Stepping Up to the Plate by J.M. Snyder is a homoerotic contemporary story. Stacy Evans has never had what you would call an easy life. From his father leaving when he was little, to even his name, everything conspired against him. Also, being one of the few Anglo people in his area didn’t help. All these things and a quick temper tended to continuously land him in trouble or detention at school. The only thing that kept him somewhat together were his friends who were trouble incarnate, but they at least accepted him and his sexuality. Finally after he had enough from school and home, he quit and never looked back. Stacy seemed to coast through the next few years just getting by, but things were to change soon. Stacy’s mother decided to take matters into her hands and enrolled him in a GED summer program. Stacy balked, but when he learned that his step dad figured that it was money wasted and he was worthless, Stacy decided to prove him wrong. In spite of himself, Stacy went and on the first day he met a teacher, Darian Drucker, who could change his life for good. But more importantly, Stacy saw in Darian everything that he ever wanted in a man. Darian is big and strong, but most important, he is willing to look beyond outer appearances to see the real person inside. Stacy decides to take Darian’s class and take a chance on something that he has been looking for all his life.

Stepping Up to the Plate is a fascinating portrayal about one young man’s struggle against all odds to find his place in this world with the one person who can understand and love him in spite of what everyone else thinks. Darian is a very strong and loving man who wants what everyone else wants and is willing to wait to win his prize everlasting love. Stacy had so many obstacles to overcome, but with a little support from his friend and a loving guide, he was able to make the choices of freedom and happiness. Thanks go to JM Snyder for crafting such an innovative and intricate story.

Reviewed by: Teresa