Stotan!

In writing this review I am trying to keep in mind that I am not its intended audience. If I were a teenage boy I would have loved this book. As an adult man I think it is okay, if a little boring.“Stotan!” is a very dated text, especially when it comes to some minor subplots, particularly one concerning a student teacher dating a student (this could happen in 1985, when book was published) but is unfathomable, and illegal now. There is also a plotline that involves students and the Aryan Nation which seems like no big deal nowadays as that “threat” has long since diminished.However, the text has many pluses, among them the fact that it’s male teenage characters (who are athletic and “manly”) show their emotions, which is a good thing for teenage boys, the intended audience, to see demonstrated. The story revolves around four friends who are swimmers on the high school team, who face some challenges of life together. There are many nice lessons and ideas presented in this novel. As an adult you see how weakly plotted it is, but a teenage reader would quickly be caught up and learn some nice insights about living and human nature while reading it. Pages 128 and 188 have some wonderful passages that any reader regardless of age would benefit from and to see a young adult novel that does not pander to its audience is refreshing.All in all “Stotan!” has a nice ending and an observant young reader will take some valuable lessons from it. That is more than can be said for many of the options out there.

Another excellent Crutcher book where his characters live through experiences that are agonizing and enlightening. I was sobbing at the end.

Very inspiring. Doesn’t steer away from the hard topics in life. Easy read. I will read it again and again.

I read this because it's set in Spokane and I'm doing a summer reading challenge where one of the items is to read a book set in your hometown. I'm not a sports fan and frankly swimming competitions put me to sleep but this is a great book. Written twenty years ago but it could have been written yesterday for the racial issues that still exist in Spokane. Engaging, real characters... Great book!

Great!

This story strongly impacted my 17 year old son. He emphasized with the characters and felt their pain.

One of my favorite Chris Crutcher books, Stotan! is a fun and easy read about four friends on a swim team. I loved reading this book in high school and it's a great book to recommend to high school boys and athletes.

one of my favorite books! I am a year round swimmer so I can relate to everything in it! Crutcher is a great author.