Gym Candy is a novel written by Carl Deuker, a well-known author of young adult sports fiction. The novel tells the story of Mick Johnson, a high school football player who is struggling to live up to the expectations of his father and his coaches. Desperate to succeed, Mick turns to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, or "gym candy," to try and improve his physical abilities on the field.
As Mick begins using the drugs, he experiences a number of negative side effects, including mood swings, insomnia, and a decrease in his overall health. Despite these drawbacks, he is unable to stop taking the drugs and becomes addicted to them. As his addiction deepens, Mick begins to experience even more problems, including difficulty maintaining relationships with his friends and family and a decline in his academic performance.
One of the major themes of Gym Candy is the dangers of drug use and the pressure to succeed at all costs. Deuker explores the idea that, while people may turn to drugs as a way to achieve their goals, the consequences of drug use can be severe and long-lasting. Through the character of Mick, Deuker shows how addiction can take over someone's life and lead to negative outcomes.
Another theme of the novel is the pressure to succeed in sports, particularly at the high school level. Many young athletes feel a great deal of pressure to perform at their best, and this pressure can sometimes lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as drug use. Deuker delves into this theme through the character of Mick, who is struggling to live up to the expectations of his father, who was a former football player, and his coaches, who are pushing him to be the best.
Overall, Gym Candy is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that explores the dangers of drug use and the pressure to succeed in sports. Through the character of Mick, Deuker shows the devastating consequences that can result from giving into these pressures and making unhealthy choices.
