Another Dumb Jock

Reviewed by Morningstar for Diverse Reader

I fell in love with this series from the very first read of book one, Dumb Jock, watching Jeff Irwin and Brett Wilson come together through tutoring and homophobia in rural Michigan. Jeff and Brett are back but as adults raising their two children. Adam is their teenage son who works so hard to be like his dad Brett and nothing like his father, Jeff.



I felt for Adam in this whole story. His struggle to be nothing like his emotional “motherly” father Jeff was sad, and thankfully he never came across as a complete jerk more like a kid fighting against who he was. In comes nerdy Trevor to tutor Adam through a class he’s failing, and Adam’s struggles grow bigger because he is falling for Trevor, a boy just as emotional as his father, Jeff. I loved Trevor. He was this mix of strong and shy living a family life that makes being the small gay nerdy teenage boy even more challenging.



Jeff and Brett pay a significant role in this story and seeing them again, in particular through the struggle of parenting, was fantastic. I can you tell as a parent they deal, especially Jeff, with Adam and his issues, with extraordinary patience. Jeff Erno is one of my favorite authors who’s writing, and storytelling is one of the best out there.



The narrator gave this story layers and life and made me react with more emotion (i.e., screaming at the counselor while driving down the road) than just reading could have. The voices were spot on for me, and the emotion he put into each line made me feel the character connection even more. I know I’ve found a new narrator that I’ll be looking for more work from and hope that the author continues to use him.

Another Dumb Jock is a standalone sequel which focuses on the teenage son of the main characters from the first book. Told from a single first person POV, their son is a jock who identifies as straight at the beginning of the book. As I didn’t read the first book, I can’t compare or contrast the stories but I like the idea of revisiting a couple and their children 20+ years later.

The author does a fantastic job capturing the voice, thoughts, and emotional turmoil of a teenager without creating an immature character who simply frustrates me. The dialogue feels very age appropriate and there were plenty of moments that made me laugh out loud, both as a parent and from Adam’s perspective. The flow was perfect. It was an easy, faster read with a steady pacing that kept me engaged every time I listened. As well written as Adam is, the narrator delivers an equally fantastic performance that embodies Adam’s youthful voice. His tone, speed, and the emotion in his voice brings the characters to life making it a truly enjoyable listen.

I don’t know that I’d consider this a lighthearted book because the author does confront quite a few ugly truths in the world, particularly with LGBT youth. However, the overwhelming hopeful tone left me with a warm heart and huge smile. The familial and peer based conflicts were well developed and relatable for all readers with complete resolutions. I really loved seeing the support and strength of Adam’s family unit. His character growth throughout the book showcased the effect his family’s bond had and his speeches brought tears to my eyes (happy tears). The romance in Another Dumb Jock is age appropriate, so you’re not going to be listening to a lot of steamy scenes play out. Rather, Mr. Erno delivers a YA romance that will leave you with a full heart and wide smile. This is definitely a feel-good story I’ll revisit when I need some happy in my day.

*Audiobook reviewed for Alpha Book Club*