Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Cosola
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty take on teen swimmer fueled by grief and anger.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In GEESE ARE NEVER SWANS, the pressure of competition, grief, and trauma collide for teen swimmer Gus, who's reeling after the suicide of his brother. Danny was a nationally ranked swimmer on a path to qualifying for the Olympics. He was the proverbial golden boy and was loved by everyone who knew him, leaving Gus to struggle to find a place in Danny's shadow. Even though Gus is every bit as talented and driven as Danny, his mom prevented him from training at Danny's level, putting all her money and attention into her older son. After Danny kills himself, Gus decides to step into the spotlight and hopefully surpass his brother's achievements. He's starting late for the elite level of training he wants to do and pushes hard to make up for lost time. His rage and grief drive him to work harder, but he pushes far past the line of hard work and into compulsion. He doesn't listen to anyone who tries to help him, leaving him more isolated and emotionally adrift than ever. As tough as qualifying for the Olympics is, Gus' true challenge is figuring out a way to pull himself back from the brink of emotional and physical self-destruction.
Is It Any Good?
This heartfelt look at the price of elite competition and the lingering effects of grief can be a tough read at times. Geese Are Never Swans is told from the point of view of Gus, who's arrogant and full of rage, lashing out at everyone in his life, which makes for a frustrating narrative. Even though we see why Gus acts the way he does, it's hard to sympathize with a main character who refuses to listen to anyone and is a total jerk for most of the book. The story shows the toll that grief and emotional abandonment can take on a young person. It also highlights the amount of work and focus it takes to be an elite athlete, while emphasizing that success shouldn't come at the expense of your mental and physical well-being. These are important messages many young athletes need to hear.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teen suicide and mental health. In Geese Are Never Swans, both Gus and his brother have emotional problems that even the people closest to them don't know about. Why might some people try to cope with hard stuff alone? Do you know about help available to those considering suicide, or to family and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide?
Why do you think unhealthy family dynamics are a popular theme for YA novels? Do you think authors like the drama aspect, or do you think these storylines help teens identify problems in their own families?
Competition and drive in sports, academics, and other activities can be a positive, inspiring thing. But when can it cross the line and become problematic?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Granity Studios
- Publication date : July 21, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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