Blog #3

Chris Crutcher wrote many books, only one of which I’ve read. But from what I can tell they all direct very good points. He is very blunt and is not afraid to say what he feels just like the characters in his stories.

When I first heard we had to read a novel for L.A. I thought, Oh great, but it turned out not that bad. I really like the things he tries to convey in it. It taught me a lot for the future. Because there are many deaths I am going to need to overcome and many stands I should take. I am not the type of person to stand up to a crowd and speak what I feel but I think this book teaches you that you should, and you shouldn’t be afraid. Obviously it’s a hard thing to do and a lot could be on the line, but have you ever wish you would have done or said something in that exact moment and regret it everyday that you didn’t? There’s too much to lose in this life. But overall the most important thing not to lose is yourself. Louie took that stand, and I don’t think he regrets doing it.

The book also is a lot about love, no, true love. Well, at least that’s what I think it was. Louie and Becky were very close and they could talk about anything. I have always wanted that in a relationship. When they went up to Becky’s cabin and were going to have sex. They didn’t, because Louie just wasn’t ready. Becky was okay with that. I think that’s what so cool about their relationship, they can still make love without actually having sex. Like what Becky said : “You know what the very best thing about making love is? It’s before and after. It’s lying together, taking care of each other and getting as close as we can. You don’t really have to have sex to make love.” [crutcher 132] It was true. I think that made them even closer. This was right before she died. Which probably made it even hard on Louie considering how close they were becoming. They really loved each other and cared and would do anything for each other. Those are essential things people should have in a relationship. This book made you feel happy and sad and angry and a whole bunch of different emotions and I think that’s why his books are so easy and enjoyable to read.

They never really talked about what Louie looked like, but I think he was your normal high schooler. He trained so hard that summer for the football team and he even made the mile under 6 minutes. He was really dedicated. Some people who read this are probably mad he threw this all away but then others will see how its all worth it in the end. He becomes an amazing track runner and even beats Washington in the 2-mile. His coach told him to run as far as he could go. You want to know what I think made him be able to run as far and as fast as he did? Becky. Just even the thought of her. On his long runs he probably spent time thinking about her and reminiscing on their memories. And how she would have been so proud of him. Also Coach Madison seemed very inspiring. He believed in Louie just as Becky would have. Before they started the season Coach Madison said one thing to him that is something I think everyone should hear: “ Remember, you can always take one more step.” [Crutcher 187]