How would you react if you found out you had one year to live?That's the dilemma eighteen-year-old Ben Wolf faces after he is diagnosed with leukemia. The prognosis isn't good. Ben has one year to live, maybe a little longer with treatment. Ben refuses treatment and decides to keep his illness a secret from his friends and family so he can live a so-called normal life.
The story moves at a good pace, with Ben making quick decisions like asking out the girl he likes, joining the football team, and harassing his teachers. Meanwhile, he questions everything and tries to figure out the meaning of life while coming to terms with his impending death.
Even though Crutcher packs a lot of issues (death, teenage pregnancy, Ben's mother's depression, molestation, suicide, racism) into one novel, there is balance between the storyline and characters, and the characters are well developed, especially Ben.
There are only two small problems that stand out.
The first is all the Malcolm-X references throughout the book. Even though there are hints and explanations, as someone that hasn't read Malcolm X I was confused as to what exactly Ben was trying to achieve with his school assignment.
The second is the reactions to Ben saying he was terminal. His brother seems a little too apathetic, considering he has the closest relationship with Ben. His parents' reaction is a mystery to me, too. His mother is depressed most of the book and locked away in her room. After hearing the news, she cries and then Ben leaves the room and that's it.
At first glance, it's a little odd that Ben's declining health isn't a little more prominent, but then I thought no, this is book is about his life, not how sick he is, and that's what I liked best. The ending has the most impact, despite knowing from the beginning the inevitable. It's still somewhat of a shock. I found myself choking back tears and wanting to scream, "Noooooo! He can't die!"
Even though Ben is gone, what he leaves behind is a strong reminder to all of us to enjoy life to the fullest every single day. Live like you were dying.
Want to read too? Deadline by Chris Crutcher.
