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    Deadline
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    Deadline
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    Deadline
    Ebook246 pages4 hours

    Deadline

    By Chris Crutcher

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Ben Wolf has big things planned for his senior year. Had big things planned. Now what he has is some very bad news and only one year left to make his mark on the world.

    How can a pint-sized, smart-ass seventeen-year-old do anything significant in the nowheresville of Trout, Idaho?

    First, Ben makes sure that no one else knows what is going on—not his superstar quarterback brother, Cody, not his parents, not his coach, no one. Next, he decides to become the best 127-pound football player Trout High has ever seen; to give his close-minded civics teacher a daily migraine; and to help the local drunk clean up his act.

    And then there's Dallas Suzuki. Amazingly perfect, fascinating Dallas Suzuki, who may or may not give Ben the time of day. Really, she's first on the list.

    Living with a secret isn't easy, though, and Ben's resolve begins to crumble . . . especially when he realizes that he isn't the only person in Trout with secrets.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateApr 21, 2009
    ISBN9780061908316
    Unavailable
    Deadline
    Author

    Chris Crutcher

    Chris Crutcher has written nine critically acclaimed novels, an autobiography, and two collections of short stories. Drawing on his experience as a family therapist and child protection specialist, Crutcher writes honestly about real issues facing teenagers today: making it through school, competing in sports, handling rejection and failure, and dealing with parents. He has won three lifetime achievement awards for the body of his work: the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the ALAN Award, and the NCTE National Intellectual Freedom Award. Chris Crutcher lives in Spokane, Washington.

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    Reviews for Deadline

    4/5

    429 ratings60 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This book has been by far one of my favorite books about sports. Crutcher tells a story about a senior in high school who is told he has a life threatening condition, so he makes a decision to play a sport he is seemingly unsuited for, football. The story of Ben Wolf can teach everybody something about doing something you love, despite the limitations others put on it, a theme that Crutcher carries through more than just this novel. In addition, the actions of Wolf throughout the novel clearly show a brave teenage boy, with a heart of gold and the courage of a lion.
    • 5/5
      Great book. Loved it!
    • 5/5
      Spent 97% of the time laughing and almost crying and laughing, and finally crying. Loved this book.
    • 3/5
      High school senior Ben Wolf is diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia and chooses to keep the news to himself and live his remaining time as "normal" as possible.Deadline is not necessarily a sad, sappy novel. I believe its intent is to have some deep meaning or profound affect upon your thoughts of living your last days, but it did not reach that level for me. I liked Ben, the surrounding cast of characters and the writing - a lot, so I would like to read another Crutcher book, but this story line just didn't do anything for me. I'm clearly in the minority though - it's highly rated on Amazon. (2.75/5)Originally posted on: Thoughts of Joy
    • 3/5
      This was an interesting book about Ben Wolf, an eighteen year-old boy who only has 12 months to live. When Ben finds out about his terminal illness he decides to keep the truth from everyone, refuse treatment and live life to the fullest on his terms. However, the truth is hard to hide. Ben is a worthy narrator, although I found his dreams irritating and contrived, but while I like Ben, my favourite character is his younger, taller brother, Cody. This book raises some heavy issues including death, mental illness, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, family dynamics, suicide, racism, freedom of speech and homelessness - far too many for a book with only 316 pages.
    • 5/5
      This book has been by far one of my favorite books about sports. Crutcher tells a story about a senior in high school who is told he has a life threatening condition, so he makes a decision to play a sport he is seemingly unsuited for, football. The story of Ben Wolf can teach everybody something about doing something you love, despite the limitations others put on it, a theme that Crutcher carries through more than just this novel. In addition, the actions of Wolf throughout the novel clearly show a brave teenage boy, with a heart of gold and the courage of a lion.
    • 4/5
      At first I didn't like this book. The language was typical Crutcher, breezy, a little too smart alecky, and teenagey. Used "way" way too much. The premise was a little too hard to believe also. But as I got into it, I loved it and couldn't put it down. It was sooo sad.
    • 5/5
      A moving and funny tale of a teenage boy who wants to live before he dies. Have tissue handy for the last third of the book.
    • 5/5
      Ben is looking forward to his senior year of high school when he is diagnosed with a lethal form of cancer. Since he is 18, he convinces his doctors not to tell his parents so he can live his last year as he chooses. Ben, who has always been a cross country guy, decides to play football; talk to the girl of his dreams; and harass his social studies teacher. Palmyra high school students would recognize this harassment as something Mr. Smyser would do in student form.

      This book is for students who want the courage to try new things. Ben is an inspiration in spite of his circumstances.
    • 5/5
      I really appreciate an author who keeps getting better, whose books gain depth and clarity with time. I enjoyed Chris Crutcher's books 12 years ago when I was in high school, and I found this book insightful and moving. I wouldn't have thought that an author could pack a handful of serious social issues, heavy interpersonal and existential drama, a love story, and a football story all into one book and leave room for humor, character development, recommendations for further reading, and charmingly eccentric theology. But man, Chris Crutcher manages it.

      I also loved the further look at the now grown-up hero of Running Loose, which I have to admit was never my favorite Crutcher book.

      I wholeheartedly recommend this book. To anyone. (erm. Anyone over the age of 13 -- the abovementioned serious social issues, in typical Crutcher style, pack quite a wallop.)
    • 4/5
      I read this book after my son chose it to read for a school project. The book follows the senior year of Ben Wolf. Ben learns at a routing sports physical that he has a blood disease that will give him just 1 year to live. Ben chooses to tell nobody about this and live as normal a senior year as possible. It's interesting to see the choices Ben makes and how he made his life different knowing he had just 1 year to live.
    • 5/5
      tearjerker, but good.
    • 5/5
      This is one of those books that the summary can scare readers off. Even though this story has a sad premise, it is full of good humor, some fun, and an especially poignant journey to a teen boy’s enlightenment. Parts of the book can get a little bogged down in the details of sports such as football, but that, in fact, may be what draws many readers in (I’m guessing teen males). The main character, Ben, discovers untouched strength, honesty, and his abilities to accept imperfections in others. All with easy, approachable language and a heavy dose of wit, Deadline is a journey not to be missed! However, I must state that some readers (particularly readers on the younger end of the YA range) may need to know that subjects such as incest, child molestation, sex, and child abuse are discussed openly and honestly in this story.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      Right before his senior year, Ben gets the news that his senior year might be the last year of his life - he has cancer. Instead of getting treatment, Ben decides to live his life to its fullest. This also means not being treated differently - which means he can't tell anyone, not his friends, not his family. As the year begins, Ben takes risks he wouldn't normally take and people start to notice the difference...eventually he will have to tell, but when?This one is a thinker...and not for those who don't want to contemplate their own existence or think they are invincible.This is the first book of his I've read and I was surprised that while sports were a big part of the story, even if you don't like sports there is plenty of story line.
    • 4/5
      I don't know why I thought that Deadline would be humorous considering it is a story about death. It isn't. Most of it was great, awesome, it just had one tiny little flaw.First let me praise this book. I seriously really love this book. Deadline is about the journey of Ben Wolf's last year alive. He has leukemia, a aggressive form, that is going to kill him with or without treatment. All it would do is maybe prolong his life a little. The Fault in Our Stars is still very much in my thoughts, I read it last month so I was a little worry that the topic was too similar for me to give Deadline a real fair read. Would I compare it too much, I wondered? It's different and the same. Ben's approach is to live his life to the fullest and try to experience as much as he can. He becomes brave where he was afraid, he becomes confident where he was unsure. I love the character of Ben, so much. I understood his reasoning behind his actions, though I didn't agree and as he is talking to Hey-Soos in his dreams he is growing spiritually, as well as seeing things so much more clearly (some great moments). Ben is opening his eyes to the way of the world, and we are right along for the ride. We love when he triumphs, we cheer him on when he asking his crush out. He's a protagonist I dare you not to like. Deadline is a much more serious book than I imagined I was getting when I bought it. It was depressing yet had it's moments when your smile couldn't get any bigger. I think Chris Crutcher has a way of bringing so many different angles to story. I am a now a fan.My only problem with Deadline is a secret that comes to light. It seems that though Ben is keeping a huge secret to himself, two people in his life decide to reveal theirs to him. One of those secrets I don't know what purpose it had in Deadline. I wonder why Mr. Crutcher put it in there? Am I missing something? There seem to be no reason for it, it didn't change the story, it didn't do anything storywise, so why put it in. If you have read Deadline and can give me a understanding of it's purpose that would be great. Oh, and it's secret number one told to him that I don't understand. Despite the one small thing I didn't understand, I absolutely love Deadline. I thought it was a thought provoking novel with an awesome main character. Yes, I cried. I love Ben Wolf.
    • 4/5
      When Ben's routine sports physical turns up a rare, terminal blood disease, he makes a decision not to undergo treatment. He wants to live out the rest of his numbered days with as much normality as possible, so he also decides not to tell anyone. Suddenly, Ben's challenged to live the rest of his life in the one year he has left. So he goes out for football, he makes a move on his megacrush Dallas Suzuki, and he uses a Current Events class project to try and leave a lasting impression on the tiny Idaho town that's been his only home. It turns out life is much different when you're living on a deadline. This is a story with a lot of meat. It almost verges off into crazytown, but Crutcher is a master writer who manages to address a number of issues without overwhelming the reader. Ben is a smart narrator, supplementing his school reading with a number of important books. I'd recommend this for your college-bound teens (if they're not too sensitive to Issues... nothing graphic, but there's definitely mature content here). The character of Ben really reminded me of John Green's writing, so I'd recommend this to his numerous fans, as well. Crutcher sprinkles the serious subject matter with humorous moments and this is definitely a book that will make for interesting discussions.
    • 3/5
      Ben wolf finds out he has terminal cancer his senior year of high school.He wants a normal senior year so he tells no one and ends up with an epic senior year. What would you do if you knew you had a year to live with so much left of your life??????????YA: mild language, sexual abuse discussed (not graphic), he loses is virginity (not graphic)Crutcher is one of my favorite YA authors simply because his plot twists always take me by surprise. I was hesitant to read this book because after all, you know Ben is going to die and I prefer more uplifting books. I read it anyway and I was glad I did. The idea of not telling anyone you are going to die and taking all the risks you might otherwise not take during your senior year of high school was so engaging to read. He gets to do things he never would have dreamed of doing. Of course, you know that there will be a price to pay in the end and there is. Even though I thought the book was inspirational, I did cry at the ending. Something I rarely find myself doing. So yes, it is a tear jerker but it is worth the read.
    • 5/5
      this book was great. It was a bit slow in the beginning, at least to me. It was not what I expected. The author managed to present Ben with a comedic and heartwarming way. Ben is a fighter, even to the end. You will probably learn a bit from him too. I know I did. He was inspiring and definitely a character I won't forget. There are quite a few football references, but don't let that stop you. overall, I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind tearing up a bit, someone who want's a hint of inspiration. READ IT! :)
    • 4/5
      Crutcher brings the world of Ben Wolf alive in this emotionally stirring read. Ben's struggles with telling the truth are universal truths many of us don't recognize until it is too late. Once Ben finally speaks the truth to those he loves the most, he finds the ultimate freedom he has been looking for, and since I have stared truth in the face in my recent experiences, I completely identified with Ben and Cody. Be sure you bring a few tissues because your own emotions about truth will fall as soft tears...in a good way. :O)
    • 5/5
      This book was great. The writing is sharp. While the story could be a depressing march to the end of Ben's life instead it's full of humor and probing questions as the main character stuggles to decide the best way to handle his situation. The author writes in a manner that treats his target audience with respect, recognizing that difficult, sometimes awful, things happen to people of all ages, giving them a well written story that presented in a manner that is not condescending or candy coated.
    • 5/5
      Excellent read. Ben was such a witty character, and faced his situation with bravery. I was a bit disappointed that his mother didn't have more interaction with him in the end, but at least Dallas managed to say goodbye. Grab some tissues and enjoy this one!
    • 5/5
      The 18 year old Ben Wolf is diagnosed with an incurable rare blood disease and has only one year to live. He decides to keep his secret from everybody even his family and friends. He tries to fulfill some of his wishes. He joins the football team of his school and gets one of the best in the team. He gets friend with the girl, Dalas Suzuki, who is in love with. After Dalas reveals her secret, he realizes that keeping his secret from those who love him is unfair and reveals his secret. His friends and family have different reaction to keeping the secret; especially his girlfriend gets mad at him. So he realizes that revealing the truth sometimes does not make things easier. The book is very well written and the story is well-paced. The characters are interesting and dynamic. This book seems appealing for high school boys. The hidden message of the story is live your life as if you are going to live forever and try to fulfill all your dreams.Awards: ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Young Readers Choice Awards 2010 nominee for senior devision.
    • 4/5
      This book is really funny and has a lot of humor in it.
    • 4/5
      The premise is almost too unbelievable, yet Mr. Crutcher manages to make it plausible enough. Ben is an engaging character - despite language and philosophies that rubbed me the wrong way, I liked Ben and admired the way he took risks and went searching for truth. In the end, the story turned a little preachy - trying to wrap up the mystery of death in some way - but overall an enjoyable story.
    • 5/5
      High school senior Ben Wolf is smart, short, and dying. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Ben decides to forgo treatment, keep his illness a secret from everyone (he's 18, so his doctor doesn't have to tell his parents), go out for the football team, date the girl of his dreams, and try to make some sense of the world before he leaves it. Ben narrates the book with the voice of an intelligent teenager, at times cocky and confidant, but also often uncertain and confused, about his illness, his family, and the world around him. He looks for meaning by talking to adults he trusts, arguing with ones he doesn't, and reading a number of books (The Autobiography of Malcolm X plays a key role in the novel). Ben's illness is not the only somber element of the story, his mother is completely debilitated from bipolar disorder, his girlfriend was sexually abused by her uncle, he meets a former priest with a terrible secret, and one of his teammates is physically abused by his father. However, Ben's teenage snarkiness and upbeat narration and world view keep the novel from being dragged down by all the suffering. Additionally, sports are central to the story, there are many exciting and suspenseful narrations of Ben's football games and also the girls' volleyball games. Deadline is intelligent, entertaining and deeply emotional, without being too corny or off-putting to teens. Adult situations and language make this book most appropriate for older teenagers.
    • 5/5
      Beautifully written novel about a boy with only one year left to live and the choices he makes. Crutcher tells the story without being maudlin, but if you're like me, you'll bawl like a baby by the inevitable end.
    • 5/5
      After being diagnosed with an aggressive terminal illness, 18-year-old Ben Wolf decides not have treatment and keeps his illness secret from his family and friends. Ben wants his last year of life, his senior year of high school in a small town outside of Boise, Idaho, to be “normal.”As Ben is truly living in the here and now and doesn’t fear consequences anymore, he sets out to live as much as he can in the time left him. He pursues (and gets) the girl he’s had a secret crush on, he joins the football team, he challenges his bigoted and ultra-conservative U.S. Government teacher, tries to get his brother Cody, ready for life without him, and seeks the meaning of life through a series of conversations with a spiritual being named Hey-Soos and another with an ex-priest alcoholic pedophile.As Ben’s illness begins to present itself and he starts feeling its effects, he begins to realize that keeping his imminent passing from those he loves and who love him is unfair. When he does reveal his secret, some are broken, some understand, some leave him (and come back), and some stick it out. Ultimately Ben realizes that while the truth does not make things easier, it does make things clearer and the pursuit of truth is a noble one.Chris Crutcher is not afraid to look into the abyss. In Deadline, he examines a wide range of topics and brings them together illustrating a cosmic link between all things. The book is very well constructed, it is intelligent and thoughtful while pondering controversial philosophical and social ideas. Within the story are several spirited debates between the protagonist and a variety of foils (a Jesus-like being, a conservative high school teacher, a wise coach, a broken ex-priest). These settings allow for the exploration of ideas from several points of view and promote critical thinking. In addition, the story is well-paced, the characters are full and interesting, and the writing is clear, honest, and authentic.
    • 5/5
      Ben chooses to live every day to the fullest instead of dwelling on his upcoming death. It was slightly hard to believe a young 18 year old wouldn't need to tell someone and would be mature enough to make all the medical decisions he did, but that is a minor criticism. This book is written for teens with a moral to appreciate your life and make the most of it. Recognize what is important and act as you would want to be remembered. I recommend it for all teens but adults will find it forced and overly dramatic.
    • 4/5
      At a routine annual sports physical, Ben Wolf learns before his senior year of high school that he has just one year to live. Wanting a "normal" year, he makes the extraordinary decision to NOT tell his parents, his brother Cody, his friends or coach. Although his doctor disagrees with this choice, he respects Ben's decision and stays quiet. Ben determines THIS will be the year he goes out for football, the year he gets the girl of his dreams, and the year he drives his history teacher crazy. As Cody's year progresses, his friends confide in him, sharing their own shameful secrets, and he ends up feeling like a terrible friend keeping his from them. To cope, Ben has conversations in his dreams with alter-ego/god figure Hey-Soos who guides him toward a fitting conclusion.The exciting football scenes and the conversations between brothers make this an excellent choice for guys who love sports, though anyone who picks it up will root for Ben.
    • 4/5
      At the beginning of his senior year in high school, Ben Wolff learns that he has a blood disease and he only has about one year to live. Deciding not to receive treatment or tell any family or friends, Ben sets out to have his last "normal" year.Crutcher does his usual fine job of writing in the voice of of a teenage boy in crisis. I expected to be very depressed and sad given the subject matter of this story, but it was heart-warming in a way. Highly recommended.