Joey the Good by Erin Fry

What worked:

The story deals with death and grief, as Joey still struggles with the loss of his grandfather two years earlier. The author hints at the cause of Nonno’s death, and Joey feels guilt for having caused it. Joey loved Nonno more than anyone, and the first-person narrative shares Joey’s constant memories. Joey won’t talk about Nonno’s death, and he’s angered when others ask about his feelings. Joey and Leo were there when Nonno died at the lake cabin, so Leo’s presence this summer magnifies painful thoughts. Joey’s battle with his emotions is a major internal conflict.

Leo’s presence reminds Joey of that fateful day, and Leo often tells Joey that Nonno had wanted them to hike together. The comments add to Joey’s guilt and stir up difficult feelings. The relationship between Joey and Leo is the main focus of the plot, as Joey struggles to adapt. Joey’s lazy routine is disrupted, and he whines about the frequent early morning hikes. Leo is super personable and looks like he’s in excellent physical shape, and Joey is neither of those things. Initially, Joey doesn’t know about Leo’s MS diagnosis, so he doesn’t understand why Leo wants to hike with him. How can Joey the Good keep up with Leo the Great? How will they climb Mt. McKinley when Leo’s condition is worsening, and Joey is a long way from being a competent hiker? It takes Joey a while to consider that they might need each other.

Joey’s relationship with other characters his own age is important in the story. He has a crush on a classmate named Desiree, but Joey’s poor self-image keeps him from seeing that she likes hanging out with him. Joey and Leo join a hiking group to help with their training, and a girl named Maya gravitates to the back of the group with Leo. She’s not warm and fuzzy, but they still learn to get along. Dante follows right behind Joey on their hikes, but Dante doesn’t ever say a single word. Joey doesn’t pay him much attention, but his Nonna says that people who don’t talk may have the most to say. Maybe Joey needs to listen harder.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may want to know more about some of the minor characters, since they influence Joey’s life, specifically Desiree, Maya, and Dante. Dante is especially curious. The story shares a little about the silent Dante’s home life, but the information still generates more questions.

The final verdict:

This book tells an emotional story as Leo and Joey deal with the MS diagnosis. Misunderstandings, along with family and friend issues, complicate the story and stir up mixed feelings. I recommend you try this book for yourself.