Reviews

Ironman by Chris Crutcher

nilla_beanie19's review

4.0

I read this back when I was a freshman in high school. We had multiple reading groups in class and each group randomly selected a book titled from a bowl and that was our designated read for the assignments. I originally was pretty upset that my group got this book because based off the synopsis I thought I’d hate it. Turns out I really enjoyed this book and it was one of maybe five books I thoroughly read and finished in high school that I was assigned. All other books were skimmed and I got the gist of them. This book pulled me in and kept me reading, often times ahead of our stopping points for the group. While I don’t remember this book in crystal clear detail it has stuck with me throughout the years and is a book I’d consider rereading.

protoman21's review

4.0

I picked this one up because I have been contemplating attempting a triathlon and I was hoping for some inspiration. Unfortunately, there wasn't much focus on the actual training for the event, but I still enjoyed the experience of reading the book and was rooting for Bo in both his relationship with his dad and his triathlon event.

4saradouglas's review

2.0

This really wasn't as good as Crutcher's "Staying Fat.." or "Whale Talk", but it was still pretty good. I guess I had a hard time relating to the main character because I don't feel the anger he does. I wasn't impressed by his girlfriend and I thought the Japanese cowboy was a little annoying.

bsmorris's review

5.0

Chris Crutcher is one of my favorite young adult authors because his experience as a school psychologist enables him to create realistic characters with very real problems. In Ironman, Beau has to deal with an anger management class. Although Nakatani may be hard for some people to swallow, I think he combines some archetypal qualities with a touch of drama needed for him to reach the kids he works with. Beau is a very believable and likable character who is intelligent and funny. Crutcher populates the rest of the story with sympathetic characters who allow the reader to explore and better understand a number of familial and societal problems.

jordyn_alexx's review

emotional inspiring

3.75

EDIT: 
After teaching for a few years, I feel like I have a greater appreciation for this book. It’s really a wonderful and impactful book. 

It's a pretty quick read, kind of interesting. I think it's a good teaching book. it covers a lot of issues that many kids may be dealing with and ought to be discussed.

kemperbowow52's review

Just not my thang

harriet_toad_maradona's review

3.0

after rereading Ironman, i cannot explain why i originally assigned this novel two stars. seems mean and stupid and inaccurate. like, i'm a crutcher fan, so how did i miss how crutcher-y and great this novel is?! i'm glad i reread it, and i'm even more glad (what even is this pollyanna-ass sentence) that i just don't even rate books anymore.

logankreadsalot's review

5.0

This book was amazing i loved reading it. The characters in this book were so complex instead of just angry teenagers mad at the world. They had a bak story and Mr. nak gives them a chnce and a voice.

My favorite character had to of been Mr. S he was so likable. i felt like his relationship with Bo was also relatable. almost evryone has that one teacher they are very close to.

the plot was fast paced and kept me reading. all in all it was a good book.

bick_mcswiney's review

5.0

Chris Crutcher tells the story of a teenager dealing with anger directed at teachers and parents, and how he deals with that anger. With the help of his friends and mentors, Bo works hard to understand and realize his own dreams.

keyanaw's review

5.0

I loved this book, and this author. Crutcher made Bo's story my own. This book will teach you how to push yourself mentally and physically to the limits. And it'll teach you just a little something about finding power within yourself to overcome anger through forgiveness.