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Description
Chris Crutcher, author of young adult novels such as IRONMAN and WHALE TALK, as well as short stories, tells of growing up in Cascade, Idaho, and becoming a writer.
Quick Summary
Chris Crutcher, the author behind YA favorites like Ironman and Whale Talk, dishes out his own coming-of-age story in King of the Mild Frontier, sharing wild teenage pranks, small-town life in Idaho, and the messy, funny, sometimes heartbreaking way he figured out who he wanted to be. The memoir reads like a conversation with a buddy who's equal parts joker and straight-shooter, mixing goofy anecdotes like the infamous cherry-bomb toilet incident with honest reflections on family loss, dad's tough-guy expectations, and his own early struggles with identity. If you're a fan of Crutcher's novels, a teen who loves sports or off-beat humor, or a reluctant reader who wants a quick, punchy story that doesn't shy away from real issues, this one's a solid pick. Parents should note the book contains some profanity, teenage drinking, and frank talk about sexuality and grief, all wrapped in a positive message about resilience and finding your voice. Think of it as the author's own version of a teen-self-help memoir, similar in tone to other YA memoirs like The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, but with Crutcher's trademark irreverence and heart.