Whale Talk Summary and Reviews

Whale Talk
by Chris Crutcher

Whale Talk
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Book Summary Information

Author: Chris Crutcher
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-12-10
ISBN: 0440229383
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: Laurel Leaf

Book Reviews of Whale Talk

Book Review: "Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher
Summary: 5 Stars

T.J. Jones' English teacher, Mr. Simet, challenges him to put together Cutter High's first-ever swimming team. The anti-establishment T.J. answers that challenge by forging a team in his image: a collection of loners and misfits. This attempt to sully the precious letter jacket has the football establishment that rules Cutter up in arms. T.J.'s role as the leader of this team makes him a target for a lot of pent up hostility not only within the school but also in the surrounding community.
Chris Crutcher weaves together a brilliant story about challenging the status quo and finding the common humanity that unites those who believe themselves alone in the world. The team T.J. puts together is symbolized perfectly by Icko, the accidental coach who lives at the gym and works shifts at two different fast food restaurants. Each of the other boys reveals himself and some way, and Crutcher demonstrates beautifully the depth of feeling within those who are most commonly overlooked.
The themes of racism and domestic violence may be disturbing to many readers, and rightly so. But they serve a purpose in the book; they remind us that those who are idolized and seen heroes do not always deserve such adulation. And those who truly strive to do good deeds are sometimes pushed by guilt over past failings. By presenting a book with such dynamic characters and heart wrenching storylines, Chris Crutcher gives us a book that forces us to think about what it means to be human.

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