Mick narrates the epilogue and time has skipped since he was in the hospital. Mick and his family do not mention the incident at all they simply show affection and stay hopeful for Mick as he is about to enter the rehab center. Mick seems refreshed and is in no way mad that he has to go to rehab, he accepts it and somewhat embraces it. This is the shortest part of the book but somehow it's probably the most important.
Themes
Enlightenment- Mick is refreshed and finds peace in the rehab center. It is easy to see that there has been a change in him for the better, he seems a lot more calm and wise. He is in the best state of mind that we have witnessed throughout the book.
Affection- This part in the book showcases the most affection between Mick and his parents by far. Especially with his mom who he deeply hugs for the first time in a while. She even gets teary eyed at one point.
Positivity- Mick's parents never mention the steroids or the attempted suicide, they are never negative in any way and only boost his confidence and show that they have faith in him.
Doubt- Mick still has a few doubts in his mind about if he is able to live the rest of his life without ever going back to steroids.
Hope- Mick hopes and prays that he will be able to live clean for the rest of his life. And make it on his own without help from substances.
Luck- The fact that Mick did not die, and is also able to go back to football are all elements of luck. All he needs to do is complete his rehab and he can go back to normal.
Important Quotes
- "we've got Peter Volz nailed solid" (Pg. 304)
This is important because the person responsible for nearly running Mick's life has been arrested. He should have never been trusted from the start and now he is where he belongs.
- "If I complete the rehab program, my file gets sealed. Unless I screw up again, it will almost be as if none of this ever happened. If I want, I can even play football again next year". (Pg. 305)
This is a very important quote because Mick will be able to move on with his life and he willl be able to continue football. He has a second chance to chase his dream.
- "I'd done it for me. I wanted to be a star. Me. For myself." (Pg. 309)
Finally Mick admits that it was all on him and it was his decision to do what he did. He blames no one but himself.
- "I won't like it, but if that's what I have to do, then that's what I have to do" (Pg. 309)
This quote shows a change in Mick because he says that he will be a second string for David Kane if he needs to. Before he would have never accepted that.
- " I tell him I want to hang out with Drew and DeShawn in the lunchroom, making jokes and talking loud. I want o play football at Crown Hill Park in the rain, sliding through the mud on every tackle. I want to walk around Green Lake with Kaylee, sometimes talking and sometimes quiet, the sun bright in the sky. And I tell him that come next September, I want to be in the locker room before the football game-not sneaking off to a bathroom stall, not hiding anything-just there, with my teammates-just one of the guys. And that is what I did want. it really is. But what you want and what you get aren't always the same. (Pg. 312)
This was also an important quote because Mick realizes what are the most important things in his life and admits that those are the only things he needs and wants.
- "I know the person I want to become, but I don't know if I can pull it off. I think I can; sometimes I even pray that I can" (Pg 313)
Hopefully Mick never uses steroids again and even though he has his own doubts about it, I have faith that he won't do it again.
Personal
I am proud that Mick is changing for the better. I feel bad that he has to stay in the rehab place for a few weeks but I know that it is for the best. I like the fact that his parents are supportive and aren't negative about his use of steroids. They never even mentioned it at all and I think that is for the best in order for Mick to move on. I am really happy that the trainer from the gym that gave Mick the steroids is arrested. I think that should have happened a long time ago but better late than never. My favourite part of the story is when Mick hugs his mom because that is the closest they have gotten in the whole story. Mick himself even states that he doesn't remember the last time they hugged that way. Overall I think that this was a great book. The only thing I would change was maybe adding on a little bit more to the ending, instead of ending it with Mick still in the rehab center contemplating his thoughts. Other than that, I had a great time reading this book and I would recommend it to any young people out there who enjoy sports etc.
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