It ain't Jason Whitlock.

Try Chris Crutcher.  But don't scour for his byline in the big city dailies.  You're more likely to find him the subject of a newspaper article.  A timely one, given that we are wrapping up Banned Books Week and kicking off National Book Month.  (Not to mention, we have a vice-presidential candidate whose stance on book censorship has been called into question.)  -Link via Limen.

Banner courtesy of randomhouse.com

Crutcher, whose main genre is young adult fiction, has had his work challenged and banned consistently since he published his first novel, Running Loose, in 1983.  

Twenty-five years later, you'd think the bindings of censorship would have eased.  That thinking has evolved.  But Crutcher again made the American Library Association's (ALA) list of ten most frequently challenged authors in 2007.  And while two* of his titles made the ALA's Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books list for the decade prior to the turn of the millennium, four** of his titles rank in the Top 100 Challenged Books since then.

His collection of six short stories, Athletic Shorts -- published in 1989, leads his rankings for both lists (it was listed at #63 before 2000 and has risen to #38 after).  Hot-button issues: homosexuality, gender stereotyping, bigotry, racism and AIDS.

Easy enough to see that he doesn't shy away from the tough topics.  

But he's not using touchy subjects to garner attention for his work.  He's drawing attention to the challenges of survival that is reality for kids (and adults, for that matter).

Crutcher's experience as a family therapist and child protection consultant inform his work.  This authenticity is something you can sense in his writing.  This is also something confirmed in his autobiography, King of the Mild Frontier, published in 2003.  

Judging from that, it may even be fairer to call him more storyteller than novelist.  He is telling the truth of children confronted with these crises.  Often directly from his life and his experience with at-risk youth.


More themes in his novels (potential spoilers ahead!):
Listed in order of publication

Running Loose - racism, violence, teen sexuality, death, questioning faith/God
Stotan! - racism, physical abuse, being orphaned, drugs, interracial dating, fatal illness
The Crazy Horse Electric Game - death, disability, betrayal, guilt, running away, gangs, prostitution
Chinese Handcuffs - disability, suicide, anger, control issues, divorce, drugs, teen motherhood, sexual abuse, rape, sociopathic violence
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes - single parenthood, disfiguration, mental health, abuse, religious righteousness, hypocrisy, teen sexuality, abortion
Ironman - anger, bigotry, homosexuality, physical and psychological abuse, molestation, challenging authority, drunk driving
Whale Talk - adoption, bullying, outcasts, racism, biracial relations, physical and sexual abuse, disability, elitism, gun violence
The Sledding Hill - death, challenging religion, racism, bigotry, censorship, homosexuality
Deadline - incurable disease, depression, alcoholism, censorship, incest, teen motherhood, bigotry, child predation, suicide, death


Looking at that list, you might see a soap operatic, gloomy smorgasbord of pain.  But Crutcher's gift is that -- as serious as these topics are -- he and his characters deal with them with as much grace and humor as possible in any given moment.  They try not to weigh them with anything more than is due.

Again looking at that list, you might see topics that offend you.  Or things that you don't think children should be exposed to.  If so, consider something Crutcher wrote in the foreword to Hit List for Young Adults 2: Frequently Challenged Books, published by the ALA:

Every time we adults show kids we are afraid of something that is offensive to us, we take ourselves off that short list of people to turn to in a crisis. (p. vii)

My list of isolated themes above is grossly unfair to Crutcher's oeuvre.  You really have to read any one of those books to understand the context and depth of each issue.  Sadly, people have been known to take up the cause of banning a book without reading it.

And if necessary, read his work casting yourself back in your youth.  I know that oftentimes when I felt I was alone with a problem, I was able to find solace in a book.  Which is another reason why I created that list -- as a reference to direct children to writing that shows empathy and hope for their specific problems.

For the compilation Dear Author: Letters of Hope, Crutcher submitted two letters he received from a young lady (named as Jane) whose teacher had given her Chinese Handcuffs.  Jane did not usually read much, but was engrossed by the book and encouraged to write to Crutcher because of the similar abuse experiences she shared with the character Jen.  She wrote that the book was:

 "...good because when I read it, I thought the author -- that would be you -- knew me.  Some of the things that happened to Jen happened to me, only I didn't know they happened to anybody else.  It was like she was my friend or something."  (p. 59)

The protagonists' attitudes are one of the keys to Crutcher's success with his vast young audience.  Humor -- in the writing and as a character coping mechanism -- is a recurring thread in the books.  As is the shared theme of relative civil disobedience.  Flawed and afraid as any human might be, these young people are still taking stands and taking action.  These are anti-soap operas.

Another consistent element in Crutcher's work is the range of personality and attitudes in adult characters.  From violently dangerous to passionately supportive.  And that is something of note: even though a parent, teacher or coach lets a child down, there is always a listening adult... whether or not they agree with the child's choices and actions.  They pass the test for the short list of people to turn to in a crisis.

Your own real life markers for passing this test could include: introducing Crutcher's books to children, approving of their own choice to read him, reading the books together and discussing, and fighting against book challenges and for intellectual freedom.

Aside from just the controversial elements, these can be books that get "non-readers" to read, whether or not they have as strong a kinship with the characters as the aforementioned Jane.  I've already highlighted the humor.  And the books are populated with likable characters, filled with action and suspense.  And talking points. 

Plus, I introduced Crutcher as a sportswriter. Football, track, swimming, baseball, basketball, triathlon... the jock life is portrayed authentically as well.  From the range of athletic abilities and success to the damn hard training that goes with it.  (Crutcher is determined to carry on the legacy of Percy Cerutty and Herb Elliot.)

Which reminds me, some people use Crutcher's salty language as a reason to pull books out of classrooms and off shelves.  To be honest, the only time I noticed it was a single word in his autobiography.  Which was directly quoted from a four-year-old and earns points for creativity as well as humor.  (Full disclosure: I have blog censor filter here turned OFF.  Salty talk in the books or in the blogosphere doesn't jar me.)

Not that I'll defend Crutcher's work on all counts.  As the character Montana West in The Sledding Hill said, "I've read better." My inner editor -- which can be Stotan, all the way -- kicks in when reading his work.  And I have read all of these books at least once, plus a number of his short stories in collections.
 
He can be repetitive and has overcooked at least one plot.  He's been known to lack continuity with characters that show up in multiple books or stories (never to a serious degree, more like finding movie trivia gaffes).  And I am not keen on some of the character speechify-ing...

But it doesn't matter; they're still compelling.  Thought-provoking. Great characters and stories. I enjoyed reading them all, and take something away each time I re-read.  And keep in mind, consuming all his books is looking at his career and evolution over 25 years!  So it's significant that one of my favorite books of his is the latest, Deadline.  He took some new risks there.

If you want more specific synopses, critiques or suggestions, email me.

And I'll tell you what else, the Northwest-based Crutcher was onto Gonzaga and Boise State before the rest of us.

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*Pre-Millennium
Titles - Rank (Publication Year)
Athletic Shorts - 63  (1989)
Running Loose - 92  (1983)

**Post-Millenium
Titles - Rank (Publication Year)
Athletic Shorts - 38 (1989)
Whale Talk - 46  (2001)
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes - 77  (1993)
Ironman - 90  (1995)


Chapter one excerpts of each of his books are available on his website.


Please note that my comment function (blog-wide, including on my own) is still disabled!  I take this as technological difficulty and not censorship, btw.  :)  I will reply as/when abled...

Thank you all for your concern & best wishes!  My brother, myself & all the critters associated with us are safe and healthy.  Still prepped and taking care.  And the Houstonians I know are all in good shape also. 

I am unable to post comments on my own blog right now for some reason, but will try to comment individually to those that so thoughtfully commented on my pre-Ike post.  

The wireless connection I am on is wonky at times & I don't have power.  We might not have power for a couple of weeks, but I will try to communicate when I can.

Thank you again for your good thoughts.  I am glad to be able to finally get word out.

All my best to all of you!

With Ike about to bring it on, this could be my "Out of Office" Reply for a time.  I'm as prepared for a bitchslap as I can be here in Houston.  But we might run out of juice, a foreign concept to Jose Canseco.

Though I'm a scrapper, you just can't take it to a Himmicane.  So like Tina, I plan on surviving... and wearing short skirts when I clear 50.

If you can't already tell, I'm keeping a sense of humor about the whole thing. 

Currently I am petsitting, and have decided to make my stand here in the dogs' house.  My brother is at our apartment two miles away, with my two nephews -- a French mastiff and an Amazon parrot.  Though my brother & the mastiff paid us a visit this morning -- a whirlwind of its own, since combined they easily clear 300 pounds.

Things will probably get even more surreal, but I already have to laugh at the following:


* I am a staunch bike commuter.  And I spent 15 minutes in line at the gas station to fill up someone else's car.


* Riding the storm out doesn't make me nervous.  However, when I stopped at the apartment yesterday for some supplies and found the Amazon loose outside of his cage, my heart jumped into my throat. 

Hey... that one-pound featherneck has scarred me several times over!!!  This round, however, went without bloodshed.


*When I stopped for those supplies -- which mostly consisted of non-perishable food items -- I also picked up my Marat Safin buttons.


* As I said, I am as prepared as I can be.  The dogs & I won't be hurting for food, water, shelter, entertainment or escape plans.  My years as a Girl Scout are serving me well. 

But I still had to call my mom for advice on how to cook a meal in the slow cooker!!!  Even though that is one appliance I can usually manage.  I couldn't bear to think about the power going out with my Hatch chili chicken sausage in the fridge!  But I couldn't find a quick & dirty recipe online, so... after consulting both my best friend and my mom, I managed a hot lunch.

Yeah, I was a Girl Scout and earned a sash of badges... but I don't remember earning the cooking badge.  I was the scout whose pancake rolled down the hill, right along with my Buddy Burner.


One of the homeowner's mothers called to express worry over my situation.  It was very sweet, and I hope I reassured her.

But my family, like me, seems to be taking things in stride.  When my brother stopped by, we couldn't resist the Ike & Tina jokes.  Then he imitated weather patterns, and I pointed out how the Saucony logo on my runners resembles the symbol for a hurricane.  (They actually have a shoe called the Hurricane, but I sport the Triumph... take that, Ike!)

And when my mom called to make sure I wasn't food poisoning myself with undercooked sausage, she finished with, "If I don't hear from you for a few days, I'll assume the power is out."

I'm saving one of those tailgate-worthy Hatch chili brats for my brother.  And I'll try to update when I can.  But if you don't hear from me for a few days... assume the power is out!  :)

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A great link for Ike info: SciGuy!

It's 3 a.m. and I am still reflecting on the wonder that was the U.S. Open.  To truly recap all the memorable highlights (oh, how I enjoyed USA's coverage of Safin) would take a fortnight-plus-a-bonus-day itself!  So I'll write that looking-back tome in my head, and only focus on some highlights here that have me looking forward...


MAJOR GENERAL

Perennial powerhouses Spain and the U.S. each have two players in the top ten.  It was stunning that both countries lost their number two players -- David Ferrer and James Blake, respectively -- to unseeded opponents in the third round.  

But it attests to the depth of talent that two of their lower profile countrymen stepped in to reach the second week.  On strong merit.  Tommy Robredo notably beat Marat Safin and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and then scrambled through five sets with Novak Djokovic before his run ended in that fourth round match.  And American Mardy Fish yanked three seeds, including Blake -- and one set from Rafael Nadal -- before his ouster in the quarterfinal.

This makes their upcoming Davis Cup semifinal even more enticing.  Though the US squad has already been named (Fish, who is getting married a few days after the tie, is not on it), it will be interesting to see Spain's lineup.  As the 15th seed, Robredo was actually the number four Spaniard coming into the Open, behind Nadal, Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco.


PRIMARY TIME

Jelena Jankovic in yellow.  Serena Williams in red.  Cracking the ball across the blue expanse of court in Arthur Ashe Stadium.  It was as if a stage manager articulated the set and costumes, fitting right in with the USTA ad campaign, "It's Showtime."

And though the Serbian was in her first Grand Slam final -- the stakes not only the trophy, but also the number one ranking -- she showed no signs of stage fright.  The Women's Final was a highly entertaining match, with the second set lasting one hour and seventeen minutes -- longer than any of Serena's first four matches.

In contrast, only Jankovic's first round against American Coco Vandeweghe (now Girls' Junior Champ) took less time than that 77-minute final set.  Though inconsistent play early on in the tournament kept the second seed on court longer than she'd have liked, she tidied things up for the final three rounds.  And on Sunday night, she proved that she belongs in Grand Slam finals... and the fans love to see her there.  Not just because of her play.  With her vivacity and interaction, she upstaged Serena's star power. 
 



MORE TIME TO SHINE: HER FUTURE'S BRIGHTER THAN FOOTLIGHTS


THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF THINGS

Significant tennis news was not solely dialed on the Open.  On September 1, Neil Harman of the Times of London revealed that Russian Nikolay Davydenko will be cleared in the ATP match-fixing investigation that originally made headlines before last year's U.S. Open.

Absolution of both guilt and the burden of his scandal-bait status was originally expected at the time of the French Open.  By then, it was already the longest-ever such inquiry in tennis & Davydenko was frequently referenced in stories of the Tim Donaghy-NBA gambling fix.  Let's hope this time, it's truly resolved.

On the other hand, the ITF and the WTA efficiently spring-boarded to the good off the recent LPGA brouhaha, also revealed during the fortnight.  Both tennis organizations denied any need for an English-speaking requirement, reassuring its international community before any questions arose.


ONLY ADDING TO THE INTRIGUE

Two weeks ago I wrote, "I still believe Fed can win this one."

Unlike many, I hadn't written him off, but I was admittedly thinking narrow.  Though I always kept in mind that Fed's relative slump is still a damn fine year -- and that his Olympic gold in doubles was meaningful -- I was hinging huge significance on this one man in this one tournament. 

But now that he has actually won his fifth U.S. Open in a row, I'm excited about the remainder...

Of the season.  The Big Three of Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic had already qualified for the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.  Since Andy Murray just joined them, the scrap for the other four spots is on!

Of the decade.  Maybe we'll be soon referring to The Big Four.  Today's top four ATP players all made Grand Slam finals this year.  With the most wins, Nadal will have many points to defend in 2009.  A man familiar with that scenario, Federer proved that the king is not dead.  Australian Open champ Djokovic morphed into a bad boy.   Murray beefed up & has beaten all three men ranked above him.  And the only other Slam finalist, Tsonga, is finally coming back from an injury lay-off.

Of Fed's resurrection.  Roger had to fight for this title.  He's admitted to his struggles with movement, which Jim Courier attributes to lasting effects of Federer's bout with mono.  The Swiss still never showed a consistent elevation, but he felt those moments of flow back at times.  And we witnessed it.

Of his career.  Sure, there are the records.  But more importantly, Federer displayed his relish for challenges and the difficult matches.  His ability to recover from great disappointment.  This year has been a different kind of test for him and adds to my respect for the man, the athlete.

He may not be world number one, but he's still leading.

Can it get any more Hollywood than this?

After squeaking through a fourth-set tiebreak to beat Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic petulantly addressed the New York crowd.

On Tuesday, Roddick made fun of the Serbian's medical self-evaluation, which is starting to sound like Bill Belichick's weekly assessment of Tom Brady the last few seasons. (Probable.)  Reading the American's transcript, I laughed out loud...  Vintage Roddick.

But Djokovic apparently took serious offense and, post-match with Michael Barkann, fired back Roddick's line about his "16 injuries."  Barkann tried to mitigate the 21-year-old's message, but the world number three continued on, insulting the crowd.
 
Now I am not particularly a Roddick fan.  And there's been times I really didn't like his attitude.  But I have always given him props for his sense of humor.  And intelligence.  Even after his semifinal dismantling in Australian Open 2007 (Roger Federer beat him 6-4, 6-0, 6-2), the top American displayed grace in sarcasm.

And in addressing the Serbian's spate of injuries, Roddick was FUN-NY.  Anyone who knows Roddick's shirt-sleeve shrug and shimmy of his philanthropy wrist band knows his propensity for lampooning all, even himself.

James Thurber said, "The wit makes fun of other persons; the satirist makes fun of the world; the humorist makes fun of himself."

Roddick takes it to all three levels.  Djokovic, on the other hand -- barely a one-trick pony.

A year ago in Flushing Meadows, Djokovic endeared himself to the U.S. Open crowd through his post-match imitations of players, including Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal.

Thursday evening he alienated the crowd.  Even when they started to boo, he continued to whinge.

Back in 2007, Djokovic's charades were amusing for a round or two.  Though not original material. Many of the ATP and WTA players imitate each other to entertain crowds at charity and exhibition events.  It's a natural extension of watching the game.  I've seen so much Safin that I reflexively mimic part of his forehand swing when taking a swig from my water bottle.  (Yes, I know that's odd. It's also messy.)

Tour veteran Jonas Bjorkman is widely considered the master of imitations.  It's something the soon-to-be retired Swede has done with class.  His jocularity is affectionate* and the camaraderie is reflected in his long term of service on the ATP Players Council.  

In contrast, Djokovic's send-ups are retrospectively looking mean-spirited.  

Up until now, I have been trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.  But there is a shade of bitterness in his actions.  For example, his chest-thumping is not the hearty joy of a Marcos Baghdatis, rather a jeering, chin-jutting arrogance.  It's both a preening and an isolating gesture, the latter when directed toward his family. 

If you've heard his mom offer post-match opinion, then you know where he gets it from.

On court after his fourth round win over Tommy Robredo, Djokovic referenced his supposedly fragile physical state.  His words felt disingenuous.  Not just to me, but to Robredo, who said The Djoker's injury time outs were gamesmanship. 

During that match, Djokovic at times looked dispirited.  I suspect part of the reason was that the crowd warmed to the perpetual hustle of his Spanish opponent.  They were backing Robredo over the course of those long five sets.  The Spaniard kept his performance to athletic display and the fans roared. 

Djokovic craves attention and crowd support.  I believe he was playing a sympathy angle.  I'm not saying he is 100% healthy, but his post-match attempts at self-effacement fell flat.

Reflecting on the tournament so far, I would say the Serbians (including the also dramatic and oft-injured Jelena Jankovic) are prone more than David Duchovny.

Jankovic would probably laugh.

In the latest era of players, there hasn't been a clearcut villain, man or woman.  There have been nefarious incidents, but not a consistent foe.  Some would cite Lleyton Hewitt -- in 2006, GQ placed him tenth on their most hated athlete list -- but I've found him to be likably scrappy, cocky, and yes, occasionally surly.  He's had some definite missteps, but mostly I'd call him pugnacious rather than contemptible.

Besides, becoming a family man has mellowed him.

And has he ever had a showdown like this?

No matter what spin is now put on Djokovic's immediate on-court reaction, the crowd won't easily forget.  They're good at remembering...

Across the net from The Djoker in the semifinals stands world number two Roger Federer.  

In the Opening Night parade of past champions, the defending champion -- who has won it four years running -- got the biggest applause.  Though Swiss, he is a native son.

Who is not in his past intimidating form.  He's a flawed hero.  In the fourth round, Igor Andreev pushed him to five grueling sets, just over three-and-a-half hours.  But Fed's reaction at the conclusion showed the public how much he wants to make it five in a row and claim the last Grand Slam of the year.

In his post-match interviews, You're Still The One by Orleans plays over the speakers.  This is in acknowledgement of the struggles the former world number one has had all year.

Which began with his semifinal loss at the Australian Open to... Novak Djokovic.

It would be even better if Fed busts out his all-black get up again.  He'd make a classic Batman.



FEDERER AFTER HIS VICTORY OVER ANDREEV



RODDICK POST-MATCH

DJOKOVIC POST-MATCH

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* Fans of the ladies, you'll thank me.
** Fans of the gents, ditto.  It's for a good cause.