Ironman by Chris Crutcher
Sometimes I listen to books on a CD or download e-books from the Oshkosh Public Library onto my I-pod. As I listened to Ironman by Chris Crutcher, I made a text-to-text connection between Nick in Breathing Underwater and Bo in Ironman. Both young men are enrolled in anger management groups, both have difficulties with their dads, and both have girlfriends. But Bo chooses to use his energies and press his body to the limit to train as an Ironman triathlete. The Ironman Triathlon requires the athlete to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles without a break. The major training that Bo undertakes, plus his frustration with his dad, lead him to outbursts toward his teachers landing him in the anger management group of school "truants." But these truants help Bo in ways he never suspected.
I really like Chris Crutcher's insight into teens and the conflicts they face, plus the humor he adds to lighten the story line. He has actually been an educator and a child and family therapist. He uses his experiences with his clients to create his characters. This is a good read for boys and girls interested in athletics and relationships. Find out if Bo can really be an Ironman.
Chris Crutcher's Home Page per.
to all his problems. Caitlin is everything Nick has ever wanted - beautiful, talented, and in love with him. But then it all changes. And Nick must face the fact that he's gotten more from his father than green eyes and money.
In a harrowing journey of self-discovery, Nick learns the truth about himself - and that the phrase "like father, like son" can carry terrifying possibilities.
In a harrowing journey of self-discovery, Nick learns the truth about himself - and that the phrase "like father, like son" can carry terrifying possibilities.
Lookthe sequel to Breathing Underwate