Sexy (novel)

"Sexy" is a novel by Joyce Carol Oates. First published in 2005, It is the third book of her (as of 2007) 4 "Teen" novels.

Plot summary

The novel concerns Darren Flynn, a member of a high school swim team. He is not overly confident and blushes when he hears the girls call him "hot" and "sexy". Darren attracts the attention of his English teacher, Mr. Tracy. When Mr. Tracy offers to give Darren a ride home during a snowstorm, Darren begins to feel uncomfortable even though nothing inappropriate happens between the two. Embarrassed, he tells his friends nothing of the incident. Afterwards, Darren battles with his psyche and tries to make sense of "what happened." His friends try to get Tracy arrested by sending gay porn to the police with a note from a supposed eleven year old child who was raped by the teacher. Tracy is questioned by the police, and is asked to resign. Half-way through the novel, the teacher dies in a car accident that may or may not have been suicidal. Darren wrestles with his thoughts as to where his responsibility lies in the matter. Later, at a party, Darren bumps into two of the friends that started the whole "let's get back at Mr. Tracy" scheme. Severely beaten, he then is taken care of by the girl who was hosting the party, Jill Brockmeier. The novel ends with the hostess of the party and Darren having sex in her bedroom.

Controversy

The novel is quite controversial as "Teen Lit." because of its themes of pedophilia, homosexuality, and pre-marital sex, and its usage of the words "shit" and "fuck." Several religious groups tried, unsuccessfully, to have it banned.Fact|date=February 2007