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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I'm a big fan of Chris Crutcher. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile and then noticed a copy on a sale rack at 1/2 Price Books. That's a sign I was meant to read it, right? It's a typical Crutcher read- misfit with problems befriends other misfits with problems. They have some laughs, run into some troubles and over come it all not with out some sacrifice. Crutcher does it well.
This book has it all. It deals with small town racism, adoption, foster care, high school sports, swimming, basketball, motorcycles, and therapy to list a few of the topics...
The end was unsatisfying, but I'm pretty sure that was the point. Whatever, I love this author and I'm glad I read it.
I adore Crutcher unreservedly, and this may be his best. Sharp, powerful, realistic, and hopeful, even amongst the sadness.
This book was difficult to rate. While I loved the story and the characters, I hated the swearing, and I found the scene portraying the tragic accidental death of a toddler upsetting. But in the end, I liked this book, and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good underdog story. "Underdog" actually puts it lightly, which makes it even more heartwarming. T.J. is a true hero and I loved his character; I always found myself cheering whenever he stood up to the jerks in the story. And there were not one, but two scenes at the end that made me cry, which in my mind is a very good thing for a book to do. This one was well worth the read.
I didn't love Whale Talk. Maybe it was because I listened to it but in general TJ came off as pompous and self-centered to me. It reminded me a little of the Chocolate War for some reason. There were certain aspects that I enjoyed. I loved the swim team of rejects and misfits and I would've liked more of their stories but Chris Crutcher tried to tackle too much and I found the story to be scattered.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'll admit, the only reasons I wanted to read this is because some parents want to ban this from a high school class. After reading this book and seeing some of their comments I can guarantee that not one of them read this book.
Some of their gripes have to do with the profanity used. I'll admit, some of the profanity could have been held back. But most were essential to the telling of the story and more importantly to the telling of the characters.
I think I read this through different eyes because of all of this. I tried to read this as an educator in order to see if I felt if there was any educational value to this. This book touched upon so many important and relevant topics. Bullying, racial tension, and mental and physical abuse to name some of the big ones. This is absolutely a book I would have any high school student read.P
Some of their gripes have to do with the profanity used. I'll admit, some of the profanity could have been held back. But most were essential to the telling of the story and more importantly to the telling of the characters.
I think I read this through different eyes because of all of this. I tried to read this as an educator in order to see if I felt if there was any educational value to this. This book touched upon so many important and relevant topics. Bullying, racial tension, and mental and physical abuse to name some of the big ones. This is absolutely a book I would have any high school student read.P
Illustrated Review: http://bibliovermis.com/archives/1250