The Degrees of Barley Lick
Author: Susan Flanagan
Publisher: Running the Goat
Life has been hard for sixteen-year-old Barley Lick lately: He split with his girlfriend, his father died and now his mother has a boyfriend, a cop named Fred Newton. Not even Barley’s new Great Dane, Stanley, can make things right. Then Newton wants Barley to use his geocaching skills to help him solve a mystery; helping would mean losing a huge geocaching competition and, even worse, letting his ex-girlfriend Phyllis win. But Barley soon realizes that a young boy’s life may be in danger and time to rescue him is running out.
This novel is five-star in every respect: a rollicking plot, totally entertaining and believable characters, themes of acceptance and healing, humor, romance, lively dialogue, even an environmental component. What more could you possibly want in a story that veers from teens obsessed with a competition that resembles a treasure hunt, to the opportunity – and urgent need – to stop a kidnapper from harming a child? This novel is difficult to put down, and if you don’t know what geocaching is at the start, you’ll be totally caught up in its attraction by the end. The protagonist, Barley, is a superstar at the sport, matched only by his ex-girlfriend and nemesis, Phyllis. The writing never falters; it has original expressions and fun, snappy dialogue.
Barley opened the passenger door and Stanley [the Great Dane] stepped in like entering a classic sports car was something he had been doing his whole life. He arranged himself in the bucket seat the way he had in the recliner, front feet on the floor, butt and back feet on the seat. He sat taller than any human with the exception of maybe an NBA player. The tip of his one upright ear touched the ceiling.
The first time Barley Lick met Phyllis Henderson, he had to hold his breath. It was the day he and Colin had gone down to White Rock to sign up at the geocaching club. The morning sun streamed in through the window, highlighting her high cheek bones and dark brown eyes. She was wearing a tiny green T-shirt and cut-off jean shorts; ragged bits of white string accentuated her thighs. Her legs were long and tanned with well-defined muscles… He couldn’t formulate words when she introduced herself. “I’m Phyllis,” she said, extending her hand. Barley remained mute. She looked at him and raised her eyebrows. Colin came over and rescued him. Colin was always rescuing Barley. “Hi, I’m Colin. This here is Barley Lick… And he can talk; just not to girls.” Colin elbowed Barley in the ribs, cackled out a laugh, and walked away.
Barley tried to raise his head, but she lowered her forehead to his. He felt her breath on his face. Her hair fell around her shoulders, tickling his cheek. It smelled like strawberries. “You’re pretty cute now that I get a good look at you.” She shifted her weight on his pelvis. He felt blood throb in his nether regions and knew she could feel it too. She lowered her lips to his ear.
One of the more highly recommended reads of the season.
- P.W.