Ironman

Chris Crutcher

Sep 2009 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

Bo Brewster has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. Following angry outbursts at his football coach and English teacher that have cost him his spot on the football team and moved him dangerously close to expulsion from school, he turns to the only adult he believes will listen: Larry King.

In his letters to Larry, Bo describes his quest for excellence on his own terms. No more coaches for me, he tells the talk show icon, no more dads. I'm going to be a triathlete, an Ironman.

Relegated to Mr. Nak's before-school Anger Management group (which he initially believes to be populated with future serial killers and freeway snipers), Bo meets a hard-edged, down-on-their-luck pack of survivors with stainless steel shields against the world that Bo comes to see are not so different from his own. It is here he meets and falls in love with Shelly, a future American Gladiator, whose passion for physical challenge more than matches his.

Ironman is a funny, sometimes heartbreaking story about growing up in the heart of struggle. It is about standing up, getting knocked down, and standing up again. It is about being heard--and learning to listen.

Ratings and reviews

An intresting story of tough decisions and family wars that ensue between father and son. Another good example of how athletics are used as a medium to releasing stress.

In order to understand this novel, you have to comprehend Chris Crutcher's writing style. Ironman by Chris Crutcher kept me interested, fascinated and compelled to the situations in the book. Bo, a physically fit yet skinny high school senior, starts off as a troubled teen living a basis life of solitare besides his training for a local marathon. The books shows where and how Bo started and how he ended through but a small portion of his life. How would you feel if you didn't constantly have some type of companion to help you pass through a stage of life? Ironman By Chris Crutcher is a book filled with emotions and controversies. Oluwaseun-Chatterbooks

Loved this story. Bo reminds me of my rebellious side and athletic side.

About the author

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.