I read this book last year and was amazed. It was the first book I've ever read by Chris Fahy and it will not be the last. I read approximately 65-70 books per year and it was one of the best books that I read 2003.
The subject dealt with Ted Wharton, a middle aged school teacher who seemed to be living the American Dream. He enjoyed his career, had a nice wife, and two well behaved kids. However, at 42 he felt like he was missing out something. He recognized his mortality. About this same time, one of his senior students, Joy, sexy, smart, beautiful, and absolutely hot, began flirting with him (and not so innocently). In spite of risking his career, his marriage, his reputation, his future relationship with his children, he cast all caution to the wind, and began a torrid affair with her. Joy, wanted their sexual encounters to be risque; outdoors, in the AV room, classroom, in a car in the shopping mall parking lot, at his home, etc. Eventually, the consequences of his sexual escapades catch up with him. Besides Joy won't leave him alone.
What I like about this book is that even though Ted Wharton is dispicable and violated the trust of his community by sleeping with a student, betrayed his family, and threw his career away, all for a piece of "booty," I found myself rooting for the guy, hoping that he could work his way out of the quagmire that he created for himself. I hoped that he would be able to save his career and his marriage.
I actually liked the guy, although I'm not sure that I would want my daughter in his class.
Fahy is a wonderful author and I'm looking forward to reading more by him.
