Review

"Mia Siegert's poignant, vibrant first novel deals with issues of sexual orientation, which makes it very timely, and with issues of the human heart, which makes it timeless." —Mark Spencer, award-winning author, A Haunted Love Story: The Ghosts of the Allen House

"It’s a dark, upsetting, frustrating, painful look at the pressure on teen athletes, at what happens when mental illness is ignored and untreated, and at how horribly scary coming out can be, especially for teens whose parents are hateful and unsupportive. Bleak but powerful." —Amanda MacGregor, teenlibrariantoolbox.com

"There is no doubt in my mind that Jerkbait has already claimed a spot in one of my top favorite books of 2016. From page to page, there is a delivery of raw and emotional feelings, sensitive topics that are so well done." —Alexandria, thebookbuzz.com

"Jerkbait is heartbreakingly poignant with timeless characters and an important message, and will have appeal to teen fans of coming-of-age and indie fiction." —Maia Raynor, VOYA

"Mia Siegert's Jerkbait explores ableism and homophobia in hockey and society—Siegert wrote Jerkbait to grapple with issues of homophobia and ableism—and in doing so, explored their own experiences as a queer person suffering from mental illness." —barnesandnoble.com/blog

"Poignant in the real sense: sharply drawn, pointed, and piercing." —David Galef, award-winning author, How to Cope with Suburban Stress

"From beginning to end, this book was explosive." —Nicole Tone, This Literary Life

"Issues like bullying and Internet predators are explored, and Mia Siegert isn’t afraid to go there and get ugly, get dark. As a reader, I appreciated her honesty. As a writer, I was in awe of her talent . . . Electric and explosive, yet soft and nuanced, Jerkabit is a powerhouse of a debut that is bound to leave a mark on the world of YA lit." —Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author, Firsts

"What is arguably the most important aspect of Siegert's work, however, is the spotlight it throws on the plight of gay athletes, particularly at the high school level . . . I sincerely hope that this book finds its way into the hands of every gay high school athlete, so that they might know they are not alone." —Caleb Roehig, author, Last Seen Leaving

"Jerkbait is an intriguing look into the world of both parents and kids as they try to navigate the difficult path to the draft. A cautionary tale and a must-read for parents and kids alike." —Patrick O'Sullivan, former NHL Player; author, Breaking Away: A Harrowing True Story of Resilience, Courage, and Triumph

“Jerkbait was an excellent read on the complex issues facing LBGTQ athletes, as well as their families, featuring complex, believable characters who would not be out of place in any high school across America.” —Chris Kluwe, former NFL player, LGBTQ rights activist, author, Prime

"Jerkbait is gutsy, urgent, raw and hopeful." —Brian Kitts, Co-Founder, You Can Play.

"Siegert pulls no punches in her debut." —Publishers Weekly

"Brought tears to my eyes. A highly recommended read." —Jack Drescher, MD, author, Emeritus Editor, Journal of Gay and Lesbian Mental Health

About the Author

Mia Siegert has been published in Clapboard House, Word Riot, The Limn Literary & Arts Journal as well as a few other small presses. A short reading of JERKBAIT was performed by the New Jersey Playwrights Association where it was tremendously received. Siegert currently works as an adjunct professor and a costume designer. She lives in New Jersey.