Scam

by Lesley Choyce

Josh’s mother always had issues—with drugs and just getting by. And Josh has always been the one who kept them together. But when his mom dies, he really is on his own and must find a way to look after himself. On his way to his mother’s funeral he meets Lindsay, a cute girl who flirts with him but then steals his wallet. When he confronts her and tells her where he is going, she apologizes, returns his wallet and convinces Josh to let her accompany him to the funeral. So begins a complex relationship that changes both of their lives forever.

Genres: Teen, Realistic Fiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2016

About the author

Lesley Choyce is a novelist and poet living at Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia. He is the author of more than 80 books for adults, teens and children. He teaches in the English Department and Transition Year Program at Dalhousie University. He is a year-round surfer and founding member of the 1990s spoken word rock band, The SurfPoets. Choyce also runs Pottersfield Press, a small literary publishing house and hosted the national TV show, Off The Page, for many years. His books have been translated into Spanish, French, German and Danish and he has been awarded the Dartmouth Book Award and the Ann Connor Brimer Award.

Lesley Choyce was born in New Jersey in 1951 and moved to Canada in 1978 and became a citizen.

His YA novels concern things like skateboarding, surfing, racism, environmental issues, organ transplants, and rock bands.

Reviews

[Ashleigh Fletcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book seems like someone cut out chapters they didn't like and put it on the shelf. I just didn't love it. It felt cheesy and the plot was just a bunch of tragedies after the next and no real going into what happened and why. I think this is a good book for younger readers though, content might need some guidance.

[Debbie Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this for nostalgia and what even was this book... I always try and see the best in this book. I can't imagine what Josh went through but man oh man do i not like the characters. Its a 1 star for me

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

that he stayed strong when his mom died.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good book it was sad in some parts of it very emotional thoughts like he was caring the world in his shoulders i didnt like when his dad blamed it on him .

[Kaotickanadian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted a quick read so I picked this book. The story idea and concept had potential but definitely could have been written a whole lot better in my opinion.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Ian Leaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Scam" by Lesley Choyce was a pleasure to read and was even educational. I learned a good deal from reading this one. I highly would suggest it, because other than it being a good book, every reader will get something different out of it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh faces tough challenges. So does Lindsey. They handle things differently. This would be a good book for a teen who does not read at grade level.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a remarkable book--unexpectedly good, the kind of book that leaves you feeling wrung out emotionally (in a good way).