people, was a bit unnerving and stereotypical. But this was set before we saw gays and maybe blacks as full and equal human beings.
This book was a win from the Goodread's giveaways, and the author sent the book to me promptly and by Priority Mail - very thoughtful. I rarely find a novel I read past page 100 or so (when I make the decision about how I want to spend my the rest of my life), but I finished this work quickly and with substantial interest. Maybe it was the final crimes that pushed me too far, for in the end the disbelief was a negative. Try it out for yourself.
I appreciated the closely observed slices of life and scenery described in this novel - the language brought back many memories. The first 100 pages were particularly vivid, but once the narrative began in full force (with a homosexual student on student rape), I must admit I was lured in. Add to the rape; seductive teachers, interracial dating tensions, disconnected school boards, and the principal of the school engaged in the darkest of crimes (but motivated by the 'welfare' of his students), and you have a full blown Peyton Place.
At some points in this novel, I thought the writing style was aimed at the Young Adult market, but with this serious subject matter, I was hoping that was a misconception. I did have to keep telling myself this is a period piece, because the portrayal of gay people, and to a certain extend Black people, was a bit unnerving and stereotypical. But this was set before we saw gays and maybe blacks as full and equal human beings.
This book was a win from the Goodread's giveaways, and the author sent the book to me promptly and by Priority Mail - very thoughtful. I rarely find a novel I read past page 100 or so (when I make the decision about how I want to spend my the rest of my life), but I finished this work quickly and with substantial interest. Maybe it was the final crimes that pushed me too far, for in the end the disbelief was a negative. Try it out for yourself.
August 21, 2014
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a vast array of emotions while reading: anger, jealousy, pity, hopefulness, remorse. I didn't read it as fast as I would have liked, but once I got to certain parts, it was a quick read that I didn't want to put down.
I would have liked to know more about Stanley and Julie, if they eventually get married. I guess I have to reread the first part to see if there are any clues.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a vast array of emotions while reading: anger, jealousy, pity, hopefulness, remorse. I didn't read it as fast as I would have liked, but once I got to certain parts, it was a quick read that I didn't want to put down.
I would have liked to know more about Stanley and Julie, if they eventually get married. I guess I have to reread the first part to see if there are any clues.
March 23, 2014
Outstanding.........Very excited for this authors next book.Kelly's love of writing shines threw,hard to believe this is her first book she chose to publish,glad I got in on the ground floor.Make an impression on your book club and be the first to recommend it.They will thank you for the enjoyment!!
June 13, 2014
I got this book as a result of the Goodreads First Reads. This book draws you in and never lets up. So many unforgettable characters and plot threads. All deftly interwoven with care and exquisite detail. The more you read, the harder it is for something to really stand out. This does.
June 29, 2014
I received this book through a First Reads giveaway.
I liked this book. It has good characters and a good story. It did seem like there was a lot going but the ending tied things up pretty neatly. I would definitely read the author's next book.
I liked this book. It has good characters and a good story. It did seem like there was a lot going but the ending tied things up pretty neatly. I would definitely read the author's next book.
April 28, 2014
I loved this book! I became totally involved with the characters and their lives.
June 6, 2014
The author made it very easy to connect to the characters. There were a lot of interesting subplots. I wouldn't normally pick up a book like this but I am glad I got the opportunity to read it.
April 6, 2015
In “The Gym Show” we find so much going on in a small town school and some of it quite dark. Go back to the 1960’s in this engaging story.
My copy came through Goodreads First Reads.
My copy came through Goodreads First Reads.
October 15, 2014
The book was great. Growing up in a small town you do have lots of different characters. This book was not one that I could predict what would happen.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews