I read the book Chinese Handcuffs, by Chris Crutcher. It is about a teenaged boy trying to deal with his brother’s suicide, (with plenty of twists). And he love for his brothers ex girlfriend, and the all star girls basketball player. You never really know what is going to happen next but you always want to find out, and never put this book down until you do. “There’s a lot to consider. I have never loved and hated anyone at the same time and so ferociously as I do you for what you did. My emotions churn inside me like a hurricane, and when it’s at its worst, I can only lay back and let them take me away.” says Dillon to his dead brother. I believe the author wrote this to show people what it is like for people who have a family member who did what Dillon’s brother did, and what it is like for Jen and her step father. The authors intended audience would be teen to adult. Those who would like to know how others deal with these problems and what it is like. The book is third person narrator’s point of view. The importance of having a narrator is that they tell both sides of the story and not just one. This was a real life drama type, and portrayed a sad truth about life. I could not really connect with just one character in different areas, but I could connect with different characters in different areas. I connected with Dillon with a suicide in the family and with Jen with abuse in the family. The author does a great job in coming across with what he wants you to learn from his writings, I know I learned a lot. I don’t really know anything I could compare this book too. On the other hand I have read another good book lately called A Northern Light, it is set back in the older days, with farming and having to live off the land, if you like those types of books you should also read that. The title Chinese Handcuffs was significant to the story for Dillon realizes that he has to stop struggling to get past everything and just let it go by itself. The person who would like this the most I think would have to be teenagers to young adults, who like the sad truths about the world. It if for those who like plenty of drama, and always full of action. I loved the whole book; it does a great job in getting your attention, and keeping it. I think the ending is a little bit over rated but it is the type of ending everyone wants to read about. In rating this book I would have to give it a 4.5 just because I don’t really know what type of books I like the best, and haven’t read that many to know how good other books are. But I will say I did like this one.
Book of my choice: Chinese HandcuffsPlot Summary: Two main characters: one male, one female. Both are athelets and dealing with family issues. The male's brother has committed suicide and the female has problems with her father and then her step father. In every chapter, there was a twist added to the story! It reminded me of a soap opera, sometimes- drama, complicated emotions, and difficult situations. It was a slow start, but after the first few chapters, the book became more interesting and intense. Very glad I chose this book!Main characters and descriptions: Dillion - 18/19 years old, bulky, good athlete: runs triathlons. good student, but can be arrogant and have an attitude. Sense of humor, writes letters to his deceased brother. He is the athlete trainer/manager for the girl's basketball team. Has a strong relationship with the girl's basketball coach. Dillion flashes back to the past several times during the story. I noticed him change and mature throughout the story.Jennifer - 18/19 years old, tall, blond hair, star basketball player. Cares for her younger sister, 4.0 student. Has a difficult relationship with her mother, father, then step father. Has a strong relationship with her basketball coach. Is thought of as prude because of her lack of relationships during high school. Character also flashes back to past several times in the story.. interesting infomation from her pastKey issues: basketball, letting go of diffcult situations/letting go of pressure, compassion, trustOther interesting information: interesting passages from the story:"She doesn't know he will be out of her life very soon, only to be replaced by something worse" p. 39"For me, it's like knowing my best friend is standing knee-deep in a pit of rattlesnakes and I'm just watching her be poisoned" p. 167No spoiler for this book and not giving away any of the drama or wild details!
Do You like book Chinese Handcuffs (2004)?
I read "Deadline" by Chris Crutcher so that is why i decided to read this book. Dillion Hemingway witnessed the suicide of his older brother, Preston. After his brother committed suicide, Dillion's family split up. He had a very hard time dealing with everything, and on top of all of that, the love of his life, Stacy, is in love with Preston. Dillion is trying to figure out what to do about Stacy when Jen came into the picture. Dillion begins to get feelings for Jen when she tells him a secret that has been haunting her for her whole life. Jen and Stacy both admit secrets that they have been hiding for their whole lives. Stacy had Preston's child while she was away for six months and Jen has been sexually abused for years by her step father who has threatened her with her family life if she ever tells. I think the underlying theme throughout the novel is to never give up. At the beginning of the novel it talks about how his brother could have prevented his suicide and how mad Dillion is at Preston for committing suicide. Jen attempts to commit suicide after she runs out of a basketball game but luckily Dillion stops her before she does anything. Dillion expresses the fact of how Jen needs to stop her step father and to not give up without a fight or figuring out a plan. Dillion learns a lot about love and himself in the middle of all of the tragedy. He also develops a great relationship with his father. I recommend this book!
—Chelsea Amato
This was a very good and easy read (readability wise). Dillion is a junior in high school and dealing with some very adult issues. He was a witness to his older brother's suicide, his family has fallen apart, his heart is torn between his brother's girlfriend (who also gave birth to his nephew) and Jennifer, who has various issues of her own. Dillion is just trying to figure out who he is and who he wants to be. He has found an outlet in Ironman compititions and being the trainer for the St Joseph's girls B-ball team. His "best friend" Jennifer is the star player. Jennifer is dealing with a sexually abusive relationship from her step-father. Her father also sexually abused her until she confided in her grandfather as a child. Now her mother is terrified to leave her husband and Jennifer is terrified he will turn to her little sister if she opens her mouth. Dillion is the only person that knows the truth. Together they figure out a way to survive adolescence.Key Issues= abuse (sexually and physically), suicide, drug use, divorce, fitting in, dating, relationships, self discovery, emotional growth
—Allie Brown
The title of this book is called Chinese Handcuffs. It was written by Chris Crutcher. This book was publishe on October 1, 2004. The genre of this story is Depression. There are 304 pages in this book. I have not completed this book yet. There are several charatcers in this book but the main one is Dillon. This Book takes place several places such as home , and school. The bad guy of this story is Dillon's brother Preston. The good guy is Dillon. The other characters in the story are Jennifer, Ms.Crummet, Scott, Caldwell, Wakefield, Jerry, Renee, KAthy, and Sandy. A theme that This book is an amazing book to read. I like this book because it shows how a young boy suffers from his brothers death. But yet he realizes he's not the only one that is suffering and has a secret. I honestly do not have any dislikes on this book.
—Angel Garcia
