Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, C. (2004). Chinese handcuffs. New York : Harper Tempest

 

Preston Hemingway engaged into a slew of destructive behaviors:  drugs, motorcycle gang activity, and the subsequent brutal rape of a young girl. Suicide seemed to be his only way out, so he took.  That said, he was Dillon's older brother, he loved him, and he witnessed the tragic event.  Dillon later learned that Stacy, Preston's girlfriend, is pregnant - another stressor that factored into his decision.  To top it off, Dillon's friend (turned girlfriend) Jennifer has and continues to be molested by the men who should protect her at all costs - her father and stepfather.  Dillon plans enter into the Iron Man competition and turns to the adrenaline high produced by running to cope with the onslaught of heavy issues he must confront.  Though he might not have been able to save his brother, he brings about an end to Jennifer's suffering.

 

In my experience, Chris Crutcher novels are perfectly suited for reluctant male readers.  The compact size of the texts does not overwhelm, making the idea of "reading and finishing the book" an attainable goal.  Additionally, the plots woven within many of the titles center around main characters who are young, strong, male, athletic figures creating instant relatability.  All components come together to create a recipe for reading success for teenaged boys who find the thought of independent pleasure reading completely alien.