From Publishers Weekly
Crutcher reassembles some of the character types he used to riveting effect in his stellar Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes: a teenage misfit narrator enduring grueling athletic training; a tough heroine with a tragic past; a right-wing authoritarian heavy; enlightened teachers; and a sadistic father. At its best, the narrative crackles along in the author's inimitable style. Beauregard Brewster, a would-be Ironman triathlete, chronicles the events that ensue after he insults an oppressive teacher and is forced to take an anger-management class with other troubled students. But Crutcher's message sometimes overwhelms the cast and the story line. Beau's stern father, who has to be right at all costs-even if it means stacking the deck against his son-is one of the few fully fleshed-out characters. Many are either saintly multiculturalists (Beau's gay swimming coach, earlier met in Stotan; "Mr. Nak" the Japanese cowboy anger-management teacher; the black female high school principal) or, in the case of the offensive teacher, outright villains. In spite of these flaws, Crutcher achieves many memorable moments-exchanges between the students in the anger-management class, for example, are idealized but often deeply moving. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up?Bo Brewster, a high school senior, is forced to attend anger-management classes after a series of run-ins with his English teacher/ex-football coach. Since those in the class are considered "felons" by outsiders, he figures the best he can hope to do is survive. The group's teacher, Mr. Nak, a Japanese American from Texas, deftly draws Bo into participating in the class, allowing him to learn plenty about himself and the running war that he has waged with his father for years. Bo spends most of his time outside of school training rigorously in preparation for a grueling triathlon. An added twist finds Bo's father providing his arch rival with an expensive bike, hoping Bo will lose and learn a lesson. The story is presented in both a third-person account of events, and through Bo's eyes in letters he writes to talk-show host Larry King, the only adult he believes will listen. Through Crutcher's masterful character development, readers will believe in Bo, empathize with the other members of the anger-management group, absorb the wisdom of Mr. Nak, and despise, yet at times pity, the boy's father. This is not a light read, as many serious issues surface, though the author's trademark dark humor (and colorful use of street language) is abundant. Crutcher has consistently penned exceptional reads for YAs, and Ironman is one of his strongest works yet.?Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
