Deadline
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Modern Classic FictionTrout, Idaho • Contemporary
•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Perseverance•
Grief & Death2007
Greenwillow Books
YA
14-18 years
820L
Super Short Summary
In Chris Crutcher’s Deadline, Ben Wolf, a high school senior in Trout, Idaho, receives a terminal diagnosis and decides to live his year to the fullest without informing his family or seeking treatment. He explores his passions, excels unexpectedly in football, forms deep relationships, and confronts significant personal and philosophical questions before ultimately sharing his truth with loved ones.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Challenging
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
13,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Deadline by Chris Crutcher has garnered mixed reviews. Positive insights highlight its emotional depth, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. Negative comments mention a somewhat predictable plot and occasional heavy-handedness in its messaging. Overall, the novel is praised for tackling serious issues with sensitivity and authenticity, making it a compelling teen read.
Who Should Read Deadline?
Readers who would enjoy Chris Crutcher's Deadline are typically young adults who appreciate emotionally charged, thought-provoking narratives about life's challenges. Fans of works like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why will find similar themes of life, death, and personal growth compelling in Deadline.
13,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ben's younger brother and best friend, who shares a strong, supportive relationship with Ben, providing him with a sense of stability amidst their challenging home life.
One of Ben's classmates and longtime crush, she is a talented and self-possessed individual who becomes a significant part of Ben’s life as he begins to open up about his experiences.
A local garage worker and town outcast who forms an unexpected friendship with Ben, providing new perspectives on life through their conversations.
Ben's football coach and mentor, who offers consistent support and guidance throughout Ben's senior year, acting as a father figure in Ben’s life.
336
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Modern Classic FictionTrout, Idaho • Contemporary
•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Perseverance•
Grief & Death2007
Greenwillow Books
YA
14-18 years
820L
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