Ironman - Softcover

Crutcher, Chris

3.94

2,778 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 044021971X ISBN 13: 9780440219712

Publisher: Laurel Leaf, 1996

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Bo Brewster has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. Following angry outbursts at school that cost Bo his spot on the football team and move him dangerously close to expulsion, Bo is sent to Mr. Nak's Anger Management Group (which he initially believes to be populated with future serial killers and freeway snipers).
There he meets a hard-edged pack of survivors whose own defenses are rigged as high as his. It is here he meets and falls in love with Shelly, a future American Gladiator, whose passion for physical challenge more than matches his.
"Crutcher again demonstrates his genius for tackling big issues and thought-provoking philosophies in an accessible and entertaining way."--The Horn Book, Starred Review
"Crutcher has consistently penned exceptional reads for young adults, and Ironman is one of his strongest works yet."--School Library Journal

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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.

An Excerpt from Ironman
        October 10

        Dear Larry,

        At 4:30 each morning I awaken to your voice. I lie transfixed until five--when
        I haul my aching body out of the sack for another in a series of infinite
        workouts--listening to the wise men and loons of yesterday's airways deliver
        opinions on everything from the hole in the ozone layer (it covers an
        area larger than the United States) to antidepressants (Dick Cavett and
        Patty Duke swear by them; Scientologists swear at them) to racism (you
        smell out racial prejudice like my father smells out Democrats) to the
        most effective methods to forever rid oneself of fat globules and cellulite
        (there aren't any)...

        I am aware from your numerous comments that you have not long been such
        a prudent caretaker of your physical self (your heart attack set you in
        the right direction) and may not know that a triathlete (AKA Ironman)
        is a swimming, bicycling, running lunatic, willing and able to cover great
        distances at high speeds while enduring extreme physical pain. That's
        me, Lar, and you shall be privy to the circumstances surrounding my voyage
        beyond human physical limits in my crusade to finish Yukon Jack's E. W.
        Invitational Scabland extravaganza alive, and well ahead of all competitors
        under voting age.

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