Tolog Review: Deadline

Deadline
by Chris Crutcher
reviewed by Madelyn Brisbane

It’s senior year, and Ben Wolf has huge plans for the exciting year ahead of him. After discovering he had a deadly disease and the fact that he will only live for the remaining year, he decides to accomplish everything he never thought he could do before. Ben tries out for the football team when nobody thinks he can due to his scrawny appearance, but he ends up on varsity. Everyone is amazed, especially Ben’s coach, and he ends up being the superstar of the team. Ben also goes after the love of his life, Dallas Suzuki. She is the most beautiful girl in school and a hardcore volleyball player, but Ben doesn’t think she knows he even exists. 

However, when Dallas invites Ben to meet her at The Chief, everything changes from there. Originally, Ben interprets it as a date, but is unfortunately disappointed to see that Dallas just invited for an interview. At the end of the interview, Dallas ends up proposing to Ben to take her to homecoming. Ben is overfilled with joy, and there relationship escalates quickly, especially after the party they attend together.

Deadline is a heroic tale of life accomplishments. It teaches young adults that they can pursue anything, no matter the setbacks. This novel also reminds young adults about YOLO (You Only Live Once) and how you should live every day as if it is your last (no regrets). Chris Crutcher does an extraordinary job of teaching kids to pursue their dreams, even if they may be scary at times.

Deadline is suggested for young adults in their teen years who enjoy reading about modern fiction that can relate to their lives. It’s not just a story about partying, but also learning right from wrong and what’s really important in your life. Staying true to who you are is a lesson from this novel as well. Even though it is recommended for younger audiences, older adults may enjoy the novel as well.