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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Apart from this book being a drawn-out macho after-school special, it wasn't the worst. It just wasn't for me.
medium-paced
This is my favorite book of all time. It is well written and filled with real-life scenarios. I think every teenager should read this book.
A multi-racial boy starts a swim team consisting entirely of outcasts at his high school, even though they have no pool. It's a story of courage in the face of adversity - and makes me really, really glad that I am no longer in high school.
This book is a great read. It’s enthralling, interesting, funny, and political. It makes me feel rage at injustice and racism, but has feel good moments of triumph in the face of adversity, found family, and acceptance.
T.J. was an abused and neglected mixed-race child with big rage issues. Even though his high school put pressure on him to turn out for varsity sports (because he was a naturally talented athelete), he knew that he would not put up with "people telling hiim what to do" and he wanted to keep his rage in check. His unusual but incredible adoptive parents, along with a talented counselor, continued to help him deal with life and tried to get him to temper his physical urges to "teach a lesson" to bullies (especially jocks). A crucial episode where a special ed. student was harrassed for wearing his dead brother's letterman's jacket resulted in T.J. creating a swim team of the most unlikely group of boys. Through incredible individual and team effort they increased their individual times at each competition in order to earn a letter (to sew on a letterman's jacket).And that just set the stage for several tense subplots that I won't spoil the story by telling. Funnny at times, sad at times, and poignant at times.
3.5. In fairness, I read this on the heels of another story featuring cis men, so I wasn't super feeling the voice of a straight cis guy. It manages to be timely, even 19 years after publication, touching on issues like racism. The ending was a little...rushed to me? I get the creative choices, but it still kind of felt like it came out of nowhere for me. Not too shabby though overall, and still worth reading.
Crutcher is so good at writing sports novels. I remember meeting him in high school before I'd really read any of his books and I thought he was the coolest person ever. I had a bit of star shock to my little brain, but I still enjoy his novels! Also he's like 74 now, just damn.
TJ Jones is not convinced that Cutter high school needs a swim team. But after witnessing one of the school bullies harass his friend over a letter jacket, he's determined to pull together the least likeliest team ever and have them win big. TJ sets out for his team to get letter jackets even though they don't have a pool, and only one of them can actually swim. But the Cutter All Night Mermen have spades of determination that will help propel them.
I loved this group of misfits! TJ was such an interesting character, besides his anger issues he had a very great take on how things should be. He stood up for those who needed protecting and was determined to not let the bullies of the world get him down. I was glad that he did slowly come to learn that he can't solve every problem with fistfights.
This was such an inspiring story about a team of misfits that managed to pull off a very impressive stunt through hard work and a little bit of luck. While the ending was bit bittersweet, the overall storyline was really encouraging. Plus there was so much in this book that probably resulted in it being banned so A+ Chris Crutcher.
TJ Jones is not convinced that Cutter high school needs a swim team. But after witnessing one of the school bullies harass his friend over a letter jacket, he's determined to pull together the least likeliest team ever and have them win big. TJ sets out for his team to get letter jackets even though they don't have a pool, and only one of them can actually swim. But the Cutter All Night Mermen have spades of determination that will help propel them.
I loved this group of misfits! TJ was such an interesting character, besides his anger issues he had a very great take on how things should be. He stood up for those who needed protecting and was determined to not let the bullies of the world get him down. I was glad that he did slowly come to learn that he can't solve every problem with fistfights.
This was such an inspiring story about a team of misfits that managed to pull off a very impressive stunt through hard work and a little bit of luck. While the ending was bit bittersweet, the overall storyline was really encouraging. Plus there was so much in this book that probably resulted in it being banned so A+ Chris Crutcher.
Ostensibly about a kid challenging the ruling power of sports at his high school, this story also shows the power of being a part of something. This was a beautiful and difficult read. Difficult because the author shows you all the ways that people are cruel and abusive to other people. Beautiful because most of the characters learn and grow. Crutcher is also very good at writing smart (and smart-ass) teenagers that are entertaining and funny. But seriously, have some tissues handy as you're reading this heart-wrenching and yet hopeful book.
Chris Crutcher is becoming one of my favorite authors. His stories will hit close to home for almost everyone. Whale Talk would be good for any student, therapist, caring person, or parent. The main character stands up for what he believes in which is helping people. I think its a must read for anyone and everyone! Again just like his other books I am going to buy this one for my classroom. Thank you Chris Crutcher for becoming an author.