The Goldwyn County Candy Ban

by J.Z. Zerber

Under an autocratic judge's candy ban, a group of boys discovers just how quickly mischief can turn criminal.

By 1995, four years into Judge Emmanuel Meeks's decree, Goldwyn County has become a place where suspicion has become civic duty, neighbors have turned on one another, and even sugar can bring the law to your door.

As an arrest draws national attention to Goldwyn County, a hidden stash of illegal candy near Richman's Pass draws Chat Kelley and his loyal friend Freddie into dangerous territory. What begins as a secret discovery quickly grows into something far larger when they fall in with the fearless Jimmy Sweetwater. With a legacy to protect, Jimmy has every intention of striking back after a brutal humiliation.

But the candy has an owner, and his name carries weight throughout Goldwyn County: Zacharias Meeks, the judge's son. Suddenly, the boys are caught up in a conflict that leads straight back to the judge's own door.

When fear, loyalty, and quiet surveillance shape daily life, what happens when buried contraband exposes the hypocrisy behind a moral crusade?

Genres: Fiction, Coming Of Age

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2026

About the author

J. Z. Zerber is the author of The Goldwyn County Candy Ban and Good Ole Willie, literary works set in the fictional world of Goldwyn County. His writing explores friendship, power, loyalty, faith, and the lives of ordinary people confronting larger moral questions. Rooted in memorable dialogue and a strong sense of place, his stories blend coming-of-age storytelling, working-class realism, literary fiction, and quiet social commentary.

Reviews

[Jenni]

This book took one look at the phrase illegal lollies and said, "You know what? Let's make this everyone's problem."

And honestly?

I was weirdly invested.

Goldwyn County is living under a candy ban imposed by Judge Emmanuel Meeks, a man who apparently looked around at the world's problems and decided sugary treats were public enemy number one.

Sir.

There's no way a Mintie was causing that much trouble.

Four years later, neighbours are dobbing each other in, suspicion is basically a community activity, and possessing a stash of forbidden sweets is treated like a major criminal offence.

Which is completely ridiculous.

Until it isn't.

Chat Kelley and his mate Freddie stumble across a hidden stash of contraband candy and immediately embark on a journey that can only be described as "boys making terrible decisions with great confidence."

Honestly, that's how most disasters start.

Then Jimmy Sweetwater turns up.

And girlfriend...

The second Jimmy entered the story, common sense packed its bags and left town.

Jimmy is exactly the sort of kid who hears "don't touch that" and responds with, "Touch what?"

Naturally, I adored him.

The thing that surprised me most was how quickly this story stopped being about lollies and started being about power.

Because underneath the absurdity is a town running on fear.

Everybody is watching everybody.

Everyone's suspicious.

Secrets are currency.

The whole place feels like a pressure cooker one bad day away from exploding.

And don't even get me started on the hypocrisy.

Actually, do.

Because the absolute audacity floating around Goldwyn County could be seen from space.

A town built on a moral crusade discovering that its own foundations might be rotten?

Now that's the good stuff.

Judge Meeks spends so much time controlling everyone else that it becomes impossible not to notice what's happening under his own roof.

Sir.

Respectfully.

Maybe focus on your own backyard.

What I really loved was the coming-of-age aspect woven through all the chaos. Chat, Freddie, and Jimmy aren't just dealing with secret candy stashes and town drama. They're discovering that adults don't actually have everything figured out.

A truly horrifying revelation for any child.

The atmosphere is fantastic throughout. There's this constant feeling that something is about to go wrong.

And usually?

It does.

The tension keeps building, the secrets keep piling up, and before long a hidden stash of candy has become the least surprising thing happening in the story.

Which is honestly impressive.

Final Verdict

This book is what happens when a coming-of-age story, a small-town scandal, and a bag of black-market lollies collide spectacularly.

It's quirky, clever, surprisingly thought-provoking, and packed with enough tension to keep the pages turning. The premise sounds completely bonkers, but J.Z. Zerber commits to it so wholeheartedly that it works.

Did I ever expect to become emotionally invested in an illegal candy operation?

No.

Did it happen anyway?

Apparently so.

A wildly entertaining story that proves even a bag of contraband lollies can expose a town's nonsense. And frankly, that's iconic.

[Emily]

In 1995 Judge Emmanuel Meeks puts a ban on candy in Goldwyn County. His belief is not shared by all in the county and when a stash of candy is discovered arrests are made. What will happen though when it goes to trial or the pressure from the national media puts everyone in Goldwyn County in the spotlight?

This was thought provoking, the overall idea is a simple ban but turns into such a complicated mess especially for the youth in town. The story was tense and I was anxious to see how the book would unfold.

[Jean C Wilcox]

I didn't know what to expect when I saw this title - but wow, I really liked this book. It was a good story, easy to read for both adults and young adults/teens. I enjoyed the story and I wasn't sure how it would end. Some of the characters reminded me of The Sand Lot characters. I think this would make a great movie. I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

[The Book Ssirren]

I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book. When I first saw it, the title grabbed me and intrigued me. And the cover is so wonderfully detailed. This turned into a must read for me. I loved the idea of there being a candy ban in this county. But it wasn’t just candy, it was anything and everything that contained sugar. And Judge Meeksc was the man who put this ban in place. His followers, because that’s what they acted like, were called TATTLED. And they took it upon themselves to snitch it anytime caught with the contraband.
Having this set in the 90s was so much fun. VHS tapes and stores. Corded phones, kids that actually played outside lol. It really brought back memories. And this is where we meet Chat, his best friend Freddie, Jimmy Sweetwater, and more. All these boys are in middle school. Seeing how life changes as they grow. Feeling the uncertainty of middle school and how different it was from elementary.
There was so much that took place in this story. It was funny, suspenseful, captivating, and emotional at some points. These boys went through a lot. All over Chat finding a red duffel bag filled with candy. An eleven year old scrawny boy, who lived to excel in school, decides to take the bag. After that, all hell breaks loose. We’ve got bullies and wars, a judge that’s lost his mind. A county divided, and upset parents. I took my time reading this. Really savoring what the book was about. Loving all the moments. Reliving my youth. This was an excellent read, and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read it. I’m really hoping for a follow up to come soon, because the story felt unfinished, and I’m not ready to be done with it.

[Miranda]

I will definitely give this another go when I have the energy to sit and read bigger portions of it at a time. I like what I have read so far, I just don't have the time or energy to immerse myself in the story.

[Erika Ankeny]

This story surprised me in the best way, the premise enticed me from the jump, but the depth that was held in this book was spectacular. I did not expect it to have such a strong political stance when simply talking about a candy ban, but it resonated with me deeply in regard to what our societies are going through to this day!

Now, the nostalgia was such a good time. I loved the mentioning of Nirvana, Mortal Kombat, VHS tapes, there were so many references that brought me back to my childhood. I am a 90’s baby at heart, even if I was born in 2001! LOL.

There were multiple times in this story that I caught myself giggling. This group of young boys were hilarious, and reminded me so much of my little brother and how he acts. The comedic relief was always on point.🤣

I do think the world building in this was done very well, we were able to get a good background on all the boys and many of the people in the neighborhood and surrounding areas. I liked that there was even a small romantic interest in this book, i’m excited to see where that goes in the future books!

The ending was a shock, I definitely did not expect that to happen to the judge! From there forward, everything was a bit fast paced and the story wrapped up pretty quickly. The final image of Chat in his room was a bit sad, compared to the beginning of the story when he was in his room. I am looking forward to seeing how this story continues in Goldwyn County!💛

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑 (none)

[Lisa M Thompson]

This book caught my eye because it is a unique coming-of-age story, set back in the 90’s. It’s about a couple of 6th graders who live in a county that has a candy ban at the time, and the one boy finds a duffel bag in the woods full of the sweets. Along with his best friend who is a lot more mischievous and cunning than himself, they originally set out to make money, selling the goods. Unfortunately for them, they wind up in some tight spots with the wrong people, and this kicks off a spiraling adventure that pushes the kids’ limits and has them facing bullies and incredible challenges they never expected… but it’s fortunate for readers, because it leads you on an interesting story that has the feel of The Goonies and a The Sandlot. This novel was a nostalgic walk back into younger years, where life seemed simpler, but was full of surprises and life lessons. I was a teenager in 1995, and I can tell the person who wrote this novel not only lived through it as well but also has a great understanding of a father/son relationship. As stated by the author, this is not a children’s book, but it is a story I feel will be appreciated by older kids and adults alike, as it is about rebellion, authority, and a brotherhood full of memories and adventure. I would highly recommend The Goldwyn County Candy Ban and look forward to reading more from this talented writer!

[Andrew G]

I was very fortunate to have read an advanced copy of this book by emerging author J.Z. Zerber. The story is fast paced, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in 2 days sacrificing a bit of sleep in the process. The banning of candy in Goldwyn County is an interestingly fresh idea and the kids and parents ultimate approval or disapproval of Judge Meeks’ new laws of authoritarianism makes a good story. The kids and parents fighting back while others fall in line to the laws keeps the pace of the novel fast. The character development and world building are both realistic and vivid, quite a feat for an emerging author. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into Goldwyn county and would recommend to teens and adults alike.

[Book.Athlete]

Some book titles make you curious.

Others make you stop and think, *Wait… what?*

*The Goldwyn County Candy Ban* by J. Z. Zerber definitely made me do the latter.

I mean, a candy ban?

Who bans candy?

Apparently, Judge Emmanuel Meeks does.

Set in the 1990s, *The Goldwyn County Candy Ban* takes us into a small Southern community where candy and anything containing sugar have been outlawed. Four years into the ban, Goldwyn County has become a place where neighbours watch neighbours, suspicion is everywhere, and something as innocent as a piece of candy can get you into serious trouble.

At the centre of the story is Chat Kelley, an eleven-year-old boy who is just trying to survive middle school, navigate friendships, and perhaps get the attention of the girl he has a crush on. His best friend Freddie is always nearby, and together they stumble across something in the woods that changes everything: a hidden duffel bag filled with illegal candy.

Of course, Chat doesn't simply walk away.

And that's where things get interesting.

What begins as a seemingly innocent discovery quickly turns into something much bigger when Chat and Freddie become entangled with Jimmy Sweetwater, a fearless local boy with his own reasons for fighting back. Then they discover that the candy belongs to Zacharias Meeks—the judge's son. Suddenly, these boys are caught in a conflict that is far more dangerous than they ever imagined.

I really enjoyed the unusual premise of this story.

There was something wonderfully nostalgic about being transported back to the 1990s. The world of *The Goldwyn County Candy Ban* feels like a time when kids could still disappear outside for the afternoon, friendships were built face-to-face, and trouble could be found without the help of a smartphone.

But beneath the humour and the outrageous idea of outlawing candy, there is something much more serious happening.

This is a story about power.

It is about what happens when rules become more important than common sense, when fear begins controlling a community, and when people become so afraid of breaking the rules that they stop questioning whether those rules are right in the first place.

I found myself thinking about how easily something ridiculous can become normalized when people are told often enough that it is for their own good.

And then there are the kids.

I loved watching Chat, Freddie, and Jimmy navigate friendship, loyalty, fear, and growing up. They aren't perfect, and they don't always make the smartest choices—which, honestly, made them feel much more believable. They are kids who find themselves in circumstances that are suddenly much bigger than they are.

And candy becomes the unlikely catalyst for all of it.

I also appreciated the humour running underneath the story. There is something inherently funny about treating a chocolate bar or a bag of sweets like dangerous contraband. But the humour works because there is a darker idea underneath it: what happens when authority goes too far?

For me, *The Goldwyn County Candy Ban* was more than a quirky story about forbidden sweets.

It was a coming-of-age story wrapped in a very clever premise, with friendship, rebellion, nostalgia, and a surprisingly serious look at power and control tucked between the pages.

And I have to admit, after reading about a place where candy could get you arrested, I may never look at a perfectly innocent chocolate bar quite the same way again.

Sometimes a book makes you laugh.

Sometimes it makes you think.

And sometimes it makes you wonder what you would do if someone told you that your favourite candy was suddenly illegal.

I think I'd be hiding the chocolate.

🍬 **A fun, clever, nostalgic read with a surprisingly serious bite. ****

[Tara Johnson]

The Goldwyn County Candy Ban is a coming of age novel for teens and adults. It explores themes of authority, fear, rebellion, friendship, and the hypocrisy behind moral crusades. The story follows Chat Kelley, an eleven year old living in Goldwyn County under Judge Emmanuel Meeks’s strict candy and sugar ban, a law that has turned neighbors into informants and made sweets a criminal offense. When Chat and his best friend Freddie discover a hidden duffel bag of illegal candy near Richman’s Pass, their curiosity pulls them into dangerous territory, especially once they cross paths with Jimmy Sweetwater, a fearless boy determined to strike back after a humiliating incident. The candy turns out to belong to Zacharias Meeks, the judge’s son, dragging the boys into a conflict that exposes the cracks in the county’s moral crusade.

The character of Chat is thoughtful, academically driven, and often cautious, while Freddie is loyal, mischievous, and more willing to take risks. Jimmy is bold, impulsive, and thrives on defiance. Together, they navigate fear, loyalty, and the unsettling realization that adults don’t always have things figured out. The book blends humor, tension, and 90s nostalgia, corded phones, VHS tapes, kids roaming outside, with deeper commentary on power and community surveillance.

Overall, I found it clever, nostalgic, and surprisingly profound. What begins as a quirky premise becomes a layered story about growing up under flawed authority, and I enjoyed how the characters’ personalities and choices shaped a narrative that was both entertaining and thought provoking.

[Emily]

I went into GOLDWYN COUNTY CANDY BAN expecting a light-hearted, coming of age story that reminded me of Stand By Me and The Goonies.

It's so much more than that. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book for so many reasons, including the 90s nostalgia and kids-on-bikes vibes.

GOLDWYN COUNTY CANDY BAN follows Chat, who lives in a county where the power-hungry Judge Meeks has banned candy and sugar. When Chat finds a duffel bag of candy in the woods, he drags it home and has to figure out what to do with it. From there, we get introduced to the rest of the characters, which are well developed and unique. Chat and his middle school friends embark on a great adventure that feels a bit like a mob story at times.

The entire book is so well written. J.Z. Zerber has excelled at creating a setting that feels lived in and authentic. Every single character that is introduced has a motivation that contributes to the story in such profound ways. Several of the characters feel larger than life, and the entire book takes on a cinematic quality that is very satisfying.

While the book initially feels like a YA story, the commentary that the story holds is quite deep, exploring the themes of authoritarian leaders, influence, and how children are supposed to live under those circumstances.

Overall, it's an excellent, well written story that I know I'll reread and recommend to everyone.

[Beverly Finnie]

I picked up The Goldwyn County Candy Ban on a whim. Figured it would be something similar to Footloose but with Candy and not dancing. It was different alright and not really my cup of tea.
However just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it can’t be for you!
The author presented a well written story about preteen and teenage boys fighting over illegal substances, mainly candy but also included other types of sugary products. Fighting in the sense of “who stole my candy? Because I planned to sell it.” And Chat was right in the middle. A young boy who likes to keep to himself and not stand out, has a crush. He knows what she wants but doesn’t know how to attain it because he doesn’t have enough money. That is until he stumbles across a bag of candy in the woods. Bringing it to the town tough guy puts him up against the very judge’s son who put the candy ban in place in the first place. That very tough guy Jimmy doesn’t play, Chat got him into this mess, he’s going to help him get out of it.
A book teaching the characters different lessons along the way is definitely more suited for a young audience than myself.
So in saying all that check it out! The author takes the reader on an interesting and intriguing ride through county and juvenile conflict. Just because it wasn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean you won’t love it! It’s worth checking it out and deciding for yourself.

[Angela]

3.5 Stars

The Goldwyn County Candy Ban by J.Z. Zerber is an interesting coming-of-age novel that blends nostalgia, humor, and social commentary. Set in the early 1990s, the book follows a group of kids navigating the absurdity of a county-wide candy ban - a premise that starts as lighthearted mischief but gradually reveals deeper truths about authority, community, and the bittersweet transition from childhood innocence to adult awareness.
The characters are cleverly crafted - quirky, flawed, and yet still deeply relatable. While the candy ban is the hook, it’s really a backdrop for exploring friendship, quiet acts of rebellion, and the way small-town politics can mirror larger societal tensions. The humor is warm and often subtle, but there’s also an undercurrent of melancholy that gives the story some emotional weight.
A witty and layered novel that captures the magic and messiness of growing up. Perfect for readers who enjoy nostalgic storytelling with a sharp, thoughtful edge.
Happy Reading…

[Shannen]

This was the first book I had picked up by this author, but I was really excited to give it a go. Something about the cover and the synopsis grabbed me, so I dove in as soon as I could. Throwing us back to the 90s was a perfect setting and gave me some serious nostalgia. Imagine living somewhere where candy is literally illegal, which I know is a nightmare to every kid everywhere. Then Chat and Freddie find a hidden stash near Richman’s Pass and, because apparently these boys have zero survival instincts, they decide to investigate. I really liked how something as innocent as candy slowly turns into this much bigger mess involving power, fear, loyalty, and the judge’s own family. The more the boys uncover, the more obvious it becomes that the rules aren’t really about morality, they’re about control. That made the whole story way more interesting for me. If you like books with rebellious kids, small-town secrets, questionable authority figures, and a plot that starts with candy but gets surprisingly serious, I’d definitely give this one a shot.

[Tammy Turner]

The Goldwyn County Candy Ban by J. Z. Zerber is a funny coming-of-age story.
Judge Meeks has banned all candy/sugared items, and this law is strictly enforced. Chat is in middle school and experiencing all the things that middle school kids have to endure. From pressure from his teachers to study hard and get good grades. He is also being bullied and has his first crush. He saw the girl at the mall and noticed she wanted a necklace, but he did not have enough money to buy it for her. His mother wouldn’t loan him the $80 he needed, so he had to turn to other means to get the money. As luck would have it, Chat found a large bag full of contraband candy, and he and his best friend Freddie have to turn to Jimmy, Chat’s bully, for help. When they discover that the candy Chat found belonged to tough guy Zacharias, Judge Meeks’ son, they knew they were in trouble. This is a funny story that will touch your heart with middle school memories.

[Jennifer]

The Goldwyn County Candy Ban by J. Z. Zerber.
4 of 5 Stars.

This is an enjoyable and engaging coming of age novel with an intriguing storyline. In Goldwyn County Judge Meek’s candy ban has been in force for four years. As a result neighbours have become suspicious of one another and it’s their civic duty to report anyone who may have candy. Eleven year old Chat was finding it difficult enough just surviving middle school, but then he makes a secret discovery of buried candy. Along with his friend Freddie they join forces with the fearless Jimmy, and soon discover that the owner of the candy was in fact the judge’s son. The boys then find themselves caught up in a conflict, and expose the hypocrisy in their county. This is a surprisingly heartwarming story, it’s humorous and full of 90’s nostalgia. Chat is an extremely likeable and relatable eleven year old, and I enjoyed following him and his friends on their adventure.

[Amanda]

I greatly enjoyed this amusing coming of age story about a small county with a sugar ban and how middle schoolers get tangled up in secret candy selling scheme. We have Judge Meeks, who is a delightful tyrant judge who decided that sugar needed to be banned. We have some children and adults who fall in line, but then others who secretly are against it. Mixing in some teenagers who find a bag of candy and chaos ensues with trying to sell it, not get caught, and discover there is much more going on than just a ban on sugar. The author did a great job of writing a fast-paced story, filled with well-rounded characters, and vivid writing that pulls you right into the story. I greatly loved the friendship between Chat and Freddie, they are best friends who look out for each other as they get pulled into more intrigue and search for the truth. This was a great coming of age story with a very unique story line.

[Erin M]

I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of The Goldwyn County Candy Ban. When you pick up this book, you’ll be transported back to a time many Gen Xers remember well, allowing you to re-experience nostalgic adolescent emotions—this time with a chuckle. You’ll find yourself rooting for the "good guys" so quickly your head will spin!
Zerber’s use of clean, precise dialogue takes us straight to the heart of the characters. I personally loved the dialogue and tension between my two favorite characters, Jimmy Sweetwater and Chat Kelly, who are both wonderfully pure in their own right.
This unique and well-crafted coming-of-age page-turner can be enjoyed on many levels and at various depths, thanks to the author's ability to portray significant concepts and conflicts through everyday interactions. Anyone aged 12 and up will not regret their journey to Goldwyn County.

[Heather Greer]

I was so lucky to get my hands on this book! Thank you again J.Z. Zerber. It was amazing. It made me feel like a kid all over again, all while bringing me back to my childhood!

This was a clever and nostalgic coming-of-age novel that blends humor and adventure.
It follows a small Southern town where candy has been outlawed, this story follows a group of friends that get into a dangerous conflict that challenges their courage, loyalty, and sense of right and wrong.
This is the authors debut novel and he creates memorable characters, authentic friendships, and a vividly realized 1990s setting that captures both the innocence of childhood and the complexities of growing up.

It has such good banter and amazing nostalgia.
It reminded me of some of my childhood movies like Stand by Me and The Goonies. It is a must read!

[Bobbi Wagner]

This story is by an author that is new for me. I enjoyed their creative writing skills along with their use of details to make this story entertaining to read. This is a story about a county that has a candy ban and how candy can turn a group of boys into criminals. A story where hidden candy brings these boys into something that is so much bigger than expected. What will happen when the boys find themselves in a position that leads them right to a judge's door? All the characters are well developed and make the story easy to read. They are connectable and engaging. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made turning pages easy. This is a fast paced story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future. I highly recommend this story.

[Wendy Tanguay]

What a fun book. Chat is the nerd we all knew back in middle school or high school who got picked on a lot, Freddie is his best friend who often fights Chat’s battles for him. Jimmy is the tough you do not mess around with. They all live in Goldwyn County where Judge Meeks banned candy. The ban has neighbors tattling on neighbors and a woman going to jail for baking an apple pie with, you guessed it, sugar. Chat’s walk home from school one day changes everything when he sees boys hiding a huge duffle bag of candy and he decides to take it so he can sell it and make money to get a necklace for the girl he likes. Add to the craziness a “bathtub brew” called Cronk, the judge’s nasty son and his goons, a wild go-cart race and you have a wonderful book. The author says there will be more tales to tell from Goldwyn County and I cannot wait.

[Tausha Treadway]

he Goldwyn County Candy Ban by J. Z. Zerber. This was such a fun coming of age read. Its the story of Chat Kelly who is in the middle school with his best friend Freddie. Chat has to rely on Freddie a lot because he is on the smaller side and he tends to get picked on. Judge Meeks has banned all candy from the County in fact he has banned all sugar. When Chat finds a duffel bag full of contraband candy on his way home from school he thinks they best way to handle it is to go back after dark. He doesn't want to eat the candy he wants to sell it so that he can buy a necklace for his crush. Another boy Jimmy who is not afraid of anything gets involved with Chat and Freddie and then they find out the candy actually belongs to Judge's son. This fact makes the adventure even more dangerous. Will the boys be able to get away with this little caper? Such a fun coming of age read!

[Lisa]

I liked the blurb and the whole candy ban situation. But this one was tough for me to follow through on. The storyline just did not hold my attention. I liked the characters and read the preface which intrigued me more on Chat. But it seemed too slow and many pages of filler which made it difficult to stay focused.

The characters are the best part! They are mostly kids who are living through normal kid problems with the added candy ban. Jimmy and his gang with their rules and the relentless Zacharias with his posse are crazy and almost seem older than middle school at times. The fear they instill and the intimidation factor are so spot on.

Overall its an okay story for me. I struggled with the timeline and extra parts of the story but the characters are a delight and very well written.

[Dani]

4 Stars

I think it's safe to say that I did not know what to expect when I picked this book up, and it surprised me in the best way. It was funny and heartwarming in the most unexpected ways. It's a story about rebellion, coming of age and building friendships. I especially love the issues this book highlights about the dangers of allowing others to have control without question, and how not questioning authority can lead to ridiculous constraints on freedom that are heralded as ‘for the good of the community’.
I loved Chat and his friends, and I thought they were really well written and just great fun to root for. The 90s nostalgia was fun to read too; it had a cosy feel to it that made me smile.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fun read that feels a little bit like The Goonies. It's a great laugh and has so much to say. Don’t miss out.

[Santana]

This was such a fun, nostalgic read! I loved the idea of a county banning anything with sugar and the chaos that follows when a group of middle school boys gets caught up in it.

The 90s setting was one of my favorite parts. The VHS tapes, corded phones, video games, and all the little details really brought the time period to life. Chat and his friends were entertaining, and I enjoyed watching them navigate friendship, growing up, bullies, and everything else being thrown their way.

There was plenty of humor, but the story also had some surprisingly emotional moments. The plot had a good mix of suspense and adventure, although things moved a little quickly toward the end.

This was an entertaining and nostalgic story with memorable characters and plenty of 90s charm. A fun read that took me right back to simpler days!

[Phylis Carpenter]

Lately I have been trying to read books outside of my genre. I usually read romance or suspense but I am venturing out to see if I might be missing some really good books out there. I came across this one and decided to give it a try. I can't say that I am sorry I did.

Once I started reading it I seemed to really get into it. I like the storyline and the characters.

Chat and Freddie were best friends. Chat is small and gets picked on a lot. Freddie chases them off and fights for his friend. Freddie always wants to go and do fun things while Chat is the one who worries about his grades and schools.

This book is about a county that has banned sugar and all candy from their children. It is illegal to be caught with it. They even started a children's jail.

Check out the story I think you will enjoy it too.

[Christian]

LOVED IT J. Z.!!! I really enjoyed the story and how the world was being built. With being a local noticing and loving some of the local tie-in’s it was just an amazing opportunity to dive head first into a local authors first novel and it didn’t disappoint. This story grabs you with the fun world of these middle schoolers acting way above their age, and brings this world that basically turns kids into having to act like drug dealers just to be able to enjoy some candy. It’s funny, exciting and really puts you head first into what these boys are going through. I feel there’s a little purpose-full lull towards the end of the book that completely sets you up with an amazing blindsiding twist that happens with the judge that made my jaw drop.. I mean talk about a left turn from nowhere. All in all this book was so fun and you should absolutely give this book a shot. (No pun intended)

[Cathie Goodman]

The Goldwyn County Candy Ban is a fun, quirky coming-of-age story. Set in a small Southern county where candy is literally illegal, it follows a group of prepubescent boys who get caught up in a surprisingly high-stakes world of rules, rebellion, and growing up. The premise may seem implausible at first, but it closely mirrors current debates around social media and tech devices, especially when it comes to control, influence, and kids’ freedom. The nostalgia feels earned, and beneath the humor there’s a thoughtful look at friendship, authority, and finding your backbone. A quick, engaging read that’s both funny and quietly meaningful.
JZ's debut novel is relevant and resonate, no matter your age.

[Melissa Elliott]

The Goldwyn County Candy Ban completely surprised me in some of the best ways. As a kid that grew up in the later '80s-late '90s, when kids practically lived on penny candy and Saturday morning cartoons, the premise instantly hooked me. What starts as a quirky small-town story quickly turns into something with heart, humor, and just enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued and continuing for more. It has that nostalgic, coming-of-age feel that reminded me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. The author has a beautiful way of painting a well thought out story, almost like he had lived these exact moments. If you enjoy stories that balance charm with deeper themes, this one is worth picking up.

[Megan]

This coming-of-age story was a blast from the past. Set in the 90s with your typical 90s kids, the stories of Chat, Freddie, and Jimmy will have you reminiscing about the good ol' days. This story was so well done between the character development and the plot, you couldn't have asked for a better coming-of-age tale. Judge Meeks has banned not only candy from his county, but anything containing sugar. This turns into neighbors tattling on each other and all sorts of crazy things happening. Throw 3 teenage boys into the mix and you've got yourself a story. Not only did Zerber offer humor throughout but he also gave us things to ponder. I really enjoyed my first experience with a J.Z. Zerber novel and I can't wait for another tale from Goldwyn County.