Athletic Shorts [Turtleback]

Chris Crutcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2002

These six powerful short stories chronicle bits of the lives of characters, major and minor, who have walked the rugged terrain of Chris Crutcher's earlier works. They also introduce some new and unforgettable personalities who may well be heard from again in future books. As with all Crutcher's work, these are stories about athletes, and yet they are not sport stories. They are tales of love and death, bigotry and heroism, of real people doing their best even when that best isn't very good. Crutcher's straightforward style and total honesty have earned him an admiring audience and made readers of many nonreaders.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

If the stereotype of the "bonehead jock" is ever to be defeated, it will be at Crutcher's hands. In these six short stories, he and his athlete protagonists take on such weighty issues as racism, homophobia, sexism and the teenager's essential task of coming to terms with his parents. At the same time the author makes the world of sports compelling enough to engage even the most sedentary readers. Three of the stories revolve around characters featured in Crutcher's The Crazy Horse Electric Game , including the memorable eccentric known as Telephone Man. Also starring in his own story is Lionel Serbousek, the orphaned artist and swimmer of Stotan! In the book's final tale, Louie Banks (from Running Loose ) is befriended by a young man with AIDS and must cope once again with the untimely death of a loved one. The stories' locales--mostly small towns in Montana and Idaho--are vividly evoked, and make a satisfying change from the well-known big cities and bland suburbs where so many YA novels are set. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-12-- A winning collection of stories, one of which has appeared in print before. Some of the characters from Crutcher novels pop up in these stories, often speaking in a colloquial and realistic first-person voice. As the title suggests, athletics are part of the selections; and Crutcher, as usual, is best at accurately portraying the world of high school teammates and coaches--readers can practically smell the sweat. In the first story--a monologue by a fat guy who manages to keep his dignity--the author seamlessly blends humor with more serious elements. Crutcher's fans expect almost operatic flights of emotion, and he more than delivers here. The short story format keeps the action focused and definitely packs a punch. The final entry, a gritty, no-holds-barred account of the fear surrounding AIDS, is especially effective. These Athletic Shorts will speak to YAs, touch them deeply, and introduce them to characters they'll want to know better.
- Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL -
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Turtleback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Demco Media (December 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606257365
• ISBN-13: 978-0606257367
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Chris Crutcher grew up in Cascade, Idaho, and now lives in Spokane, Washington. He is the critically acclaimed author of six novels and a collection of short stories for teenagers, all chosen as ALA Best Books. In 2000, he was awarded the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution in writing for teens. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, teacher, family therapist, and child protection specialist, he unflinchingly writes about real and often-ignored issues that face teenagers today.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most emmotive book you will ever read, May 7, 2000

By 

Ali (Flagstaff, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Athletic Shorts (Hardcover)

This book is categorized for "young adults," but I would recommend these stories as much to an 18 year old as I would to an 80 year old. Crutcher's stories address the most sensitive aspects of society without any form of restriction. Don't read this book if you want a sugar-coat. There is no holding back as Crutcher drills to the bone of prejudice and other societal struggles. From the light-hearted tale of overweight Angus Bethune (who has four gay parents) to the dramatic story of gay teen with AIDs, every one of Crutcher's true stories make their impression. You will never forget these characters once you have met them.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Athletic Shorts, March 16, 2005

By 

Conrad - See all my reviews

This review is from: Athletic Shorts: Six Short Stories (Paperback)

Angus Bethune, a fat high school boy, is prom king. Will he be burning up the dance floor or have a sweaty moment? Johnny Rivers, a wrestler, is pushed to the limit every day by his father. Can he overcome the fear and wrestle his father or be laughed at by his friends? Johnny Rivers has to wrestle Chris Byers, a girl champion. Should Johnny back down to this challenge and look like a fool, or will he manage to suck it up and put on a show? Lionel Serbsousek, a great swimmer, has gone through many tragedies. He has shown great talent, but will this event be too much for him? Rascim, a telephone genius, moves to a new school. Sometimes people judge a book by its cover. If Rascim wants to get out of this hole he needs to take a better look inside. Louie Banks, a starting wide receiver, meets a guy with a huge problem. His girlfriend is dead and his friends think he is weird. How's Louie going to catch a touchdown now?
Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher, is a great book. It is made up of six short stories involving some of the characters from Chris Crutcher's other novels. This book shows how an average teenager goes through life. This book is a very easy read. If you like sports and enjoy drama, Athletic Shorts is the books for you.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read, October 16, 2003

By 

SMS Student (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Athletic Shorts: Six Short Stories (Paperback)

I thought Athletic Shorts was a good book because it was easy to understand since it was about sports. All the stories could hold my attention which made me want to read the next page. i thought that was a great way to write a sports book with 6 short stories all in one book. I could really relate to it because i like sports alot. I reccomend this book to anyone that like sports.