Whale Talk, Chris Crutcher
Whale Talk, Chris Crutcher
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Whale Talk

Author: Chris Crutcher

Narrator: Brian Corrigan

Unabridged: 6 hr 32 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/26/2002

Synopsis

There’s bad news and good news about the Cutter High School swim team. The bad news is that they don’t have a pool. The good news is that only one of them can swim anyway. A group of misfits brought together by T. J. Jones (the J is redundant), the Cutter All Night Mermen struggle to find their places in a school that has no place for them. T.J. is convinced that a varsity letter jacket–exclusive, revered, the symbol (as far as T.J. is concerned) of all that is screwed up at Cutter High–will also be an effective tool. He’s right. He’s also wrong. Still, it’s always the quest that counts. And the bus on which the Mermen travel to swim meets soon becomes the space where they gradually allow themselves to talk, to fit, to grow. Together they’ll fight for dignity in a world where tragedy and comedy dance side by side, where a moment’s inattention can bring lifelong heartache, and where true acceptance is the only prescription for what ails us.

About The Author

Chris Crutcher is the critically acclaimed author of six young adult novels and a collection of short stories, all of which were selected as ALA Best Books for Young Adults. 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. Chris Crutcher lives in Spokane, Washington.

Reviews

Goodreads review by karen on May 24, 2020

this is the last of the "banned books" lot. i liked it more than i thought i would, and i think i liked it more than this three-star indicates, but i am somehow unable to give it a four. because this star-rating system is just too scientific and important, right? i almost didn't read this one. i read......more

Goodreads review by Robin Seeker on February 20, 2015

Interesting story, but way too much happening in it. There is more than one book included in this one book. While it intrigued me and kept me reading, I felt like the author was tackling too much within the pages of this one book. I couldn't decide what the major theme was because there were so many......more

Goodreads review by Gwennie on September 24, 2015

Wonderful! 4.5 stars! Maybe it's the person inside me who hates athletics, but loves inspiring athletic movies? I mean, who doesn't get weepy when watching Remember the Titans, or who isn't a shameless Varsity Blues fan! Rudy? Radio? MIGHTY DUCKS! Bad News Bears... I could go on and on, I love them s......more

Goodreads review by Cynthia on April 25, 2021

W O N D R O U S Whale Talk is too expansive, profound and boundless for its 220 pages. And it works. Superbly written, Chris Crutcher has a lot on his mind and in his heart. This book is several books rolled into one. Whale Talk hits hard on many intense human issues and lessons. The story's nucleus......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on May 24, 2012

While this book includes great issues that no doubt need to be addressed in young adult literature, I felt it lacked something more important: a believable and relatable main character. We felt that TJ was painted as an aloof but successful and sometimes over-zealous youth but came off more like a p......more

Quotes

“Crutcher’s gripping tale of small-town prejudice delivers a frank, powerful message about social issues and ills.”
-- Publishers Weekly, Starred

Awards

  • Kentucky Bluegrass Master List
  • Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award
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