This is definitely not a book that makes me feel like being a man is a great thing. In fact, it sort of made me wonder how cis-men get in any relationship ever. Masculinity is weird.

David is skinny and bullied, a lot (and never seems to really stand up for himself. I have never been bullied in that manner--is that typical?). When a video goes viral of him being slapped and falling down, he decides to go to the gym to bulk up. The local gym is cheap but also has a lot of bodybuilders. Sure enough, it's a place where you can get steroids, and soon enough, David is hooked. This hits similar beats to other titles I've read about drug use in teens: "I won't get that bad, I'll know when to stop," the moment when they realize they've turned into that, and then the attempts to repair relationships. However, I think this one really shows how horrible toxic masculinity is. I wish there were a bit more punishment for the bullies, but isn't that real life too?