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Liked It “I loved this collection of short stories. We all have met people like the characters in crutcher's stories, but I am always fascinated if someone manages to describe them as vividly as Crutcher does. And all of us remember those growing pains as well.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“B.K.
Schwane's Frosh wrote this review Wednesday, October 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This book has six different short stories in which a teenage boy either has family troubles friend troubles or troubles with themselves but no matter which one they feel like an outsider but in the end they find a way and the confidence to over come it. This was not my favorite book but it was okay. It was only okay because the stories were short and hard to follow also none over the stories went together.I liked that it had an interesting plot in each story. A person who may like this book is someone that wants a short easy read about sports. This book was probably banned because it talks about how being gay is wrong or gross and how it is wrong to be obeast, talks about suicide, and because it talkes about under age sex.
K.M.
This book has 6 short stories. They were about six teenagers who run into troubles in their life. whether it's involving sports, homesexuals, sex, and talking about suicide. Im still reading this book, but so far I enjoy this book. The stories are short and simple. This book is kind of confusing though, because the stories are so short. This book is banned probally because of the homosexuality, sex, and talks about suicide.”“I loved this collection of short stories. We all have met people like the characters in crutcher's stories, but I am always fascinated if someone manages to describe them as vividly as Crutcher does. And all of us remember those growing pains as well.”
Ate H wrote this review Saturday, October 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a book for people that like stories revolving around societal issues. While many know that Chris Crutcher writes books with sports connections, more often his books boil down to human issues that many of us face today. This book touches on obesity, bullying, discrimination, and more - as well as connecting to sports. Since the book is a bit older, some diction is not quite PC, but it makes readers think.”
Mr. Argentar wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Not just a book for athletes and not just for boys. Crutcher has a wonderful writing style and incorporates life lessons.”
Nicki S wrote this review Thursday, September 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very believable characters in six short stories. I enjoyed how the characters grew as individuals and were so honest with themselves. Many topics were covered and covered with an honesty that was poignant and painful.”
Juli Z wrote this review Tuesday, September 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Highly recommended for any teenager, especially males. This book of short stories deals with a lot of issues faced by teens today. Features the story of Angus Bethune I know there is also a movie about.”
Jenahlee V wrote this review Tuesday, September 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“YA book, deals with contemporary issues: obesity, AIDS, death, drugs... written in short story format. I was surprised that I liked it, given the subject content.”
Mrs. Reynolds wrote this review Thursday, August 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ Reviewed by Mechele R. Dillard for TeensReadToo.com
TeensReadToo.com wrote this review Saturday, July 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In ATHLETIC SHORTS, Chris Crutcher presents original short stories involving characters from his previous novels. In the book's forward, Crutcher explains, "In my travels around the country and in letters from readers, I am constantly asked what happens to certain characters in my books. So once in a while I check in" (pp. ix-x).
Each of these short stories involves a central character from a previous novel, but, while Crutcher may have intended a particular story to be a prequel or an afterward, the stories remain independent. So a person who has not read RUNNING LOOSE will still be able to understand the storyline behind IN THE TIME I GET, in which Louie Banks looks into the eyes of a friend dying of AIDS and realizes the value of time. Additionally, after getting a taste of Crutcher's novels through his short stories, readers may well be inspired to go out and acquire the novels themselves.
Athletics are the uniting theme throughout these stories, but they also give Crutcher a medium to introduce physical, mental, and emotional challenges for his characters. Sports allow a safe setting for conflict and failure, while also providing a site for characters to achieve and excel.
Thumbs Up! Award Winner, 1992 ”
“Fantastic compilation of short stories suitable for any reader - athletic interest or not - young adults will find themselves in at least one of the six stories!”
Beth J wrote this review Thursday, June 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
