Chris Crutcher Forum

Chris Crutcher

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Chris Crutcher is one of the best authors I've ever read, and I've read hundreds. There is just something about the way Crutcher tells a story that feels honest -- even when it's fiction. It's as if he understands what it's like to grow up tough -- or to know someone who grew up that way. All of his books are great. I hope he keeps writing for a long, long time.

>>By Vanessa (Monday, 21 Apr 2003 09:58)

Chris Crutcher is an icon in Young Adult literature. Many people say that Robert Cormier was the best. Cormier started something, but Crutcher surpassed Cormier and all the so-called pioneers to become the King of Young Adult literature.

Chris's gift is that he knows how to tell a story that is contemporary enough for teens, and compelling enough for adults to enjoy too. Chris's autobiography is better than most Young Adult fiction authors' books. Chris is a natural storyteller.

Chris understands human beings and their nature. Crutcher has the uncanny ability to understand the reasons people do what they do, and he explains it so very eloquently and honestly through his characters--That is where Crutcher's magic lies, in his basic understanding of humans and bringing those human characters to life on the page.

In Young Adult books there is King Crutcher. . .
and everybody else.

>>By Tate Thompson (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 03:38)

Chris Crutcher is awesome!!!! I love his books, and I've read every one of them. I am starting King of the Mild Frontier. It is pretty hilarious so far. All his books are a wonderful read. I got a chance to meet Crutch, and he's an amazing person, so down to earth. No wonder his stories are amazing as well. I hope he writes forever. I'll never get tired or bored of reading anything he writes.

>>By Meriam (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 04:56)

Some people have decided that because Chris Crutcher writes about "coming-of-age," his stories are "just for kids." And teens love his work, that much is true. But when Crutcher speaks, when people line up to buy his books and wait for his signature, the overwhelming majority in line are adults. That's because Chris Crutcher's novels transcend artificial barriers of age and marketing niches. They are stories of personal discovery and triumph for readers of all mature ages. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading a Chris Crutcher novel, give yourself a gift and buy KING OF THE MILD FRONTIER or WHALE TALK or STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES or any of Crutcher's books right away. You'll immediately discover that Crutcher is not JUST a "YA novelist." He's a superior storyteller for readers of heart -- regardless of their double digit ages. His wisdom applies to teens -- and anyone who's ever been a teen, and survived.

Check out his website too, at www.chriscrutcher.com.

>>By Kelly (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 07:16)

I go with Tate Thompson's note on Crutcher here, and I'd like to add something, too. I wouldn't trade one of Crutcher's books for the entire life's work of a lot of so-called "literary" writers. Literary means a lot of things, of course, and not all of them negative, not all of them aspects of pretense, for example. But basically, what "literary" means in the United States today is "cynical", and basically, literary writers are writers who give the world cynicism and want us to think they're giving wisdom. Crutcher gives the world real wisdom. He writes and acts out of a wise and a good soul. And like another beloved writer, Stephen King, there's not a gram of pretense in him.

>>By Terry Davis (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 16:46)

When I first read one of Chris Crutchers books I forget which one it was, but I though to myself that his guy is making up this stuff that is t'ill my english teacher was talking about the books and said that they were basikly his life and the people that he councelers. Then I thought to myself man this guy had a rough life and that he can really write a good book.

>>By Lewis Hudgings (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 16:49)

The first book I read from Chris Crutcher was Chinese Handcuffs. At first I didn't see how the title would fit the book because it wasn't about chinese people and it wasn't about handcuffs. I finally realized that it was a message; that sometimes instead of stuggling with your issues you just have to let go and relaxe. It really helped me see from a different point a view. I really appreciate him opening my eyes to see different way of life. Thank you.

>>By Krista Donovan (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 17:25)

i would say that im one of ur fans. i justwanted to say that when u write ur books its very toutchin. like "chiness hand cuffs", that was very good. it was a bit nasty but thats how life is right and u cant get away from it.
i think that it was touching in the end when Jennifer finaly got the courage to tell and to do something about her supposed to have been second dad. and ofcoures not without Dillons help. with out his help it would have been still happening.

>>By Melody Domingo (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 17:56)

Chris Cruthcher is an author that as a young man i can relate to. He puts is story into a perspective that all writers should a perspective that me the reader can feel the emotions and feel the intensity with every little word. his stories never cease to amaze me, he's like the eminem of writing. He tells his shit from the heart and thats has true as it can get. Also his stories deal with real life situations and consequences even when there fiction. chris has brought reading into my life in such a way I never thought possible, he made me see the side of reading that I was missing, the sense of reality. Chris Crutcher is a pioneer of writing and he has created a way for many writers just like him

By:Ramone lowe

>>By Ramone Lowe (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 18:23)

I think Chris Crutcher is one of the best authors if the greatest. Chris Crutcher is the reason I read because I like they way he writes. If I was able to write like him I would be come a writer my self. I never really like reading until my teacher Mr. Thompson gave me a book writing by Mr. Crutcher. I read all of his books and I am now reading the King of the Mild Frontier. I tell all my friends that they should read or go buy a book writing by Chris Crutcher.

>>By Brad McCormick (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 18:35)

I like Chris Crutcher's storytelling style. He blends complete fiction with experiences in his own life to create a story that is both fiction and nonfiction at the same time. I have read several of his books and enjoyed them all, especially his rich detail and interesting plots.

>>By Matt (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 18:49)

I have only read one of his books, and that is Stotan. At first I wasn't so sure about it, but my perspective soon changed. It was a very easy book relate to, and it just kept on getting better as I read it. He is a very good author and seems to know how to get young adults to relate to his writings. I missed out on reading Chinese Handcuffs, but I look forward to reading it either next year or whenever I might get the chance. I think that anyone would like to read these books, if they enjoy sports or friends. Overall I think Chris Crutcher is a very good author and I would recommend his books to anyone. Thanks for all of the hard work!

>>By Michele (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 20:00)

I love the writing style that is only recognizable as Chris Crutcher's. Most of his books are about teens or young adults in general, so kids really appreciate them, but they aren't just for teens. I know alot of adults that read them and enjoy reading them as well. It's great that Chris has found a writing style that hits a spot close to home for such a wide variety of people.

>>By Melissa Wood (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 20:32)

I have recently finished reading "Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes." I thought this was an awesome book. The way Chris Cruther can relate his stories to common problems that teens today have. He is able write capture the attention of many age groups. From kids in middle school to even my parents thought that it sounded like a good book to read. He is a very talented writer. I can't wait until he publishes more great books!

>>By Brianna (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 20:56)

So far, I have read "Chinese Handcuffs" and "Whale Talk" and I believe that they are two of the greatest books of all time. They are well-written and compelling. I would read them over and over, but I have school work.

Sincerely
Ray Spriggs

>>By Ray Spriggs (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 21:00)

i just want to say that chris crutcher is a very good aurthor and he has written a lot of good books and that i have read a whole lot of them. but my favorite one of all is "Chinese handcuffs" beacuse the book really put a good way on how people can really love one and another. keep on writing some more very good book. So i can keep on reading them on my good days. ( ya heard )

>>By corey AKA pastor c (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 21:18)

I have read quite a few of Chris Crutcher's books and I liked them all. He has very interesting stories. In his books he told very good stories about kid's lives and how they dealt with the situations that they were in. When he came and talked with my class, he told some stories about his life that were very interesting. I really like it when people tell stories about thier lives that you can learn from and not make the same mistake. Some of his stories were really bad. Some kids today have go through some really hard times. Younger people can learn so much from you! You have heard so many stories and have lived through many events. School shootings, death of family members and probably much more then that. I wish that I could hear all of your stories. I'm sure that they would give me some really good advice. I encourage you to never stop writing because you have so many things to say! Once again I would like to say how much I like your stories. They are some of the most interesting ones I have ever heard! Well, thats all I have to say. Thanks again for coming to talk to my class. I really appreciate it!

>>By Ben Schmidt (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 21:30)

I have nothing but good things to say about Chris Crutcher's books. I've read quite a few of them, thanks to my English teacher. He introduced me to Crutcher's books and I can't thank him enough. I think this author's insight on the lives of teenagers is amazing, because most of the adults I know are anything but insightful when it comes to our lives. His characters deal with the kinds of things that we go through every day. Chris Crutcher is my favorite author and I love his books.

>>By Lauren Kelty (Wednesday, 30 Apr 2003 20:07)

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