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Since the infamous love affair carried on between teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her teenaged student, Vili Fualaau, more than ten years ago, multiple similar cases have surfaced. In what seems to be a growing trend, female teachers across the country have become a new kind of sexual predator. In Lurlene McDaniel’s new book, Prey, we get a first-hand glimpse into the makings of just such a forbidden relationship.
High school freshman Ryan Piccoli enters his World History classroom on the first day of school to find drop-dead gorgeous Lori Settles is his new teacher. Little does Ryan know that Lori is paying close attention to each boy as they enter her class, and Ryan’s good looks and wise-guy attitude have definitely caught Lori’s attention. As the two begin an intimate relationship, Ryan’s aloofness with his colleagues does not go unnoticed by longtime friend Honey Fowler. While the student body idolizes Ms. Settles, Honey can’t seem to see past the high stiletto heels the teacher wears. Is it just petty jealousy, or is Honey the only one who isn’t duped by Lori’s charms?
Written in the first person, this story is told from each character’s point of view. Switching voices between chapters gives the reader an intimate look inside the minds of predator, prey, and one wary pal. Although the subject matter is quite sensitive, there are no sordid details or explicit sex scenes. Instead of focusing on the lurid details, McDaniel centers on the emotional how and why.
The final chapter belongs to Ryan. Two years have passed since the discovery of the affair. Parents and teachers see him as a “recovering victim.” The guys at school think he’s a “hero”, and the girls perceive an experienced “bad boy.” As for Ryan, none of it really matters. To him, Lori Settles was a fantasy come true. Although there is no doubt a morality issue was involved, what rules can be made to govern two willing accomplices?
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Prey