Quick Take

There's bad news and good news about the Cutter High School swim team. The bad news is that they don't have a pool. The good news is that only one of them can swim anyway. A group of misfits brought together by T. J. Jones (the J is redundant), the Cutter All Night Mermen struggle to find their places in a school that has no place for them. T.J. is convinced that a varsity letter jacket exclusive, revered, the symbol (as far as T.J. is concerned) of all that is screwed up at Cutter High will also be an effective tool. He's right. He's also wrong. Still, it's always the quest that counts. And the bus on which the Mermen travel to swim meets soon becomes the space where they gradually allow themselves to talk, to fit, to grow. Together they'll fight for dignity in a world where tragedy and comedy dance side by side, where a moment's inattention can bring lifelong heartache, and where true acceptance is the only prescription for what ails us.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Whale Talk

Introduction

"Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher is a novel that follows the story of T.J. Jones, a high school student who forms a swim team of misfits in a school that has no place for them. The book explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the power of sports to bring people together. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of teenagers coping with serious problems, including racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disability, and poverty. However, it has also been challenged and banned by individuals who find the language and depictions of homosexuality inappropriate for young readers.

About Chris Crutcher

Chris Crutcher is an author known for his controversial writing style and his ability to tackle complex issues in his novels. He has written several books that have been challenged and banned by individuals who find them too mature for children. Despite this controversy, Crutcher's writing has received many awards and has been praised for its honesty and authenticity.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers found the story of T.J. and his misfit swim team engaging and compelling. They appreciated the way the author weaved together multiple subplots and characters to create a well-rounded narrative.
Themes of Acceptance and Friendship: The book explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself. Readers appreciated the way these themes were woven into the story, making it a relatable and inspiring read.
Realistic Portrayal of Teenagers: Crutcher's writing is known for its realistic portrayal of teenagers coping with serious problems. Readers found this aspect of the book refreshing and appreciated the way Crutcher tackled complex issues without sugarcoating them.
Mixed Reactions to the Author's Style: Some readers found Crutcher's writing style to be controversial and challenging, particularly with regards to his use of strong language and depictions of homosexuality. However, others appreciated his honesty and authenticity in portraying teenagers' experiences.
Positive Reception from Readers: Despite some mixed reactions to the author's style, readers overall gave positive reviews to "Whale Talk." They found the book inspiring, relatable, and a worthy addition to the YA genre.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: The engaging storytelling and well-developed characters make "Whale Talk" a compelling read that keeps readers invested in the story from beginning to end.
Themes of Acceptance and Friendship: The themes of acceptance, friendship, and self-discovery resonate with readers, making the book a meaningful and uplifting read.
Realistic Portrayal of Teenagers: Crutcher's ability to portray teenagers facing real-life challenges makes the book relatable and valuable for readers who want to see themselves reflected in literature.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Mixed Reactions to the Author's Style: Some readers found Chris Crutcher's writing style controversial and challenging, which may not appeal to all readers.
Sensitive Topics: The book deals with sensitive topics such as racial prejudice, abuse, and mental disability, which may be triggering for some readers. It is important for readers to approach these topics with sensitivity and awareness.

Conclusion

"Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher is a novel that explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the power of sports to bring people together. While some readers found the author's writing style controversial, others appreciated his honesty and authenticity in portraying teenagers coping with serious problems. The book has received positive reviews for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and themes of self-discovery. However, it is important for readers to approach sensitive topics with sensitivity and awareness. Overall, "Whale Talk" is a recommended read for those who enjoy YA novels that tackle complex issues with honesty and authenticity.