Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, C. (2007). Deadline. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Ben Wolf, a high school senior, our main character, learns about his untreatable blood disease. He decides to give it its own “life”. His condition opens his perspective about his existence itself, so he determines to maximize each day rather than to console himself with false hope.

In addition, Ben soon discovers that somehow almost everyone else’s situation around him is no different; therefore, he feels more empowered to “fight” until the end. And he does exactly that. He outlives every minute that last year and is able to relinquish dissatisfaction and perpetuate the fact that “anything imaginable is attainable.”

“Is it half full or half empty?” Deadline by Chris Crutcher basically addresses this question. The most important decisions to be made in life come without a notice, or if you’re lucky, perhaps a short notice. This theme is a touching one and made me reflect on my own life. Am I living my life to the fullest? I asked myself. Do I cherish everything and everyone around me? It’s challenging living knowing you have a certain time to live. I don’t have a deadline for my illness, but I sincerely connected with the character, as I have a heart condition. I’ve had it since childhood. This story helped me cherish each of my days even more than what I already do. I’m blessed that I’m seating here right now typing in my homework because tomorrow who knows what God has for me or anyone.

This book could be read to students who struggle with terminal illnesses or students who suffer from depression, or perhaps have thoughts of suicide. A counselor could share this story with them to help them understand the beauty of life and the importance each one of us have in this world.

If you enjoyed reading, Deadline, which consists of 316 pages, perhaps you may also like to read Period 8, also written by Chris Crutcher. This book’s theme could touch the hearts of students ages 14 through 18.