Ironman [Paperback]

Chris Crutcher (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 5, 2004

Bo has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. The rage he feels gives him the energy as a triathlete to press his body to the limit, but it also translates into angry outbursts toward his teachers.

Now dangerously close to expulsion from school, Bo has been assigned to Anger Management sessions with the school "truants." With an eclectic mix of hard-edged students, Bo may finally have to deal with his long-brewing hatred for his father -- before it eats away at him completely.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Though the message embedded in this novel about a teenaged would-be triathlon champ "sometimes overwhelms the cast and the story line," said PW, "at its best, the narrative crackles along in the author's inimitable style." Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up?Although slow to accept his placement in an anger-management class, triathlete Bo Brewster learns to control and develop his emotional strength. Powerful, perceptive, and wickedly funny.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; Reprint edition (October 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060598409
• ISBN-13: 978-0060598402
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Triathlons

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Ironman=Strong Issues June 10, 2004

By Judy C. Harvey

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a high school teacher, I teach this book to my juniors. Or perhaps I should say we read and enjoy it together. Chris Crutcher uses humor and straight talk to present a variety of issues facing kids today, love, divorce, child abuse, managing anger, even finding out someone you care about is homosexual. I find I am able to discuss these issues with my students using the book as a springboard. One of my students said, "This is the best book I have ever read. The kids in the book talk like us and feel like us." Another student said she laughed out loud when reading it at home. The other reviews presented the plot, I just wanted you to know what my teens thought of the book. I will warn you there is a small amount of strong language in the book, if you are considering using it in the classroom or buying it for your teenager. I have read all of Crutcher's books, and feel he is one of the best young adult authors ever.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Trialing Teenage Times December 10, 2001

By Mark Risher

Format:Mass Market Paperback

In a choice novel assignment given by my junior english teacher, I chose to read "Ironman", written by Chris Crutcher. The main character, Bo Brewster, is having a difficult time dealing with his family life as well as his football coach. Bo can come off to some people as a "hot head" or a "quitter", but I view him as a teenager that faces many of the same problems that many student athletes, or just regular teenagers face in real life. Bo takes the smart way of dealing with his anger, and enrolls in an anger management class before school to avoid being expelled, and to make himself a better human being. Some people believe in the expression, "Things happen for a reason." Well, in Bo's situation, I believe things did happen for a reason in this story. While going to the anger management classes, a man by the name of Mr. Nak becomes what I like to think of as Bo's mentor. He sees what makes Bo aggravated, and shares his life stories with Bo to show him that he isn't the only one who goes through rough times during his life. The book titled "Ironman" is an excellent book that should be required for teenagers to read because while we may think everyone lives the perfect life, we all go through challenging experiences that can be related with Bo. We just have to open our eyes and be willing to accept the guidence from others just as Bo did to make ourselves better human beings.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ironman: by Chris Crutcher November 27, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Title: Ironman
Author: Chris Crutcher
Classification: Young Adult
Plot: Bo, who is the main character, is having trouble with his family and he is anger managment, which is a class to help him with his anger problems. While in anger managment he meets a girl named Shelly who completely changes his life. He is traning to be in Yukon Jacks, a triatholon race, and is trying to beat his competition Wyrack.
Comparison: This book is kind of like "Stotan" It has basically the same genre. In each of the books schools have a group of kids competing is some sort of sporting event. The characters in both books went to a big race to compete in was swimming or a triatholon. In "Ironman" Bo writes to Larry King, a tv host, telling him what is going on in his life or the problems that he is facing.
Personal Reaction: This book, "Ironman," really touched me. It just shows the different life styles people live in. Such as Bo's. His parents are divorced, he is anger managment,he has problems with his dad, and also has trouble getting along with friends at school. Shelly, who is Bo's girlfriend cares for him. Bo has never really had anyone this close to him before. It touches me because just one person completley changed the way he looks at things. I think because of Shelly Bo continued and worked really hard to compete in Yukon Jacks. On page 165 shelly, Bo's girlfriend is giving Bo his valentine she said "She had never considered loving anybody before....." To me that is showing how much Shelly really cares for Bo, and how important he is in her life. Those words on the card could have changed the way he looks at life. He realized that there is someone that really cares for him. To me this book his very touching.
Reaction: This book is a great book. I loved it. It relates to some kids that I know. Some people though could get offended because it is about someone that is anger managment, and this kid that is having trouble with his dad. The language at time is pretty horific which could potentionally be a draw back.