Flashback to the ’80s

Fiction When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission. WE RIDE UPON STICKSBy Quan Barry In her second novel, “We Ride Upon Sticks,” Quan Barry ventures into virgin territory — literally. This singular story of female sexuality, friendship, racial identity, witchcraft and transformation centers on a group of virgins who play field hockey together in Danvers, Mass. , in the 1980s.

Barry writes with a sustained, manic energy that propels these former losers — at least on the field — into a championship team. Growing up on the original site of the 1692 witch trials, the girls are convinced that witchcraft will propel them to victory. So they tie strips of torn blue sweat socks to the tops of their arms and pledge their allegiance to Emilio Estevez, a minor movie star who somehow plays a major role in their lives. Before each game, the girls rev themselves up, chanting, “Field field field.

” “Hockey hockey hockey. ” The Danvers Falcons desperately want to win and they will go to incredible lengths to do so — seemingly ignoring traditional methods like practice. Instead victory is guaranteed by creating trouble. Their pranks start small and steadily escalate.

Virginity is lost. One delirious Halloween, the band of field hockey players smash the windows of cars belonging to boys they believe have wronged them. The reason behind all this urgency for victory?

“Unclear.”

Or perhaps, what isn’t clear is why the reader should care if these girls get what they want. In telling her story, Barry (who is also an acclaimed poet) takes a not entirely successful risk with point of view. An omniscient narrator speaks for the entire team, so the book is delivered by a collective and confusing “We. ” There are so many girls, with so many clever names: Little Smitty, Becca Bjelica, Girl Cory, Boy Cory (there is a boy on the team), Jen Fiorenza, Nicky the Chin (not a player, but it’s a notable name) and, of course, Abby Putnam, a direct descendant of an actual Salem accuser.