Banned Books Review #1
Written by Shimmeringstar
Running Loose, the first novel written by Chris Crutcher, has something to offer teen readers of all backgrounds. This book, like many of Crutcher’s other novels, sends the message that all teens, no matter what their circumstances are, face similar challenges of choices, love, loss, and difficult situations.
In Running Loose, Seventeen-year-old Louie Banks has it all. He’s athletic, smart, has a supportive family, and a great girlfriend. He’s a senior in high school and begins the year with high hopes for the football season, graduation, and going to college. His football team is doing very well, but Louie’s coach has ideas for how to get even further ahead. When the coach wants Louie to intentionally hurt another player, Louie rejects this plan and is kicked off the team. Louie’s fans and classmates are shocked and disappointed and his life begins to fall apart. Suddenly going from a superstar to a dud, Louie struggles to get through the tough road ahead of him. As his life becomes more frightening and fragile, tragedy strikes nearly tearing his world apart.
Running Loose can touch the lives of any teen today by dealing with common teenage concerns such as school, family, relationships, racism, sex, and death. Crutcher confronts these heavy issues in a smart and humorous way. The book is cleverly written in a very realistic style that can appeal to both genders.
Although adult themes and language in the book has caused it to become challenged and banned from a number of institutions, Running Loose is a definite must-read for all high school students. Even parents could benefit from Crutcher’s writing. This book has the potential to help students and parents relate to and understand serious issues and how difficult life can be as a teenager. Running Loose can easily be awarded five out of five stars.
Running Loose
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