Carpe Diem!

  There are countless number of movies and books that share a very important message: Life is too short. Do what you love and don't sweat the small stuff. Most of us seem to embrace this message after watching said movie or read said book, but then we forget about it. It's not until we are faced by a situation where someone we love or know well has passed away and reminds us of how we should embrace life. Chris Crutcher's novel Deadline asks his reader: What would you do if you knew there was a time limit on how long you will live? What would you do differently?

Description: Ben Wolf is a star cross country runner. When he takes his annual physical exam, he learns that he has been diagnosed with a rare, incurable leukemia. His chances of living are very slim if he chooses to undergo treatment. The doctors give him a year to live. At 18, Ben has the legal right to keep the news to himself until he’s ready to reveal it. With only his doctor and therapist in on his secret, Ben sets out to live an entire lifetime in a year but how long will he go before he opens up to others?

Review: I really enjoyed this book, particularly the tone of the book which is uplifting instead of being depressing. I was initially afraid that this book would be hard to read due to its premise, but Crutcher's vivid sports action scenes, the story’s dramatic premise, and the many subplots kept my attention. Though the subplots involving intellectual freedom, incest, pedophilia, and manic depression can get a bit too much and a bit preachy, they unfortunately are realistic.
   I also really liked Ben's character. He's got a good head on his shoulders and does not allow his disease to interfere from him having his best year of school. My favorite parts of the book are when Ben has a discussion with a Jesus-look like figure called 'Hey Soos' who talk about the philosophical aspects of life. This book should appeal to boys who like reading about sports and reluctant readers. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language in the book. There is also a mildly explicit sex scene.

If you like this book try: Before I Die by Jenny Downham or I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak