Deadline by Chris Crutcher tells the story of Ben Wolf, an eighteen-year-old high school senior who lives in an extremely small town in Idaho where everyone has known him from birth. When Ben goes for his sports physical, his doctor informs him that he has a rare blood disease and has less than a year left to live. He decides not to tell anybody, and to forgo his treatment. Ben is determined to make to his senior year of high school, the best year of his life. Trying out for the football team, going for the amazingly perfect girl, and giving his close-minded civics teacher a daily migraine are just a few things he's going to accomplish on the way. Deadline is a great novel about life, death, and the truth that lies in between. The voice of Ben is very strong: smart, sarcastic, and always searching for truth. The story itself is just great as well. Ben's journey is that of every teen about belonging, asking big questions, and finding the answers are never clear even if you have coaches, brothers, friends, or lovers. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone. It's honest, funny, smart, and very thought provoking. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you have finished the book; at least, it has with me.
Reviewed by Talia K., grade 11
Central Library
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