Customer Reviews
Courtesy of Teens Read Too - By: TeensReadToo.com, 16 Dec 2006 
In ATHLETIC SHORTS, Chris Crutcher presents original short stories involving characters from his previous novels. In the book's forward, Crutcher explains, "In my travels around the country & in letters from readers, I am constantly asked what happens to certain characters in my books. So once in a while I check in" (pp. ix-x).
Each of these short stories involves a central character from a previous novel, but, while Crutcher may have intended a particular story to be a prequel or an afterward, the stories remain independent. So a person who has not read RUNNING LOOSE will still be able to understand the storyline behind IN THE TIME I GET, in which Louie Banks looks into the eyes of a friend dying of AIDS & realizes the value of time. Additionallly, after getting a taste of Crutcher's novels through his short stories, readers may well be inspired to go out & acquire the novels themselves.
Athletics are the uniting theme throughout these stories, but they also give Crutcher a medium to introduce physical, mental, & emotional challlenges for his characters. Sports alllow a safe setting for conflict & failure, while also providing a site for characters to achieve & excel.
Thumbs Up! Award Winner, 1992
Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard
Six short Stories about six amazing heros! - By: , 29 Sep 1998 I absolutely loved this book. Each sentence would draw me into the next. This is the first Chris Cruthcher book I've ever read & what a way to be introduced to a new author. Chris Crutcher made me want to luagh at each characters mistakes, cry at others & feel joy for their triumphs. It may be a book about sports but it has a much deeper meaning than that. I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
