I don't know what it is lately with these detached (supposedly), misbehaving male characters in YA books and why I like them so much, why I get sucked into their stories, but I do.
Jesse's a difficult character: he lies,deals drugs and doesn't exhibit much of a conscience or consideration for others. It's hard to see any good in him at first, but his character is still intriguing. His savvy, his "sway," is a little too flawless, the extent of his power unbelievable, but I was still very drawn to his story. It's interesting that Carter and Joey, and a host of other characters in the book, have the same reaction to him that I had as a reader: they like him despite his actions. They see something in him that he doesn't see in himself. And it takes talent to be able to get that across while writing from the point of view of a character who acts like a bad guy and thinks he's a bad guy.

The drug use and casual sex bothered me, and I thought the resolution went a bit too fast. Bridget and Pete are both pretty saintlike in their forgiveness of Jesse, but I can see how it works for both of them. As much as Jesse thinks he's got Pete's number, I think Pete's got Jesse's too. And Bridget's in love with him. People have forgiven much worse because they love someone.

The book had a nice mix of supporting characters, and I was sad to leave them behind when I finished the book. It would be neat to see some of them featured in their own novels, say Joey or Carter.

Nick Podehl was a great choice for narrator of this on audio. His depiction of Jesse was perfect. ( )

Sway is going to be my new go to book for boys who only read because they have to for class. Jesse can get you anything you need, a paper, a date, the school bully off your back, for a price. When he is approached by Ken, to get a date with Bridgette, it’s just a financial transaction for Jesse, until he realizes that Bridgette is the real thing, and not someone to throw away. The things that Jesse does to secure his investments, and make his own money are truly impressive. His ability to read people and situations, turn them to his advantage make Jesse the force to be reckoned with in his town.

I loved so much about this book. The relationships Jesse has, that he sees as business arrangements, are more than he realizes. He’s closed himself off emotionally, after the death of his mother, but others have not given up on him. The way he gets himself tangled into the life of an old man from the nursing home, cracks me up. His Cyrano de Bergerac actions that bring him so much grief, even as he realizes that is what is happening, made me sigh. I’d have been disappointed if it had ended any other way than it did. ( )

somberly good realistic fiction ( )

"Sway" reminded me of "The Spectacular Now." So, so good. ( )

There's pretty pervasive drug use and dealing in this book, which I didn't care for. Despite that, the deftness with which Ms. Spears takes Jesse from cynical and emotionally cut-off, to empathetic and in love is masterful. Surprisingly touching. ( )