Kamsha,Yuriy
Freshman Honors English A4
Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher is a book about teenage boy who starts a swim team of outcasts to prove that disabilities can be overcome. The main character, T.J., struggles with discrimination and oppression throughout the book.
I believe this book deserves a ten out of ten rating, because once you start reading it you become unable to stop. It is a grossly addictive tale of life and loss, and Chris Crutcher does an amazing job of writing a story almost anyone in the world today can relate to. However, this book includes many gruesome and heart-breaking events, and is not for the faint of heart. The author uses particularly colorful language and interesting similes to breathe life into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind crying at the end of a story. Whale Talk will truly move and inspire you, and is one of the best books I have ever had the honor to read.
1/4 into this book, I can already say that I like it. It's a riveting story with a main character I can't help but like. As the kid who stands up for everyone else, he already defies my stereotype of a mainstream high school kid. His voice is astonishing, and sometimes pretty funny. Sometimes when I read books that are first person , I feel like the main character doesn't really "know" their own life. However, Obviously T.J. truly does understand his life but the way that he tells his story. I also find his relationship with Chris to be so kind. Sometimes when he is writing he seems like he could be this really intimidating person, but then he goes all out with his compassion for Chris and I switch my opinion all over again! I wouldn't call this light reading, because it seems like this story has a dark cloud hanging over it. I find some of the imagery a little disturbing. I was surprised but could totally deal with T.J's account of the deer hunting, but I had serious trouble reading the part about the baby in the truck. That was a little too much for me. Seeing as how this happened pretty early in the book it leads me to believe that the disturbing stories are not quite finished. However, I look forward to the creation of the swim team, and seeing if this relationship with Carly is in the past or present because it's not exactly clear at this point as I am still in the middle of learning about it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhale Talk by Chris Crutcher is quite the engrossing novel. With intriguing yet relatable characters, a unique plot and a distinct first person writing perspective, Chris Crutcher has kept me glued to his novel; making me wonder if Whale Talk is not his best work to date.
ReplyDeleteThe setting of Whale Talk is immediately eye catching. The story begins in a High School in the small city of Spokane, Washington, where Crutcher vividly recreates the locker-lined hallways and gyms where teenagers struggle to establish an identity. The imagery that Crutcher uses allowed me to truly step into Tao Jone's shoes (the main character of the novel) and develop a sense of how it must feel to be considered an outcast. Cutter High School is ruled by those who wear the letter jacket, a symbol of elitism, which Tao craves to possess. I am sure that all individuals at some point in their lifetime have felt as if they did not belong in society or in a particular social group. This terrible feeling of loneliness and lack of self worth motivates Tao to prove himself in the eyes of his peers; something that I can personally relate to.
In addition to an outstandingly crafted setting, Crutcher's free flowing and fast- paced storyline is very well written and sublime. His ability to blend together a wide variety of different plot lines and add depth to his narrative so flawlessly is brilliant.
While Whale Talk readers observe the prejudice present in Cutter High, they are also shown the intolerance and abuse frequently hidden behind closed doors. This allows readers to realize the characters private hardships and comprehend the great resiliency of the human spirit. Through the thoughts and emotions of his characters, Crutcher shows that he wants the human race to become more compassionate, more understanding, and become better overall human beings. I look forward to continue reading Whale Talk and its captivating plot. As Yuriy stated, Whale Talk truly is an addicting novel.
Zach Bluebond, per. A2
Also in response to Zach's blog I reaad this story as that T.J does not particularly want the letterman's jacket for himself so much as he does for Chris and the other members of the swim team. He seems to take great pleasure in the though of all of these kids that would have never ever had a jacket, and that they will have one soon. T.J seems like he could care less about a simple jacket as making people feel good about themselves. But that's just my opinion
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the very late post, my internet wasn't working and it just got fixed.
ReplyDeleteSo far, I'm really enjoying Whale Talk. It took me a bit to get connected with the character though. It felt like he spent most of his time ranting and while I was connecting more with the character I couldn't help but feel that the plot wasn't moving at all. Soon, I forgot about the plot and focused more on the character. T.J feels like a very relatable teenager because he's not average. He doesn't take a lot of sports teams and his childhood is very different. I found the highschool to be a bit odd though. While I understand the idea of being an outcast by not having the letter jacket, I don't believe that a school would do that and students would really care that much even though sports are a big deal to them. I'm the kind of person who finds more cons then pros so it sounds like I dislike the novel, but I actually am really enjoying it. TJ's perspective is really well written and it seems like his perspective isn't always one that the reader will agree with, and that's a good thing. What I like best about the main character is that he's not someone that all the readers will connect to. I find most teen novels have a main character who's too cliched and have a personality that's too relatable. A good character should be somebody who doesn't always make decisions that you can agree with that that has their own moral ideas, and TJ is a character like that. Every person stumbles through their teenage years in different ways and TJ's life is like no other.
I also am enjoying Whale Talk. I agree with many things that Zack Ragozzino is saying. Some of the things that the main character, T.J, says can be a little controversial, but I like it. I agree that a good character isn't all goody-goody and perfect; someone that all readers like. No, T.J is a unique character, his own person, and has very "forward" opinions. I can tell that there may be many sad things that happen as I read on. I cannot say that this book puts me in a particular good mood. It actually gets me a little stirred up and angry, which I kind of see as a good thing. I am already starting to get passionate about Whale Talk. The things these characters or "outcasts" go through with racial oppression makes me sad to think how racist and criticizing this world can be. It also makes me feel a little bit covered from the world, letting me appreciate how I have grown up and how the people treat me. I am being raised in a great household, with slim to none drama compared to T.J. I am excited to continue reading and see how this swim team works out. The impact that the team may have on the high school could be a big one. With these graphic scenes, engaging characters, and fascinating plot choice, I think this may be a great book!
ReplyDelete- Emily Kelly, A2
The second quarter of Whale Talk has not been disappointing in the least. I find myself reading the story at a rapid pace, unable to place the novel aside. The story seems very realistic; so much so that I can truly see there being hundreds of “T.J.’s” across America. T.J. himself is very inspiring. His childhood was very difficult; frankly a tragedy. As a mix of African American, Caucasian and Japanese ancestry, T.J. never had the opportunities that the majority of his peer group possessed; vividly describing how prejudice and racism never gave him a chance to be successful. As T.J. stated, he didn’t run into racism; racism ran into him. Facing prejudice every day in his life, I think it is remarkable the way T.J. had the courage to create Cutter High’s first swim team and become a true leader in the eyes of his peers. The way T.J. has rallied a group of outcasts and misfits into a coherent, strong and resilient team in an attempt to earn the sought after letter jacket for all of his companions is very kind and compassionate; as he realizes that he is not the only individual who wants to “fit in” with the crowd.
ReplyDeleteAs I continue to read Whale Talk, I am beginning to find that the work of art greatly resembles the hit TV. show, “Glee.” I know people are probably thinking that I am crazy, but hear me out. The teenagers that make up the Glee club at William McKinley High School are a bunch of outcasts, nobody’s and….well… nerds. There are many characters within the show that face prejudice and discrimination because of either the color of their skin, physical limitations or character issues which remind me of the characters from Whale Talk. Though the Glee club individuals do not have the mental handicaps or the difficult upbringings that the Whale Talk characters possess, I find that it is an interesting comparison nonetheless; as both groups of teenagers strive to overcome adversity and prove all their doubters wrong.
Reading Whale Talk has taught me a lot about myself as a human being. I find that I appreciate the individual who stands up to society and proves that he belongs. In addition, I feel as if the novel has taught me to be more compassionate towards those who are less fortunate than me, which I feel is an important life lesson.
I look forward to returning to Whale Talk fairly soon and experiencing the greatness that is Whale Talk.
By: Zach Bluebond, A2
I totally agree with everyone! Man, this book is awesome. I think that Zach Bluebond may be a genius for his comment above. The swim team members are such Gleeks, but I like the swim team characters a little more (sorry glee lovers, I guess I am just not a true fan). The members are such outcasts, looked down on by many and loved by few. Like Finn or Puck, T.J has so much potential in sports and instead of going out and only thinking of his own letterman jacket and popularity, he thinks about others. I love the way he stands up to people, even the football coach. He is also just so sure of himself! I hate to ask this, but as time goes on am I the only one who thinks that T.J may be a little...too good to be true? I mean he sounds super hot, has self confidence, athletic, is super nice, and etc! He even helps counsel children, getting them through the hatred, racism, and injustice of the world (Heidi), so what more could someone ask for? I think I am falling in love with a book character. Seriously sad. Another character (and I may be the only one to say this) that I love is....Andy Mott! He is really interesting to me. He doesn't seem to talk much, but when he does, it is super insightful. He may not be the most formidable or likable guy in Cutter High School, but he sure is awesome in my eyes. Even though he lost his leg, against all odds, he joins the swim team. I actually have to say that besides T.J, he might just be my favorite character. I am drawn to him. The way that he is developed in the book, someone who no one knows, people don't talk to, because they are afraid that one look could get them a black eye, a guy who's story is not known, makes me just want to know more! I just...I don't know. I hope that kid has a happy ending of true love or SOMETHING! He deserves it and same with T.J, who has Carly by his side. Carly is another one I really like. She seems sweet and is really good for T.J. They both have their problems and can truly understand each other, unlike if she dated someone like Rich Marshall. Blehh. Anyway, I don't want to just rattle on about characters. Overall, I like the book a lot and though I cannot say that I agree with absolutely everything T.J has an opinion about (I think he kind of wastes his talent and sometimes I am on the coach's side, etc.), I really enjoy reading things from his perspective and hope that the team gets the letterman jackets they want, so that they can walk around proudly around the school, a real, hardworking team. I also hope that Rich Marshall somehow gets punished or caught for being a meanie-head.
ReplyDeletewoah...that was kind of a long paragraph...sorry guys! I forgot to press preview before I sent it out. I would have put paragraphs in...
ReplyDeleteI already finished the book so I will try not go give anything away! This book is becoming more appealing with each chapter. The diversity of the swim team is what really draws me in. Who knew that a significantly obese teenager, an amputee, a boy with special needs, a braniac, the shyest kid around, a gorgeous drama boy, and hilarious T.J. could all come together to form one inspirational team. Although on the outside they have nothing in common, on the inside they do: they are all outsiders. This common link turns into a bond that could never be replicated anywhere else. That in itself is empowering.
ReplyDeleteI would like to comment on the scene where T.J. meets Georgia and Heidi at Georgia's house as well. The whole situation was a little bit crazy for me. I couldn't even imagine a four year old knowing and saying words like that. I couldn't imagine a child so young feeling like that! Not to mention how horrified I was to learn that Rich Marshall changed a beautiful name like Felicia to HEIDI because it was the WHITEST name he could think of. It was almost painful for me to read that. Poor Heidi. I don't know what getting beaten with a belt is like as I have never had a personal experience with it but it sounds absolutely horrific from how T.J. tells it.
On a happier note, the swim team's first meet looked like it went pretty well and it seems like the guys are really starting to bond. I'm excited about the letter requirements and I hope the boys are able to all get jackets by the end of the season!
I'm half way done with Whale Talk and the novel seems to be going by so fast. With the new swim team put together I feel like I'm watching a kind of sitcom. A set of unlikely characters put in an environment where they are forced to work together. While the story is still entertaining I can't help but feel the idea has been run into the ground. I've seen this idea in movies like "The Breakfast Club" where a group of different highschoolers are forced to spend a day of detention together and soon learn that they aren't so different after all. Doesn't that story sound familiar? While Chris Crutcher is trying to add new ideas to make the story more original, I still felt somewhat disappointed with the additional characters on the swim team. While TJ can definitely be thought of as an original character, I feel that I've seen the other characters from different novels, shows, and movies. There's the shy character who will obviously start to open up and speak more throughout the novel, the antagonistic character who's only purpose it seems is to bully a mentally handicapped student, the character who's made fun of for being fat, and the list goes on. I enjoyed the small amount of more original and well developed characters but I wish that more time was put into making some of the characters more original than just the outcasts. Really, I feel that this novel is good but it will be clustered together with all the other young adult novels because its themes and story are too similar to other teen novels. I believe it won't have a chance to stand out.
ReplyDeleteYeah this was a great book. I agree with you're guys's thought that this book is comparable to a sitcom, although Glee would not be my first choice. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI am almost done with the book and have to say that I still love it. I am so happy that the swim team got their letterman jackets! The fact that T.J gave up his own letterman jacket to make a statement to Cutter shows how brave and amazing he is! I absolutely love T.J. Like I said in my first post, some of the things he says are a little bit controversial and some things he does I would never do. But he is courageous.
ReplyDeleteI got past the part when Alicia gives up the kids to Rich Marshall and at this point...I can't really feel all that bad for her! She answered the phone. She gave in. Of course, I cannot say I have been in her situation, so I don't know how it feels. But I do know that parents should think of what is best for their kids and go a better route than the one she is going. She put her kids in danger and she was being weak. T.J and his family all think that she could do so much more, being how pretty, nice, smart, etc. she is. What wasted potential. I hope it works out with the twins, Alicia, and Heidi, because I think that the whole family deserves more than what Rich Marshall can offer. I hope we all know that he cannot offer much. Now I will change the subject before I start ranting about nonsense and Rich and Alicia Marshall.
I am excited to find out what happens in the end of the book (My friend told me about the sad thing that happens at the end of the book, but do to the fact that I haven't gotten to that part yet, I won't elaborate further). Thanks, Yuriy, for choosing such a great book to read over the summer. I have to say, in all honesty, that I would never have chosen to read this book myself, but am glad that I have the honor to read and post about it now.
Being that I am three quarters of the way finished with Whale Talk, I feel as if it would be a great time to write about the major themes of the novel. To me, there are two main themes within the book that truly relate to mankind and all of its glory.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Whale Talk, the characters show that life is not always fair and that the quality of life depends on what one is willing to take from it. Characters like Andy Mott have had very difficult upbringings, dealing with emotional, psychological and physical abuse; as Andy personally lost his leg because of his mother’s abusive boyfriend. Life has clearly not been fair to Andy, as he was an innocent bystander in the rage of another human being. However, this young man has found an outlet for his frustration and anguish-the Cutter High swim team. It is truly remarkable the way he has made the best out of his difficult situation. Overcoming adversity and working as hard as he possibly can to help lead the proud Cutter High swim team to victory against other fierce competitors, I get the feeling that Andy has really begun to appreciate, love and realize that life is what you make of it. One can either say, “poor me” and hate waking up in the morning because of previous life experiences or say, “it is a new day. I am going to make it a great one.” Andy himself took the more positive motto and engraved it into his well being, which I truly admire.
The second theme present within Whale Talk could possibly be the most obvious, as the theme is reflected in the title of the novel: what it means to be a true human being. Dealing with remorse for years over the fact that he had a major role in the death of a child, T.J. on one particular afternoon walks in on his father, depressed and alone in his room, listening to a tape of whales talking to each other. As T.J. vividly describes, his father tells him that whales know how to be whales, while many humans never quite discover what it means to be a human. Taking his father’s teachings to heart, T. J. learns from his experiences with the Cutter swim team what it means to be human, and his own sorrow transmits a bit of that lesson to Brian Barbour, arguably the worst bully in Cutter High.
As evidenced by the themes in his novel, Chris Crutcher wants Whale Talk to be more than just a good read. There is no doubt that Crutcher wants his work to be enjoyable to the thousands of readers across the world, but I feel that Crutcher wants his readers to develop more of a clear, concise outlook on life and become better, more evolved human beings as a result. Whale Talk is a wonderful novel that has made me redefine my outlook on life. I can’t wait to see how this brilliantly crafted novel concludes, as well as how T.J. and the rest of his swim team finish out their marvelous season.
By: Zach Bluebond
Whale Talk Book Review:
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many themes, interesting characters, and statements that Chris Crutcher was able to fit into one 220 page novel. It all starts with the main character, T.J. Jones. This one character is the kind of person I'd actually like to become friends with. While at first I was a bit unsure if I'd like him because of his sarcastic and whiny attitude towards many things, I soon noticed that this made a very interesting character. Yes, he rants, but this is because the novel is in his point of view and all of his rants are taking place inside his own head.
The book takes a group of unlikely characters on one swim team and it gets very hectic. Every character has their own odd/sad back story and it means that the reader will definitely have somebody to connect to. I felt that Chris Crutcher was using the premise and focusing on using it more on themes than on story, but at the same time this a good thing because it's what a coming of age teen novel should be.
I really enjoyed some of the themes in this novel but I felt that many of them are very simplistic. The novel explores themes that many teen might deal with. These include bullying, being an outcast, abuse, discrimination, tolerance, and others. While it's good to have these, I feel it needs to be looked into more.
While Whale Talk isn't the best teen novels ever, it's one of the better ones I've read. The best part about it is any teen who reads the novel will easily be able to connect to at least one of the characters (Though there are only a few girls). I would have to rate this novel a 9/10 because it does all the things a teen coming of age novel should.
Overcoming adversity, defining your character and developing a strong understanding of what it means to be a true human being. These universal, yet relatable ideas all apply to what might be outstanding author Chris Crutcher’s best work to date: Whale Talk. Whale Talk is the brilliant story of teenager Tao Jones, better known as T.J., and a group of misfits who are brought together to form an unusual swim team at Cutter High School. Within Cutter High, earning the prized letter jacket is the most prestigious of all status symbols that one has the privilege of obtaining. Though the letter jacket displays an undeniable sense of status and pride, it also symbolizes the discriminatory attitudes and close-mindedness present within Cutter High, which T.J. menacingly despises. In order to break the power that the “popular kids” or “athletes” possess within Cutter High and to get revenge for the abuses he has suffered in life, T. J. makes it his quest to earn a letter jacket for every member of the swim team, a group of emotionally and physically handicapped teenagers.
ReplyDeleteWhile the swim team practices at the All Night Fitness Gym, T.J. discovers a man by the name of Icko, who is a transient and lives on the grounds of the gym. As T.J. enlists Icko to be the coach of his swim team, the gym gradually becomes the team’s own personal retreat. The gym becomes the place where this group of students find the freedom to be who they truly are and to put behind them the prejudice and mistreatment they face daily. It is here, for the first time, they experience a sense of belonging. Through encouragement and cooperation, these young men not only attain the coveted Cutter letter jacket but gain personal dignity and respect.
Personally, Whale Talk could be the best novel I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The book possesses all the qualities that make a novel great: Whale Talk is inspirational, engaging, believable and action packed. Crutcher does an incredible job of conveying his intriguing themes that can truly be appreciated by all of mankind. It is almost seamlessly impossible to rate Whale anything less than a 10/10. Kudos to Chris Crutcher and his creative mind for creating one of my new favorite novels, which I can see myself reading over and over again.
By: Zach Bluebond
I finished the book and it made me really sad. My friend Kate read the book and told me that the father would die in the end and I didn't think much of it at the time. I never connected with the character that much in the book, but at the end when I was looking for the part where he would die, I didn't expect my reaction. I actually teared up! It was very hard for me to finish the book through that, because I was actually getting a bit depressed! Then when he finds the father’s son in the end and it turns out that the woman who's baby crawled under the truck and died completely changed and ignored her new son...woah. That was very sad. I am just glad that it ended on a semi-happy note, with T.J finishing high school, Heidi and Alicia living safely with T.J, and Rich Marshall finally in jail for life.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I really enjoyed the play. I loved the story line, the characters, and the message. Being treated poorly because of race or even for being an "outcast" is unfair and cruel, yet is a big issue in society. People like T.J and his swim team are the ones that are courageous enough to break out of that shell, that stereotype or identity that people put for them. They overcome. This book was extremely influential and overall really amazing. I can understand why some students chose to read this book in eighth grade for their reading packets. I would definitely recommend it to just about everyone out there who can take a sad book! It would not be very good for children to read, but teens and adults would most likely enjoy it. I would rate it a 9 out of 10, because it was very inspiring, moving, and influential, reminding the readers of a sad fact in life: There will always be obstacles to overcome in order to grow and be successful in life. Like Yuriy, I too am honored to have been able to read this novel and blog about it with all of you guys. ☺
Emily Kelly, Pr. A2
oh woah ... i said that i enjoyed the play in the first line! I meant novel. Sorry, I have had 8 plays in the past two weekends and I think the word has just been stuck in my head.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhoops! I forgot to write in my previous review about what kind of audience should read Whale Talk. The answer to this question is just about any particular individual, especially one who does not mind expressing emotion. I am not going to lie, the ending of Whale Talk is very sad and as Yuriy stated, the book as a whole is not for the faint of heart. But man, I find myself amazed about how brilliant Crutcher truly is as both a writer and thinker.
ReplyDelete